The Trees
On the Shore - Island 1971
Tracks:1. Soldiers Three / 2. Murdoch / 3. Streets of Derry / 4. Sally Free and Easy / 5. Fool / 6. Adam's Toon / 7. Geordie / 8. While the Iron Is Hot / 9. Little Sadie / 10. Polly on the Shore
Comments:
"On the Shore" from 1971 was the second, and unfortunately the last, album from English folk-rock band The Trees.
Compared to the debut "The Garden of Jane Delawney", the album is more clearly folkish and probably also better produced. The songwriting is again very fine, with a mix of traditionals and new original songs, with bassist Bias Boshell as the most diligent contributor.
The group's interpretation of the traditional "Polly on the Shore" is an obvious highlight, with singer Celia Humphris as a beautiful focal point. She doesn't have a “great” voice, but it works incredibly well, especially in the melodic songs.
The short opening number "Soldiers Three" is a nice opener. A traditional song sung by the group's male members.
"Murdoch" is a Bias Boshell song, which in style is reminiscent of Fairport Convention's version of “Tam Linn”. A fine and dramatic number that gives space to the group's guitarists.
There is also plenty of room for the guitarists in the group's long version of the traditional "Streets of Derry". Fine vocals again from Celia Humphris.
Even longer is the group's version of "Sally Free and Easy", which also features piano and which has a slightly jazzy feel. With its 10 minutes a very long number; somewhat too long for my taste.
"Fool" is also a group original written by Bias Boshell and guitarist David Costa. Written in a very folkish style.
"Adam's Toon" is a sweet little guitar instrumental.
"Geordie" is a melodic traditional folk ballad, which may have inspired Danish Gasolin for the track "Langebro"
"While the Iron is Hot" by Bias Boshell, has two musical parts, one of which is almost a pure rocker.
"Little Sadie", which some may remember from Bob Dylan's "Selfportrait", was the number the group was least satisfied with; slightly unpretentious country rock.
Fortunately, there is a strong return with the previously mentioned "Polly on the Shore".
A shame that this fine band, never recorded another full album.
The two “new” songs on the bonus-disc would have been great inclusions on a never to be third album.
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