Lily & Maria - Lily & Maria (1968)

Lily & Maria - Lily & Maria (1968)

Columbia, 1968

Lily & Maria's sole, mighty rare album is a strange oddity, all the more so for its appearance on a major label. As singers, Lily & Maria sound very much like the sort of high-voiced, virginal female vocalists common in the early-'60s folk revival, like the only somewhat less slightly obscure duo Kathy & Carol (who recorded traditional folk music for Elektra). But the material and production on Lily & Maria show a decidedly psychedelic, late-'60s influence, if only a mild acid folk one. It creates the impression of a couple of choirgirls singing tunes that are a cross between what you'd hear from a choir and a coffeehouse duo. The big difference is that the words are far more inscrutable and enigmatic than anything you'd hear either a choir or coffeehouse folkies singing. The dreamy, obscurely poetic lyrics are very much in the vibe of 1968 psychedelia, and the arrangements are usually eerily sparse to the point of underproduction, to the extent that it seems evident Columbia didn't set aside much of a budget for the sessions. Yet acoustic guitar is sometimes embellished by tasteful, low-key orchestration and electric instruments that add to the appealing, hushed, never-never-land ambience. While the feel is usually laid-back and pretty, there's an overlay of unsettling mystery (particularly when the gothic organ comes in), like stumbling across a couple of self-sufficient orphans in a haunted house. Too, it's not all quiet acid folk, getting into a strident, semi-psychedelic rocking mood on occasion, a more straightforward uplifting folk-rock one on "Aftermath" and a tinge of jazz torch singing on "Melt Me." If you're looking for a reference point, this might appeal to fans of the weird acid folk of rediscovered singer/songwriter Linda Perhacs, though Perhacs' sole album came out after Lily & Maria. Lily & Maria actually weren't as good as Perhacs, and the album's not great, but it's an interesting one. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
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In the annals of long, strange trips, that of Lily Fishman ranks right up there. She grew up in the Bronx, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, and released a totally trippy folk-psych album with Maria Neumann under the name Lily & Maria. What's she doing today? Funny you should ask. Why naturally, she's converted to Christianity and is singing with a country gospel group that's connected to the Bill & Gloria Gaither musical ministries (for those of you fortunate enough not to know, the Gaithers are like the Walmart of contemporary gospel). Anyway, Lily & Maria's sole album, unlike many that get similarly labeled, is truly psychedelic folk. Hushed and dreamy, with spare, artful arrangements. You've got some top-notch sessions guys, including keyboardist Paul Griffin and guitarist Charlie Brown, who've played with Dylan and tons of others. It never feels like singer-plus-anonymous-prefab-backing though, the album is perfectly produced and sounds like everyone involved was on the same left-of-center, dreamy vibe. There are a couple of cheesy moments, but overall this is a totally involving, unique work. Thanks to my SSA cohort Mr. Butts (so named for his carcinogenic habits, not his posterior) for picking this one up

lily & maria - album credits
Maria Guitar
Garry Sherman Organ, Producer, Vibraphone
Stan Tonkel Engineer
Lily & Maria Main Performer
George Engler Engineer
Robert Lily Guitar
Bernie Berger Flute
Paul Griffing Organ, Piano
Harold & The Gang ?
Lou Hemser Guitar
Don Juluse Engineer
Steve Kreider Guitar
Stu Krone Engineer
Lou Marro Bass
Willard Snyker Guitar
Gary Chester Drums
Charlie Brown Guitar
Hank Freeman Clarinet, Flute
Arthur Kendy Engineer

1. Subway Thoughts & Everybody Knows.mp3 5:59
2. I Was 3:55
3. Ismene Jasmine & There'll Be No Clowns Tonight 8:14
4. Aftermath 3:13
5. Morning Glory Morning 3:12
6. Melt Me 5:26
7. Fourteen After One 3:16