line up 1 (1968-69)

- Jan Hendin (RIP) -- vocals, acoustic and lead guitar, keyboards,

   kazoo

- Lorraine LeFevre -- vocals, acoustic guitar

  backing musicians:

- Nazir Jair Azbhoy -- tamboura

- Clem Cattini -- drums 

- Terry Cox -- percussion

- Takie Hendin -- backing vocals

- Rod Mirfield -- percussion

- Brian Odgers -- bass 

- Kaeshav Sathe -- tabla

- none known

Genre: psych

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Gypsy People

Company: ABC

Catalog: ABCS-691

Year: 1969

Country/State: unknown

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: small drill hole top right corner; gatefold sleeve

Available: 1 

Catalog ID: 218

Price: $140.00

Cost: $97.51

Can't say I've uncovered much about this short-lived duo composed of singers/guitarists Jan Hendin and Lorraine LeFevre.  What little information out there is contradictory.  Even the basic facts are hazy with some references saying they were American, others indicating they were British and still other works saying they were Canadian.  Based on their voices, I'd opt for them being American.

Regardless, their sole album 1969's "Gypsy People" was recorded in London's IBC Studios with Anthony Browne producing.  The set featured backing from a rather impressive collection of UK musicians including sessions drummer Clem Cattinin, Pentangle drummer Terry Cox and Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames bassist Brian Odgers.  With both Hendin and LeFevre contributing material, the album offered up an engaging mix of folk, psych and world music moves.  Dealers continually drop the term "acid-folk" when trying to unload lame folk crap on unsuspecting collectors, but if you want to hear a true acid-folk LP, then this may well set the benchmark for such comparisons.  By themselves Hendin and LeFevre both had attractive voices and on material such as 'Bird of Passage' and the title track they turned in some gorgeous harmony work that had a distinctive English folk-rock feel which occasionally recalled the likes of Sandy Denny, June Tabor, etc..  Actually, because of the distinctive middle eastern flavors found throughout the album, a better comparison might be to Magic Carpet's Alisha Sufit (interesting to note that tabla player Kaeshav Sathe played with Magic Carpet).  The pair also had pretty interesting tastes in outside music with the album including a pair of Perth County Conspiracy covers (Richard Keelan's rocking 'Break Out the Wine' and 'Don't You Feel Fine').  While there wasn't anything particularly commercial here (which is one of the attractions for me), the duo's willingness to experiment and take some substantial risks gave the set a unique appeal that should be of interest to a wide spectrum of collectors.  Personal favorites included the funky raga-influenced title track and the extended 'The Assignment Song-Sequence'.  Perhaps intended as their stab at commerciality, to my ears the only real mis-steps were 'Snow Roses' which was a little too operatic for my ears, 'Space 33' which featured a young girl on lead vocals, and the goofy music hall-styled 'Old Tyme Move'.  Ray Davies and Paul McCartney could get away with a music-hall ditty on occasion, but not this pair.  Excluding those couple of minor let downs, it's surprising that this album isn't commanding much more attraction for collectors (and similar prices).

"Gypsy People" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Break Out the Wine   (Richard Keelan) - 3:06   rating: **** stars

Their cover of The Spike Drivers' 'Break Out the Wine' was quirky and endearing  - imagine Susan Dey and The Free Design after they took a class in lysergic influences 101.  Propelled by glistening strumming acoustic guitars, a great Brian Odgers bass line, the ladies wonderful multi-tracked vocals and some on-inspirational lyrics, this one was hard to shake out of your head.

2.) Bird of Passage   (Lorraine LeFevre) - 3:54   rating: **** stars

Thanks in large part to the addition of Nazir Jair Azbhoy on tamboura and Kaeshav Sathe on tabla, 'Bird of Passage' mixed a pretty melody with some intriguing Indian vibes.  Interestingly a soothing melody, the breezy arrangement an their meticulous vocals managed to move the song far beyond the normal lets-rip-off-the-subcontinent soundtrack moves.  

3.) Gypsy People   (Douglas "Davey" Graham - Michael Chapman) - 5:03   rating: **** stars

The title track offered up a cool mash-up of English folk (not surprising given the writing credits), Indian and lysergic touches.  Hypnotizing.

4.) Foolin' Myself    (Jan Hendin) - 2:35   rating:: *** stars

Since it was penned by Jan Hendin, I'm guessing she handled the lead vocals on 'Foolin' Myself.'.  Musically this one was a little different than the rest of the collection - a stark, more conventional folk-ballad.  Certainly pretty, but it lacked the sense of adventurism on many of the other performances.

5.) Old Tyme Movie   (Lorraine LeFevre) - 3:09   rating: ** stars

Well, the title was an accurate description of the tune.  The lo-fidelity "Old Timey" sound reminded me of something Spanky & Our Gang might have recorded.  The "cutesy" factor was totally lost to my ears.

(side 2)
1.) Life's Parade   (Lorraine LeFevre) - 2:36   rating: **** stars

Underpinned by some tasty Brian Odgers' bass and one of the more rock-oriented arrangements, 'Life's Parade' reintroduced  the pair's lovely share vocals.   

2.) Snow Roses   (Lorraine LeFevre) - 3:04   rating:: *** stars

Another conventional folk ballad, the blended vocals on 'Snow Roses' had kind of an early Simon and Garfunkel vibe going.  Very pretty..

3.) The Assignment Song-Sequence   (Jan Hendin) - 8:55   rating: **** stars

A wonderful showcase for Hendin's strong, bright voice,  ' The Assignment Song-Sequence' was the album's longest and most experimental performance.  The extended close-out jam showcased Hendin's electric guitar and Clem Cattini's raging drums.  The performance has always reminded me a bit of Sandy Denny going on a jazz bender.  Although she refered to it as "The Assignment", Nina Simone did a live version of the song on her 1970 "Black Gold" album.  The Brian Jonestown Massacre also covered it.

4.) Number 33   (Jan Hendin) - 1:40  rating: **  stars

Showcasing an uncredited little girl on vocals (apparently the daughter of one of the ladies - see the email from recording engineer Philip Wade), 'Number 33' was pretty, but inconsequential.

5.) Don't You Feel Fine   (Richard Keelan) - 2:24   rating: **** stars

Don't You Feel Fine' was the album's second Richard Keelan cover (originally recorded with The Perth County Conspiracy).  Dropping the original's folk trappings, their arrangement kept the basic melody, but upped the lysergic influences.  I actually like the remake better than the original.  

It's always a pleasure to get an email from someone associated with one of these classic albums:

Hi there, just found this rare album on your website. I can tell you a little bit about the making of this record, as I was the recording engineer. It was recorded at IBC studios in London in Portland place, this was quite a famous studio during that period and earlier during the Second World War, when it had a license to broadcast. Hence IBC ( international Broadcasting Company )
The young girl vocal was the daughter of either Jan or Lorraine.

With regard to the sound we used four track machines, laying down the music track first,and then adding the vocals and sometimes extra instruments later, usually in the evening, in a very relaxed and low lit environment.

I do not know what happened to Jan and Lorraine, but they were great to work with. I recall being taken 

to eat sushi, and bearing in mind it was 1968/9, I had never eaten raw fish before !! Quite an experience, but the saki was great.

I still have a test pressing of this disc,and as it is an acetate copy I have only played it once or twice in all these years. I attach a photo of it.

I hope this has been of interest.
All good things,

Philip Wade (January 2017)

Hendin apparently passed on in the mid-'90s though I've never been able to fine an obituary.

LeFevre apparently kept her had in music, playing occasional solo dates in Southern California under the name Elyana.  (1) Facebook

© Scott R. Blackerby May 2024