But the truth is, Jens Eastgate and Hannah Holbein, the star-crossed lovers whose torrid romance and subsequent flameout were the talk of the 60s London folk scene, made a music all their own. Rooted in the traditional tunes of the Lake Country, but borrowing influences from as far afield as Brazilian jazz and Kazakh experimental percussion, they were an inspiration to listeners and musicians alike.
For our money, this was their masterpiece: Shrove Tuesday Coming, a 1967 studio album that chronicled the rise and fall of their relationship. Already on the rocks, they would only perform live a half-dozen times after STC was released, and release two decidedly anticlimactic albums. But this one -- this one was and remains a classic. Whether you're swooning with new love, or gently drinking yourself through a breakup that came too late, this has probably been the music you turned to.
Sadly, it was only released on one lo-fi CD in 1992. It is in urgent need of a digital remaster, but the lawyers for Hannah's estate have tied it up in court. That's okay -- we'll always have vinyl.
