TREES - ON THE SHORE UK ENgland originaL 1st pressing A1B1 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Psychedelic Folk Odyssey: Blending Tradition with Electric Mysticism

A surreal album cover for 'TREES - On The Shore' featuring a young woman in an old-fashioned Victorian-style lavender dress with frilled layers and lace details. She stands on a lush green hill, with red boots adding a striking contrast. Her curly red hair frames her pale face as she swings a long, ribbon-like object with attached paper or fabric pieces, creating a motion blur effect. The background consists of rolling greenery, a manicured lawn, and dense trees, while the sky above is pale blue with a subtle gradient.

Trees was an English folk rock band that existed between 1969 and 1972. Although the group met with little commercial success in their time, the reputation of the band has grown over the years. Like other folk contemporaries, Trees' music was influenced by "Fairport Convention", but with a heavier and more psychedelic edge. The group's material was divided between adaptations of traditional songs and original compositions.

Album Description:

Trees - On the Shore: A Forgotten Gem of British Folk Rock
Album Description:

In the heart of the British folk rock revival of the early 1970s, amidst the giants like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, emerged a band called Trees. Their second and final album, "On the Shore," released in 1971, stands as a testament to their unique blend of traditional folk melodies, rock instrumentation, and progressive experimentation.

Historical Context The early 1970s was a time of great musical exploration in the UK. Folk rock, a fusion of traditional folk music with rock elements, was gaining popularity, and bands like Fairport Convention were leading the way. Trees, with their distinctive sound, carved a niche within this vibrant scene.

Musical Exploration "On the Shore" showcases Trees' eclectic musical sensibilities. The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Soldiers Three," a traditional ballad given a new life with Celia Humphris's delicate vocals and Barry Clarke's intricate guitar work. The album then ventures into more experimental territory with tracks like "Murdoch," a dark and brooding piece that features fuzz guitar and a driving rhythm section.

Throughout the album, Trees seamlessly blend traditional folk elements with progressive rock influences. The result is a sound that is both familiar and innovative, with acoustic guitars, flutes, and mandolins intertwining with electric guitars, keyboards, and drums.

Production Team and Studio "On the Shore" was produced by Tony Cox, a renowned producer who had previously worked with Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. The album was recorded at Sound Techniques, a legendary London studio known for its warm and natural sound. Cox's production expertise and the studio's sonic qualities contributed to the album's rich and immersive sound.

Band Lineup The Trees lineup on "On the Shore" consisted of:

Celia Humphris - vocals, guitar, dulcimer

Barry Clarke - guitar, vocals

Bias Boshell - vocals, guitar, piano

Unwin Brown - bass guitar

David Costa - drums, percussion

Each member brought their unique talents to the table, creating a cohesive and dynamic unit. Humphris's ethereal vocals, Clarke's intricate guitar work, and Boshell's versatile musicianship were the cornerstones of the band's sound.

Trees' "On the Shore": A Vinyl Gem from Britain's Folk Rock Era
Album Description:

In the realm of vinyl collecting, certain albums ascend to legendary status, coveted for their rarity, historical significance, and sonic brilliance. Trees' "On the Shore," a 1971 release hailing from the heart of the British folk rock movement, is undoubtedly one such gem.

This album, the band's second and final offering, encapsulates the unique sound that Trees carved out amidst the giants of the genre like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. The A1/B1 matrix numbers etched into the deadwax of the original UK pressing on the CBS label are the holy grail for serious collectors.

"On the Shore" wasn't a chart-topper upon release, but its critical acclaim has grown steadily over time. The album's distinctive blend of traditional folk melodies, progressive rock experimentation, and Celia Humphris' haunting vocals have garnered praise from critics and fans alike. Tracks like the ethereal opener "Soldiers Three" and the darker, fuzz-guitar-laden "Murdoch" showcase the band's eclectic musical sensibilities.

Trees developed a devoted following among folk and progressive rock enthusiasts, a cult following that has only intensified the demand for their music on vinyl, particularly "On the Shore." The album's scarcity, coupled with the resurgence of interest in vinyl records, has made it a prized possession for collectors who cherish its warm analog sound and tangible appeal.

Beyond its sonic merits, "On the Shore" holds historical significance as a snapshot of the UK folk rock scene in the early 1970s. The album's unique sound and experimental approach reflect the musical exploration of the era, making it a valuable artifact for those interested in the evolution of British music.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Folk, Acid Psych Prog Rock

Collector Notes

Matrix/stamper codes:
Side one: S-64168 A1
Side two: S-64168 B1

Label & Catalognr:

CBS S 64168

Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contain photos and artwork.

