"The Garden of Jane Delawney" is the debut album of British folk rock band Trees. Whilst nearly every song on the album appears to be a traditional folk song, this is actually only the case for about half of them, the others having been penned for the album by front-man Bias Boshell. The title track is a particularly good example of his apparent talent for writing songs that sounded like they had existed for hundreds of years as folk songs.
In the fertile ground of the British folk rock scene of 1970, amidst the burgeoning popularity of bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle, emerged a band called Trees. Their debut album, "Garden of Jane Delawney," stands as a testament to their unique blend of traditional folk melodies, psychedelic influences, and progressive arrangements.
Historical Context
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of immense musical experimentation in the UK. Folk rock, a fusion of traditional folk music with rock elements, was gaining traction, and bands like Fairport Convention were leading the way. Trees, with their distinctive sound, found their place within this vibrant and evolving scene.
Musical Exploration
"Garden of Jane Delawney" showcases Trees' eclectic musical sensibilities. The album seamlessly weaves together traditional folk ballads like "The Great Silkie" with original compositions that sound as if they could have been unearthed from centuries-old songbooks. The title track, a sprawling nine-minute epic, highlights the band's ability to blend intricate instrumentation with poetic lyrics.
Throughout the album, Trees effortlessly combine acoustic instruments like guitars, dulcimers, and flutes with electric guitars, keyboards, and a rhythm section that provides a solid foundation for their musical explorations. The result is a sound that is both rooted in tradition and open to experimentation.
Production Team and Studio
"Garden of Jane Delawney" was produced by David Howell and Tony Cox, two experienced producers who had worked with various folk and rock artists. The album was recorded at Sound Techniques, a renowned London studio known for its warm and natural sound. The combination of skilled production and a high-quality recording environment contributed to the album's rich and immersive sonic landscape.
Band Lineup
The Trees lineup on "Garden of Jane Delawney" consisted of:
Celia Humphris - lead vocals, guitar
Barry Clarke - guitar, backing vocals
Bias Boshell - vocals, guitar, piano
Unwin Brown - bass guitar
David Costa - drums, percussion
Each member brought their individual talents to the mix, creating a cohesive and dynamic unit. Humphris' ethereal vocals, Clarke's intricate guitar work, and Boshell's diverse musical abilities were the cornerstones of the band's sound.
Album Description & Collectors information: This album has the laminated cover , only a handful of 1st issues were released with the laminated cover.
Matrix/Stamper codes: This album includes the original CBS Company Inner Sleeve |
Music Genre: Folk Acid Psych Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "Garden of Jane Delawney" was produced by: David Howell's and Tony Cox Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Vic Gamm and Mike Fitzhenry This album was recorded at: Album cover design: David Costa Album cover photography: Elly Beintema |
Record Label Information: CBS S 63837 |
Media Format: 12" 150 grams Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1970 Made in England |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: TREES - Garden of Jane Delawney |
|
Complete Track-listing of the album "TREES - Garden of Jane Delawney" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "TREES - Garden of Jane Delawney" is:
|
CBS 63837 Walking Eye Record Label Details: MADE IN ENGLAND
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.
CBS S 63837 , 1970 , England
"The Garden of Jane Delawney" is the debut album of British folk rock band Trees. Nearly every song on the album appears to be a traditional folk song
Learn moreCBS S 64168 , 1970 , England
On The Shore is the second album by British progressive rock band Trees, released in 1971. The album marks a departure from the band's folk-influenced sound heard on their debut album, The Garden of Jane Delawney. Instead, On The Shore features a greater emphasis on electric guitar and keyboards, with a heavier focus on progressive rock.
Learn more