Pretty Flamingo – Duo Session
It’s time for a new Duo Session!
“When she wahh lawa bwa waah ka PWETTY FLAMIIIINGO” …. That’s what it sounded like when we sang that song at the age of 5. We didn’t speak any English yet but the word “Flamingo” is the same in German so we could understand it long before we ever took our first English class.
We got up to dance every time it came on the radio. Flamingos are cute, they are pink and stand on one leg – this song rocks! We loved the tune so much that our parents even bought us the CD for one of our birthdays.
We now thought this Manfred Mann song would lend itself to a light hearted duo session. We even dressed up for the occasion – ourselves and the studio!
We know this song wasn’t a number one hit in the US as it was in the UK so we are curious if any of you will have not heard the song before.
♥
Mona & Lisa
I used to busk it with my mate! I used to sing Lisa’s part! Gotta love Manfred Mann.
My goodness! There’s so much going on here in this fresh, crisply-delivered classic. Love everything about this video: the flamingos painted on the wall, the dresses, the album (non-too) subtly placed on the shlf in the background.
And then there’s the musicianship (not a foot-tap out of place) and vocals. A perfect rendition IMHO. Thank you so much for putting this out there.
Please post this song to the general public on YouTube ….it’s fabulous to watch Mona with the shaker and harmonica as well as singing….and Lisa you have the look of Love and Joy on your face as you watch Mona sing…..in almost all your Duo Sessions videos it’s obvious that the way you both look at each other you have not just sisterly love but Genuine love for one another and it’s absolutely wonderful for people to be able to see that Genuine Love❤️🧡
The Manfred’s. Saw these guys again last night. What a fantastic band and back catalogue. Seriously if they are in your neck of the woods go, you won’t be disappointed
I’m catching up on things I’ve missed by MLT. I remember the original Manfred Mann single from 1966 when I was 5. It was a no 1 here in the UK but only a minor hit in the US. I know that Springsteen occasionally performed it live and that there have been a number of other versions released, including by Gene Pitney. I don’t remember hearing another version so it is lovely to hear another take of it.
I might just investigate other versions now. Trouble is that they could be a let down compared to Manfred Mann and MLT. Nothing new, though, in the latter’s case!
M & L,
Nope, I’ve never heard that song before, but I don’t mind because here’s something new for me to discover! I listened to Manfred Mann & then Rod Stewart’s version and they were both very good. I don’t have to pick which I like best, BUT of course I love your version because you have that magic touch with everything you do! And you both have a knack for choosing good material! Very nice strong lead vocal & harmonica by Mona, along with excellent harmonies & guitar accompaniment by Lisa! As Chicago sang in one of their hit songs, you’re getting “Stronger Every Day!” — Bud
Another 60’s classic which as always is done in superb MLT style and authority.
Once again I am old enough to have heard this when it first came out.
But your version is terrific.
I could listen to it again and again.
Thank you.
Inspired by this performance I went along to see the Manfreds last night. This song ends the first half.
A superb show from six incredible musicians with 2 of the original members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness in the ranks. Essentially a blues band but there’s hit after hit sprinkled into the set ( I hadn’t realised they’d had so many!) They certainly were able to cross over into pop and have a lot of success
Paul is an unbelievable Harmonica player and likewise Tom McGuinness, a former guitarist in a early Eric Clapton band, Roosters. The theatre rose as one in a standing ovation at the end of the show. Not seen that for a long time
A must see for anyone if these guys are near your town. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a blues leaning as there’s something for everyone
A last thought of well done to Mona for the Harmonica on this. It’s great
Mehrstimmiger Gesang und Mundharmonika, dazu diese liebe kleine Geschichte, mehr geht nicht. Das ist das Glück und ihr seht so toll aus.
Wow! That was a delightful performance! I definitely have not heard this song before. But I like it very much!
I’ve never heard it before . But as always. everything you ladies do puts a smile on my face.
Love watching you two! Wish you had been around when we were putting the group together in ’62!!
Beautiful song and lovely performed! I was 6 at the time, but can’t recall having heard it. Maybe because I grew up with jazz and musicals! 🙂
I have heard it before, but I cannot tell you when or where I have heard it. It is one of the old standards that we hear now and then over the years. Cute now and likely cute when you were five!!
As of this date March 3, 2023 this video of Pretty Flamingo is the only video remaining to be released to the general public from the Duo Session album.
