Beyond rare British private press Folk album from 1971.
Charming atmosphere & dreamy twin female vocals, mixing traditional tunes with interesting covers and superb original songs featuring a slight Psych/Folk edge.
Named after the fabled ghost ship, Wolverhampton Folk group Marie Celeste left behind just one rare recording: the 1971 private-press album “And Then Perhaps.” Pressed in only 200 copies without a proper picture sleeve and recorded live in a single session, it has since become a collector’s treasure — a haunting message in a bottle from the British folk underground.
Formed in the late ’60s by childhood friends Brian Lindop (vocals, guitar) and Jon Tame (bass), the group evolved through several line-ups before settling with singers Glenys Jenkins and Mary Bishop, alongside young guitar prodigy Ken Price. Their harmonies, combined with Brian’s evocative songwriting and Ken’s dexterous playing, gave the band a distinct voice within the flourishing Folk scene.
The album blends five striking originals with inspired covers of Tom Paxton, Joni Mitchell, and traditional standards. Highlights include the pastoral title track “And Then Perhaps,” the harmony-rich opener “Prisoner,” and the lilting instrumental “A Slice of Peace.” Critics at the time praised its warmth and quality despite its shoestring budget, with the Wolverhampton Express & Star calling it “a good album” that deserved wider attention.
Though the band disbanded in early 1972, their swansong — a support slot for Fairport Convention — confirmed their talent.
“Possibly the rarest British traditional folk album” – Richard Falk (Galactic Ramble)
Stream the official promo video via the YouTube player below:
Stream the the track “On The Other Side Of The Hill” via the YouTube player below:
LIMITED TO 310 HAND-NUMBERED COPIES
*First ever band-sanctioned reissue
*Newly vintage styled artwork in hard cardboard sleeve
*24-bit domain remastered sound
*Insert with liner notes by Austin Matthews (Shindig! / Flashback) and photos
Pre-Order “And Then Perhaps” here: https://guerssen.com/product/and-then-perhaps
Tracklist:
A1. Prisoner – A2. When Morning Breaks – A3. Sally Free and Easy – A4. And Then Perhaps – A5. Theme Based on Greensleeves – A6. On The Other Side of a Hill
B1. Night in The City – B2. I Am a Rock – B3. Summertime – B4. The Swallow Song – B5. Ruby Tuesday – B6. A Slice of Peace