| Christina 'Licorice' McKechnie | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Christina McKechnie |
| Also known as | Likky Lambert, Likky McKechnie |
| Born | 2 October 1945 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1967 to 1977 |
| Associated acts | The Incredible String Band Robin Williamson and his Merry Band Woody Woodmansey |
Christina 'Licorice' McKechnie (born 2 October 1945 in Edinburgh, Scotland) was a singer and songwriter in the Incredible String Band between 1968 and 1972.
After reading her poetry at folk clubs in Edinburgh, she met musician Robin Williamson, but left home in her teens with the intention of marrying Bert Jansch. The banns were published but the wedding never took place. Jansch left her behind to travel to Morocco in 1963, and, according to Williamson, "she fell into [his] arms". In 1966 she travelled to Morocco with Williamson, and was later involved in the Incredible String Band's recordings - for example, saying the words "Amoebas are very small" on The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter. By 1968, she was regarded as a full-fledged member of the band, usually as a backing singer and percussionist. She appeared with the band when they played at the Woodstock Festival in August 1969, but left in 1972 after the end of her relationship with Williamson.[1]
In 1974, Licorice appeared onstage at a Scientology benefit in East Grinstead with Mike Garson, Woody Woodmansey, Leonard Halliwell and others, before moving to California and joining The Silver Moon Band. She married musician Brian Lambert and later appeared with Robin Williamson with his Merry Band in 1977 (she is credited as Likky Lambert on the 1977 album Journey's Edge) before joining Woody Woodmansey's band U-Boat. She and Lambert later divorced.[1]
Licorice has not been heard from since 1990, when her elder sister Frances reports receiving a letter which she says was 'certainly from Sacramento' — her last verified location. Postings in discussion forums in 2008, by someone investigating her disappearance, described her as "alive.. and hiding in plain sight" in California."As far as I can tell, she doesn't really want to be found, so I'm not going to give away anything about her whereabouts on a public forum, but I'm pretty confident that I've located her. Unless I'm quite mistaken, she's still living in California, and quite content with her obscurity. Hopefully she will find her way here one day". On another website the same or another person said: "I have looked into this matter and, using resources available to the public, I have satisfied myself that she is alive, (and presumably well) and hiding in plain sight, so to speak. She has either broken with her family and the folks associated with ISB or they are compliant with her decision to remain out of the limelight. Some people just prefer their privacy."[2][3]