I don’t remember ever hearing it before, but then I was pretty young when it was getting played. But Wikipedia says it was one of Mann’s 3 biggest hits, and I do remember the other two.
I just listened to Mann’s version and I like yours a lot more.
Hi Chris. I was a kid in the states in the 60s and I only remember Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy”, “Quinn The Eskimo”, and “Blinded By The Light”. I only know Pretty Flamingo from Rod Stewart’s album “A Night on the Town”. I like the Twins cover better than Rods but I could say I like most of their covers better than the originals.
Hi Tim. Pretty Flamingo was a massive hit here in the UK getting to no. 1 and was on the charts for something like 3 months! It was the last hit single featuring Paul Jones and I did read somewhere that Jack Bruce played on it when he was with them, but not 100% sure of that. I too prefer the MLT’s version to the original. Best wishes, Steve
Hi Steve, I’ll have to go down the Manfred Mann rabbit hole on you tube soon. There’s a lot of the classic English bands that we had limited access to in my midwest farm community. Bands like Slade, Faces, and Sweet I really liked but had a hard time finding any records. Now with YouTube I can listen to all of it and thanks to EBay I can buy most of it.
Hi Tim. Ooh that’s a shame. Yes they are worth a listen and were very very popular here so much so they are still touring with Paul Jones on vocals again I think. Also love the other 3 you mentioned and they are all still going strong too in different line ups. A special time in music!
Umm, what is the exchange about at around 2:08. Looks like Lisa is purposely singing the line to Mona to which Mona gives her a little hand motion to back her off. Very cute and funny. I would be curious to find out the story on that.
I have also wondered just what is going on there – Lisa is certainly having fun. Of course Mona started it off by giving a look Lisa’s way when the crimson dress was mentioned. To add to the mystery, Lisa has a ring on her ring finger, but it’s half way off. The Twins videos are full of little eye rolls and special little glances to each other when certain words or phrases come up in songs. I can easily guess what the eye rolls are about, but the little glances with a smile are in TwinSpeak – they might as well be speaking Martian.
Yeah Dennis I watched it back a few times and it’s pretty funny. I’m sure it was only in fun otherwise there may have been a real backhand slap. Of course they would have cut that out. I think I may have submitted the question so maybe we will get the answer in a Q & A. Maybe not. Lol, take care.
There definitely does seem to be something going on in this video doesn’t there? Certainly raises a smile. A lot of fun and a superb rendition of ‘Pretty Flamingo’
Lost for words. Absolutely nailed the Manfred’s. This is brilliant. I feel as though I am repeating myself in praise of your work but again perfect. Thank you. Steve
I really didn’t know this was a Manfred Mann song. I remember it from an old Rod Stewart album. Your version is much better. Love the harp playing and Mona’s voice is perfect.
I cannot remember ever hearing the Manfred Mann version of this song, but I have to say that I cannot get enough of your rendition. You have produced a very joyful sound, and the video certainly reflects that!
One of my favorite Duo Sessions, and this song could have been written for either one of you.
Anytime I need a quick smile, I log on and watch a Duo Sessions number. Works every time (like today). This one is particularly fun and enjoyable – love the outfits; I bet I’ve watched it a dozen times or more. I have no recollection of hearing this song in my youth. I looked up some of the other/earlier renditions of this song to see what I had missed. Didn’t really need to; MLT version is absolutely the best – better than Stewart, Springsteen, Manfred Mann, etc. (I reviewed several). Great musicianship, singing, production values. Thank you!
Up till you now,Rod Stewart’s version was my favorite.
But now I gotta say, this is my new favorite.
Thanks for sharing your incredible talent with all of us.
Brilliant! Lisa looks as though she is having a great time here, maybe it’s because the guitar part is easy (by her usual standards) and she is not singing lead. Great stuff.
I do remember this song, forgot it was by Manfred Mann. By the way, it’s always a lovely day when Mona breaks out the harp! Waiting for the day you cover J Geils’ Whammer Jammer. The video for that would be off the charts!
I just joined the club and just started browsing the massive amount of content. This really made my day. Vissually stunning. Love the flamingos on the walls. You both look like you really enjoyed performing this. Seeing you sing those gorgeous vocals is magical.
