TREES - ON THE SHORE -  ORIGINAL VINYL RECORD - CBS 64168 - THEIR 2nd LP  - 1970

	£		260
	$		345

TREES - ON THE SHORE - ORIGINAL VINYL RECORD - CBS 64168 - THEIR 2nd LP - 1970. Condition is "Used". Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd  Class. SIGNED FOR SERVICE Availalble from the sellers private collection. The second album by the legendary TREES - An album for connoisseurs. 
"ON THE SHORE"  CBS  Records. Released January 1971
This is the genune CBS original owned from new. I aquired my copy soon after its release having heard "Sally Free & Easy" at a friends social gathering one evening. The record is graded between Excellent (EX) to Very Good (VG)  which is remarkable considering it age of 50 years. Both sides of the record have NO scratches of surface scuffs and play perfectly. There is also no hole distortion. The album cover is also in excellent condition with only minor aging around its edges there are no bends or creases. The inner sleeve is the original, depicting a selection of CBS 70s vintage releases. I have viewed it on various sites from £300 to £400,  and it is valued by RCM at £400(M). Original CBS copies are now very rare. 
Trees at the time of this recording were:-   Celia Humphris (Vocals), Bias Boshell (Bass & Keyboards), Barry Clarke (Lead Guitar), David Costa (Electric & Accoustic Guitar), Unwin Brown (Drums & Percussion).
Formed in early spring of 1969  Trees started gigging & producing early demo recordings throughout June & July.    Signing  with CBS in August of that same year. They produced two albums in quick succession "The Garden of Jane Delawney" (Released April 1970) and this masterpiece, "On the Shore" (Recorded October 1970 & released January 1971)  Both albums were recorded at Sound Techniques Studios Chelsea, London. The producer was Tony Cox (Later of Sawmills Studios, Cornwall) & the Engineer was Victor Gamm. Additional musicians utalised for "On the Shore" were :- Tony Cox (Bass) & Michael Jeffries (Harp). 
Not only did "On the Shore" boast some incredible music. It also had some amazing cover artwork designed by the multi talented Sorm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis Studios.  Captured at The Hill Garden, Hampsted Heath.  The hand tinted images depict a (then) young Katie Meehan (daughter of Tony Meehan of Shadows fame), dressed in a victorian childs costume, hurling a container of liquid, that  forms an irregular ark of fluid pattern surrounding her body. The intense colour of Katies curls & the pale abstract colours of her dress, together with the trees & background, create an immense synergy, between the cover and the music on the record. 
The songs within, comprised of an amazing amalgam of  folk, rock and west coast phychedelic influences, that highlighted both traditional & original songs (especially Bias Boshalls songwriting abilities) played by the musicians, that were crowned by Celias haunting vocals.  When the band took off, on their instrumentals, they went flying.  In addition to their musical prowess, Trees had an ability to create musical tensions within songs, building them slowly to a hightened crescendo, then releasing back down to land.
    ComparIsons were made with Fairport Convention, (whom the group admired), but Trees music was more radial and west coast influenced. It flowed slow & fast around the virtuosity of Guitarists David Costa &  Barry Clark, who if required, could run rings round other contemporary players. 
 "On the Shore" has been called  "The Holy Grail"  of Folk  Rock?  Possibly!  I would certanly place it in the top three. 
I had the privilage of seeing them play live only once.  That was Trees Mk2, comprising of  Celia, Barry & former Mr Fox members Allen Eden (Drums), Barry Lyons (Bass), & former JSD Band member Chuck Flemming (Fiddle). Their performance was more intense & exciting, moving into heaver forms of folk rock.  The recordings on the bootleg album "Trees Live" reflect this, as well as further personal changes, including  the amazing electric violin playing of Joe O'Donnell. 
It is a reflection of the stature & musical content of "On the Shore" that has continued to grow & be reveared. That it has never been out of print or unavailable throughout its 50 years existance. Like a good book, it is always special to have the First Edition.  
Some observations upon Grading:-  Mint (M) The record is in brand new condition, no surface marks, no sound quality deteration. Records designated sealed or un-played qualify as mint.  Excellent (EX) The record shows some signs of being played, but with minimal lessening of sound quality . The cover &/or packaging may show slight wear &/or creasing.  Very Good (VG) The record has obviously been played many times, but manifests no sound quality deterioraton. Despite noticeable surface marks &/or light scratching.  Visible wear & tear on the cover or additional items, without major defects, is acceptable.