TREES The Garden Of Jane Delawney 2xLP/1970 UK Folk-Psych/Fairport Convention

$

39

TREES 'The Garden Of Jane Delawney' Double LP (UK, Sunbeam, Catalogue #SBR2LP5056) Brand new/unplayed copy of superb Double LP vinyl edition on the Sunbeam label of rare 1970 CBS label debut of legendary UK psychedelic folk-rock band Trees. This Sunbeam label vinyl edition includes a full extra LP of five bonus tracks, including three 1970 demos. Awesome!

'Few bands have existed for such a short time yet exuded such a long shadow as Trees. Having formed in London in the summer of 1969, they recorded their debut that winter. A spellbinding combination of eerie originals and bold West Coast-influenced reworkings of traditional folk songs, it was released in May 1970 and has gone on to become one of the most revered folk-rock albums of all time. It makes its long-awaited reappearance on vinyl here, as a deluxe 2LP set. Featuring a gatefold sleeve packed with rare images, a lavish 12-page booklet with an introduction from their guitarist David Costa, a detailed band history, and numerous bonus tracks, it is the fullest edition of this classic album ever assembled.'

'A peerless debut, combining extended psychedelic rock jams and traditional ballads with unbrideled enthusiasm' - MOJO

'A twin-guitar line-up allowed Trees to add a psychedelic dimension to traditional folk songs. But it's their original compositions that justify their cult allure.' - Q

'A superb folk-rock outfit, both of whose albums are now much sought-after. Trees formed in London in 1969. All members were friends and shared an interest in melding folk and rock in the style of Fairport Convention. They were soon signed to Clearwater, one of London's top underground management agencies, and were offered a deal with CBS after a triumphant gig at Notting Hill's All Saints Hall. The Garden Of Jane Delawney was an excellent debut, if perhaps recorded too soon after their formation. Of special note was the title track, a delicate and mysterious song which showcased Humphris'  lovely vocals, accompanied by sparse instrumentation. Other highlights include Nothing Special, which was also put out on 45, and a good arrangement of the traditional She Moved Through The Fair. Though On The Shore was recorded a few months later, it's better overall. Tracks like Fool and Murdoch showcase Boshell's unusual songwriting, and the instrumentation is fuller and more ambitious. Streets Of Derry and Sally Free And Easy, meanwhile, showcase Humphris'  gorgeous vocals. The latter, in fact, is perhaps the band's magnum opus, and features a lovely piano intro. The final track, Polly On The Shore is well worth a listen too.' - The Tapestry Of Delights

'On their debut, Trees were a mass of fascinating contradictions. Their music is undeniably psychedelic, yet they were the cleanest batch of people to ever form a rock and roll band. They sound undeniably similar to Liege And Leaf, yet this album was recorded before its release, and only one member of the band was even particularly familiar with Fairport Convention. Singer Celia Humphris has a pure and beautiful folk voice, yet she was trained in opera. Trees can jam with the best of them, yet they had never actually played a concert before they recorded the album. They don't have especially fond feelings for their own album (i.e. the bass player says in retrospect he'd have played certain songs entirely differently; they'd think the instrumental sections are too unfocused and too long; when Liege And Leaf came out, they felt they were miles and miles behind their 'competition') - but, as is often the case, an artist is not always the best judge of their own work. The Garden Of Jane Delawney is a masterpiece, one of the finest rock albums of its era and second only to Fairport in the folk-rock sweepstakes. In fact, there are people who like Trees better, as their US West Coast influences, electric instrumentation with fuzz guitar, eerie songwriting and Humphris' fragile voice give them a powerful and compelling sound of their own. It's debatable which Trees album is more successful, but I'm a big fan of the songs here, including the utterly gorgeous title track, the killer bass / double lead guitar playing on 'The Great Silkie' and 'Lady Margaret', and the creepy, unforgettable melody to 'Snail's Lament'. Many lesser bands (most of which do not have anywhere near their rock strength) get compared to Trees by reviewers and record dealers. Don't buy into it. No other band comes close. Essential listening.' - Aaron Milenski/Galactic Ramble

'As a hybrid of Liege And Leaf-era Fairport and mid-period Jefferson Airplane, with strong elements of early progressive rock, Trees should in theory be one of my favourite bands of all time. The theory isn't wrong. Both their albums are masterpieces, marrying English traditional song with West Coast structures and jamming with a maverick sense of adventure. Yet, astounding as their interpretations of the traditional pieces are, the original compositions 'Road' and 'Snail's Lament' are if anything even better.' - Richard Falk/Galactic Ramble

High-quality 180-gram vinyl pressing.

Tracks on this Double LP are as follows:

• Nothing Special
• The Great Silkie
• The Garden Of Jane Delawney
• Lady Margaret
• Glasgerion
• She Moved Thro' The Fair
• Road
• Epitaph
• Snail's Lament
• She Moved Thro' The Fair (1970 demo)
• Pretty Polly (1970 demo)
• Little Black Cloud (1970 demo)
• Little Black Cloud Suite (2008)
• Black Widow (2008)

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