This is my favourite Manfred Mann song, even though I don’t remember hearing it on the radio as a kid – unlike Doo Wa Diddy and that other thing he did, which FM stations still play ad nauseum.
Your version is close to perfect. I love your harmonies and Mona’s harp playing.
I played the album on the Jukebox this morning, but call me shallow, I prefer to watch the videos of you playing the songs together. I saw the flamingos on the wall on the first play through, but being a bloke, didn’t notice the flamingo-themed outfits and the apricot nail varnish until the second time!
Btw, I loved 90% of the tracks on the Duo Sessions. Some of them are classic versions, and a few brought a lump to my throat, which is rare for a cynical older codger like me.
Yes I have heard this song before , and again like I have said before there are only a handful of musicians who can cover songs and do them well and make them their own and you ladies have a gift that does just that! Mona does a great job with the harp and this is one of those songs I can listen to all day long. Wow great job ladies, you ladies are so awesome!!
I can’t wait until that one comes out on YouTube so I can share it for others to see. Really well done.
Gorgeous, love the MonaLisa Twins version. Fantastic to watch and listen to.
Lisa please, do not say silly thing. You, both, as usualy are beatiful.
As usual, beautiful, upbeat, fun, all around fab, fab version. So uplifting to watch this.
I had completely forgotten about this song. You make everything better.
I know Lisa likes to draw animals. Did she do the background flamingoes?
That would have been fun but, no, it was painted by whoever designed this shower curtain that we then bought online 😉
Nicely done again – loved it!
Beautiful lead vocal Mona and great harmony Lisa ( you even got the “Hah ” after ” If he just could “. Another wonderful interpretation and just what we need in these trying times.
In Portuguese it’s also Flamingo, but we spell a little different. In the song it seems that you are speaking “Flamengo”, that is one of the most popular football team in Brazil (I’m not a fun, I support SC Corinthians Paulista). It will be a huge success among the Flamengo supporters if you pu it on Youtube. Just kidding. It’s good to see Mona singing the main voice for a change. Great job, as always.
I’m disappointed that their shirts aren’t pink 😉 What a missed opportunity … a flock of flamingos on the field! Glad you like our version ♥
Beautiful! I love it. ?❤
This is one of my Favorite Manfred Mann songs thank you for such a good cover of it. My Dad taught Manfred Mann the piano in South Africa long before he came out with Do wha diddy
How cool! We just did some reading up on his past and had no idea he was born in South Africa. What a great story, thanks for sharing 🙂
You two can handle just about any song. So very good. And, if I may, I have seen phenomenal musical growth and range in your music. Thank you for doing this song and sharing it with us. Mike.
Very lovely with the clothing, album on the shelf, Mona singing a wonderful lead????? the arraignment is great, everything sounds and looks terrific.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️??????⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As always… you are incredible! It’s been almost a lifetime since I’ve heard the original… but this brings me back again. And yet, I think you’ve actually topped it!
Great lead in true Paul Jones style. Harmonies as always, impeccable MLT style. Love the instrumentation and in particular the harmonica. I’m amazed that so many fans haven’t heard the 60’s version by Manfred Mann.
Thanks Steve! The song has been in the top ten in the UK, many parts or Europe and Canada, but “only” made it to 29 in the States. Maybe that explains why not everyone knows it. Also the competition in 1966 was crazy 😉
I’ve never heard this song before but it’s quite catchy and obviously you girls must make it sound even better
Such a cute story of how you loved this song as kids!
If you knew back then you’d one time play this for a world-wide audience 🙂
That’s definitely the best of the versions I’ve heard.
It’s so good.
I used to hate that song, especially the Gerry & the Pacemerkers’ version.
Love you gals!
Never heard this song before
Your awesome voices and musical talent are phenomenal
Very happy, high energy performance!
Just wish you two would walk by near me. You’d certainly brighten up my neighbourhood. Paradise is where we’d be! Such an awesome rendition. Nice to see Mona shining so bright on lead vocals while managing percussion and the harmonica. Manfred Mann featured the flute and it would have been nice to see Mona do the same, but hey, she blew it completely out of the park with her harmonica! Lisa, you are an awesome ‘big’ (although 3cm shorter) sister! This cover needs to be shared with the wider world ASAP! As much as Club members deserve these awesome treats, at the moment the world needs this positive therapy. ?❤️
Hi girls .. that curtain with the
Pretty pink flamingos , you bought it ? I’m thinking that you painted it…I’m right ? ..
