Off their self entitled album ” It’s a Beautiful Day “
Written by David & Linda LaFlamme
Released in 1969
Live Version playing was from the ” Fillmore ” The Last Days. Recorded on July 4, 1971
David LaFlamme – violin, vocals
Patti Santos – vocals, percussion
Hal Wagenet – guitar
Mitchell Holman – bass
Fred Webb – keyboards
Val Fuentes – drums
This was an absolutely fabulously beautiful song from the San Fran Haight-Ashbury 1960s days.
The Band: ” It’s a Beautiful Day ” was formed in 1967 and was almost the first band to emerge from the Summer of Love but was prevented by their manager at that time to perform in San Francisco. Having worked with both Jefferson Airplane & Moby Grape he kept telling the group they weren’t ready to perform.
In 1969 they finally broke away and David LaFlamme produced their first Album and their signature song ” White Bird ” soared.
As far as I’m concerned Patti Santos could sing Gracie Slick under the table.
It’s a Beautiful Day in many people’s minds never really got their very deserved due.
Pattie Santos was killed in Dec. 1989 in a car accident.
Original Line Up did include Linda LaFlamme but by time this Fillmore concert was performed the LaFlamme’s had broken up.
The former manager doesn’t deserve to be mentioned. All I know is he kept one of the most talented group of musicians from gaining the success others from the day received. And to me it was a sin.
White Bird was a magical number, beautifully arranged. It’s lyrics and muse both were infused with a mystique that fit that time period of imagination and passion.
And the video itself captures this with perfection.
(Sadly for the second time YT has removed the beautifully done video that fit the song, so same rendition but just the audio)
White bird,
in a golden cage,
on a winter’s day,
in the rain.
White bird,
in a golden cage,
alone.
The leaves blow,
Across the long black road.
To the darkened skies,
in its rage
But the white bird just sits in her cage,
alone.
White bird must fly
Or she will die
White bird,
dreams of the aspen trees,
with their dying leaves,
turning gold.
But the white bird just sits in her cage,
growing old.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
The sunsets come, the sunsets go.
The clouds pile high,the air moves slow.
And the young bird’s eyes do always know.
She must fly,
She must fly,
She must fly.
White bird,
In a golden cage,
On a winter’s day, in the rain.
White bird,
In a golden cage alone.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
White bird must fly or she will die.
Longshot's Blog 
Love this band. First heard them being played in the intermission at a tiny theatre for drama students in Crouch End London. To my 1980’s ears they sounded very unusual and cool. White Bird album is a gem but also Marrying Maiden. Just play it a few times and it really grows on you. They certainly influenced/inspired my own writing.