Jan and Lorraine were a couple of mysterious ladies who recorded this psychedelic folk album in October1969 in London. Not much is known about their origins but they are believed to be from North America based on their accents. This exotic album is a blend of acid folk with influences from British folk and Indian instruments. All songs are written by the duo except the title track which is originally written by Davy Graham. A fine set of musicians support these women on the record, notable ones being Terry Cox of Pentangle on percussion, Nazir Jairazbhoy on tamboura and Keshav Sathe on tabla amongst others. Jan Hendin and Lorraine Le Fevre both sang (often in harmony) on the record, did the ensemble arrangements, and also wrote (working separately) most of the material.Original pressings are hard to find, but Italian reissues may be easier to find.

“If I had my life to live over, I wouldn’t be anyone else but me”, Jan and Lorraine enthusiastically proclaim on Break our the Wine, the opening track on the duo’s sole release.Interestingly on reading an Amazon review of this album, one reviewer who rails against unauthorized copies he reviewed, claims to know these women well and says they were from Detroit.

This LP, now a sought-after collectors record, especially amongst collectors of psychedelic music is complete with up-tempo and exotic acid folk rock with infusion of Indian ragas and instruments. But in the end the women’s vocal talents, harmonies and songwriting skills on all tracks are the standouts.

Unfortunately these ladies faded into obscurity after recording this madly exotic album and it is rumored that one of them, Jan, died tragically in 1995.

What makes this record more intriguing is that it’s exceptional musical quality is a product of, even till today, an unknown set of artistes who were clearly proficient in all aspects unlike other more well known exponents of the genre.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Juzer Kopti

Juzer Kopti originally from Bombay and now based in the suburbs of Washington DC, is a music enthusiast who enjoys crate digging for rare records. His taste in music tends towards 60s-70s psychedelia, folk, rock, jazz, fusion and progressive. He also enjoys collecting fountain pens, vintage cameras, while also pursuing other expensive hobbies.