Oh, we would have loved to paint it but no, we bought it like that. If there were eight days a week we would have considered it! 🙂
Such a great cover girls.
I’m hearing this song for the first time., you sing it with such joy that is contagious.
I really liked of the Monas’s harp, the voices, the lisa’s guitar, the costumes and the set design. I was also imagining you as children singing this song.. I loved it as always.
BRAVO! Simply AWESOME! I got goose bumps!
Remember it well. It got plenty of radio play time even though it never hit #1 in the States. Thanks for the cheery song for these slightly boring days of confinement. Getting lots of indoor chores that are easy to overlook when you can dash out the door. When it’s staring you in the face over and over you finally take care of it. Lots of home improvements and cleaning out and downsizing to donate to the homeless and those that will be struggling much more than my family will be during the economic downturn that’s coming and will likely be with us for quite some time. In Florida, we don’t really see flamingos in the wild but on occasion we get the treat of seeing it’s cousing the Roseate Spoonbill. They are quite a sight to see.
You girls did a great job on this one, as expected. I was one of those dudes that did not remember the song before you did it. I remember “Blinded By The Light” and “The Mighty Quinn”. I enjoyed your performance and you could be “Pretty MLT” anytime.
Ditto on the Manfred Mann songs…I remember way back when every now and then somebody in the neighborhood would have a yard full of plastic Flamingo’s decorating their yard ….good to hear Mona have a crack at the lead vocals ….luv❤️Girls
Fantastic job, Girls!!!! Your harmonies are simply amazing! Very nice lead, Mona and cool harmonica work … <3
Love your natural hair color Lisa!
Great song, and a great version MLT.
I think that song is pretty well known down here in Oz. There has been a cover or two over the years as well.
Not sure what was going on at the end there but Lisa managed to quickly dodge Mona’s attempted backhand :). Lightning quick reflexes!.
Gotta say too that I reckon Mona would kick butt at the pat your head and rub your tummy in circles challenge.
At one point she had the harmonica, the shaker and the foot stomper all going together.
never heard it before / glad i have now..
Exquisite! Linda desperately wants (needs?) Mona’s top and, of course, the wall hanging in the back to add to her collection. A great pick-me-up for a dreary, rainy, chilly Friday here in CT. Wait, that sounds like I’m in the U.K. LOL All our love, Linda and Tomm. Really enjoy these weekly videos!
I do remember it, but haven’t heard it in a long time. I like it a lot – a nice bright arrangement, with the always perfect harmonies.
A bit of trivia on the original – the bass player was Jack Bruce.
Thanks Jim! And yes, we read about that … how funny! Apparently Jack did his first ever Manfred Mann show without a single rehearsal and without making a single mistake 🙂
I have heard it before although I didn’t know it was a Manfred Mann song. Pretty ladies singing a pretty song sure did brighten up my neighborhood!
WOW is there anything you share that is not enjoyable and fun? Easy answer – NOPE!!! Nice Flamingos on the blouse Mona. Now ya have to get one for a lawn ornament.
I’ve never heard this song before, but what an absolutely delightful song. Love your bright happy singing, and Mona’s harmonica playing is superb, magnificent, wow!!! Like the pretty flamingo shirt and pink flowery dress. That was just brilliant! Loved it. It just lifted my spirits so high, thank you!
That’s quite the impressive pink flamingo wall covering there. Would brighten up any room for sure!
Well, I never heard this tune before but of course now its one of my favorites! Very upbeat, it stays with you -along with the wonderful image of you two beautiful girls having so much fun doing what you love doing. Congratulations on the early success of your “Wish You Were Here” video. I can’t understand how things work in this on-line world we live in but maybe your “Wish” video will be the one to go viral and propel MLT to the true celebrity status you most sincerely deserve.
Just listened a few more times on headphones. Even better this time and Mona’s harmonica playing Just keeps improving with every new song. Blended in so well with Lisa’s vocals too. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome song with us.
Lovely lovely rendition of this song I love it
Never heard it before, but love it
FANTASTIC!…my goodness your harmonies are so perfect!
I recognized the tune, but couldn’t attribute it to Manfred Mann. But once I knew, I was like, “Oh, yeah, right, Do Wah Diddy.”