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1970 Made in England

Producers:

Tony Cox

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Vic Gamm

Recording Location:

October 1970 at Sound Techniques, Chelsea, London

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

HIPGNOSIS

Little girl on the album cover: Katherine Meehan

Band-members/Musicians:

Band-members, Musicians:
  • Bias Boshell - guitars, piano, acoustic 12-string, vocals
  • Celia Humphris - vocals
  • Barry Clarke - lead guitar
  • Unwin Brown - drums, percussion, vocals
  • David Costa - acoustic guitar, electric 12-string, dulcimer

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting:
  1. "Soldiers Three" (traditional) - 1:51
  2. "Murdoch" (Bias Boshell) - 5:10
  3. "Streets of Derry" (traditional) - 7:32
  4. "Sally Free and Easy" (Cyril Tawney) - 10:11
  5. "Fool" (Boshell, David Costa) - 5:21
  6. "Adam's Toon" (A. Della Halle) - 1:10
  7. "Geordie" (traditional) - 5:06
  8. "While the Iron is Hot" (Boshell) - 3:21
  9. "Little Sadie" (traditional) - 3:11
  10. "Polly on the Shore" (traditional) - 6:08

TREES - On The Shore Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo
A surreal album cover for 'TREES - On The Shore' featuring a young woman in an old-fashioned Victorian-style lavender dress with frilled layers and lace details. She stands on a lush green hill, with red boots adding a striking contrast. Her curly red hair frames her pale face as she swings a long, ribbon-like object with attached paper or fabric pieces, creating a motion blur effect. The background consists of rolling greenery, a manicured lawn, and dense trees, while the sky above is pale blue with a subtle gradient.

TREES - On The Shore album cover features a dreamlike scene set in an open, rolling green landscape. A young woman with wild, curly red hair wears a vintage, Victorian-style lavender dress with lace accents and layered frills. Her intense gaze is directed towards the viewer, standing firmly in red lace-up boots. She swings a long object with attached ribbons or paper pieces, which blurs through the air, forming an arc. The setting is an expansive, manicured field bordered by dark, dense trees and bright, scattered flowerbeds. The sky is a soft, washed-out blue, adding to the ethereal and slightly eerie atmosphere of the image.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of 'TREES - On The Shore' depicts a young woman in a Victorian-style lavender dress standing at the edge of a rectangular pond in a grand, structured garden. Her curly red hair cascades down her back as she gazes at the water. The setting features symmetrical stone pathways, lush greenery, and architectural elements like brick buildings, ornate staircases, and a columned terrace. The sky is pale, and the reflections in the water add to the serene yet mysterious ambiance of the scene.

The back cover of TREES - On The Shore features a dreamlike garden scene. A young woman in a flowing, vintage lavender dress with intricate lace details stands at the edge of a rectangular pond, gazing into its still waters. Her fiery red curls cascade down her back, partially hiding her face. Surrounding her is a carefully structured landscape of trimmed hedges, ornamental plants, and a classical stone pathway leading toward grand, tiered steps. The backdrop includes a symmetrical brick building with a steep roof and a terrace framed by columns, adding an air of faded aristocracy. Reflections ripple in the water, mirroring the surrounding foliage and sky, heightening the surreal, tranquil mood.

Close-up of Record Label
Close-up of the 'On The Shore' album label by Trees, pressed on CBS Records. The label is bright orange with bold black text, featuring the CBS logo in the center, a large black circle with concentric rings and the letters CBS above it. The text includes 'On The Shore' and 'Trees' at the top, with track listings for Side 1 below. The label also states 'STEREO' with arrows pointing both ways and '33⅓ RPM' at the bottom. The record's catalog number, S 64168, is printed on the right.

This close-up of the record label for TREES - On The Shore showcases the CBS Records pressing. The label is a vivid orange, with bold black text that contrasts sharply. At the top, the album title On The Shore and the band's name Trees are printed in capital letters. The CBS logo, a distinctive black circle with concentric rings, is centrally positioned, with the letters "CBS" prominently displayed above. Below, the track listing for Side 1 is neatly printed, including traditional and original compositions. The label includes additional details such as 'STEREO' flanked by directional arrows, '33⅓ RPM' indicating playback speed, and the catalog number 'S 64168'. A small note at the bottom confirms the record was 'Made in England', reinforcing its vintage appeal.

Trees: The Influential British Prog Rock Band with a Unique Blend of Folk and Progressive Rock

TREES Band Description:

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. 

TREES - Garden Of Jane Delawney 12" Vinyl LP Album
Thumbnail of TREES - Garden Of Jane Delawney 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

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

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TREES - On The Shore 12" LP Vinyl Album
Thumbnail of TREES - Garden Of Jane Delawney 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

CBS 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