Trees was a British progressive rock band that formed in the late 1960s and gained popularity in the early 1970s. The band was known for their unique blend of folk and progressive rock music, with intricate instrumentation and poetic lyrics. Despite their relatively short career, Trees is considered one of the most influential bands of the progressive rock genre.
Trees was formed in 1969 in London by guitarist David Costa, bassist Bias Boshell, and drummer Unwin Brown. The band's original sound was heavily influenced by folk music, with acoustic guitar and violin featured prominently in their early recordings. Trees' debut album, The Garden of Jane Delawney, was released in 1970 and received critical acclaim for its unique sound and poetic lyrics.
The Garden of Jane Delawney opens with the haunting "Nothing Special," which features a simple acoustic guitar and violin melody that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The title track, "The Garden of Jane Delawney," is a nine-minute epic that showcases the band's intricate instrumentation and poetic lyrics. Other standout tracks on the album include "Lady Margaret," "The Great Silkie," and "She Moved Through the Fair."
Trees' second album, On The Shore, was released in 1971 and marked a departure from their folk-influenced sound. The album featured more electric guitar and keyboard, and a greater focus on progressive rock. On The Shore was well-received by critics, but failed to achieve the same commercial success as their debut.
On The Shore features several standout tracks, including the seven-minute epic "Streets of Derry," which combines folk melodies with a driving rock rhythm. Other notable tracks include "Soldiers Three," "Murdoch," and "Polly On The Shore."
Unfortunately, Trees disbanded in 1972 after releasing only two albums. Despite their short career, the band's influence on the progressive rock genre cannot be overstated. Many of today's progressive rock bands cite Trees as a major influence on their music.
Trees' unique blend of folk and progressive rock, coupled with their poetic lyrics and intricate instrumentation, set them apart from their contemporaries. While they never achieved the commercial success of bands like Pink Floyd or Genesis, their influence on the progressive rock genre cannot be overlooked.