Awesome !!!
you had fun there – you can tell – one of those songs you either love or hate – never took to it in my early years but love this version – much cleaner and brighter – exceptionally well done,
!!!!! – plus extra stars to Mona, who mastered the multi tasking with the harmonica & percussion perfectly, not an easy task, it took me quite a few gigs to get right.
Thank you,
I’m sitting hear chuckling to myself with happiness.
Wow! Just perfect you two beautiful flamingos. And being a mad Manfred Mann fan from the sixties of course I remember the song well. In fact it was one of my requests in my Non Beatle MLT Covers Request Topic. So pleased you have released this cover as your latest duo session. Many people thought Manfred Mann wouldn’t survive losing lead singer Paul Jones in July 1966 when he went solo. However, with his replacement Mike d’Abo, they had many more hits, including a couple of excellent Dylan covers. More Manfred Mann please Mona and Lisa. So well done on the lead vocals Mona. I thought you might be playing the guitar on this acoustic classic. And such a lovely colourful dress Lisa. Very appropriate for the song. Who was the wall artist? Just gorgeous! You have made my week end. The only way this could be topped for me is if you discover that long lost video of the five year old Mona and Lisa singing their “When she wahh lawa bwa waah ka PWETTY FLAMIIIINGO” version. ?❤️
I think I understand now why you went with the harmonica instead of the flute Mona. Paul Jones is an awesome blues harmonica player and a harmonica is well suited to this song. Also, it would have been a bit difficult juggling a flute, shaker and beat box, while also taking on lead vocal duties. I just can’t get tired of playing this video. Excellent!
Beautiful! Not a hit in the U.S, but definitely one of my favorites. Great job ladies. Mona, I like the shirt!
Never heard the song before…….but did enjoy your harmonies as always. So cool. Thanks
Once again you take a song I’ve heard hundreds of times before and make it fresh, achieving that magical skill of sticking closely to the original but reinventing it through your vocals. A pleasure to listen to. I was around for Manfred Mann’s early pop hits, but did you ever come across the fantastic Progrock he moved into with his Earthband in the 70s and 80s?
Hi Jim!
We haven’t thought of the Earthband in quite a few years but when you brought them up we remembered “Blinded By The Light” and the whole album “The Roaring Silence” being on a lot when we were kids. We’ll have to revisit that today and listen to it with fresh ears 🙂
Singing the dolphin through………
Lol… If it’s the same version of “Blinded By The Light” that I know and love, I started singing it while reading it… Good music sure knows how to reach out to others…. That has me curious now as to if it is indeed the version I recall that I always loved whenever it cam on radio, eons ago??
And I just YouTube it…. Yeppers, it is indeed the version I grew up loving to hear and sing…. Lol
Ladies, what a fun, light heartedly song. Though I’ve never heard it before, I could imagine it was pretty popular when it came out in the 60’s. Well done Ladies.
Speaking of doing well, your cover of Wishing You Were Here is blowing the doors off because of your Phenomenal Job both Playing and Singing. You’ve never sounded better. Everything clicked and came together.
Massive Thanks and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You Rock MLT TEAM!?❤
You two just keep getting better! Oh, a question…where did you get the foot/bass board? What brand is it??
Thanks David! These things are called stompboxes, and this one is from a brand called “Wazinator” (Classic KSB319). The idea behind it is rather simple but it sounds great!
Thank you!! I need one! At the reality of sounding old, I’ve seen Manfred Mann pre and post The Earth Band…
You are a lucky man David. Was it the Manfred Mann with Paul Jones on lead vocals, or Mike D’Abo? Paul Jones toured my country in 1968, along with The Small Faces, The Who and The Kinks. Unfortunately, being a poor High School student, I didn’t get to see them.
Thankyou Mona, learned a new instrument name and function, much appreciated….???
Great flamingo theme going on in the studio, this was the sound of lazy summer days of my youth, thanks for the reminder beautifully sung by you twins?
Whoa, never knew of this song before now… I love it… Yep, Fab Flamingo Spirit going on there, Mona, luving yer Harmonica Happiness, vocals exquisite, Guitaring superb, on this rainy day here stuck inside, you ‘ve provided me with much welcomed Groovy Postivity Sunshine, Cheered me up loads, Thankyou for yet, another stellar Duo Session Effort ??
Nice! Beautiful song by two beautiful flamingos! ?❤