THE GARDEN OF JANE DELAWNEY

Trees never attained the acclaim of their primary influence, Fairport Convention, but they did release two solid albums of British electric folk. This record is a mixed bag. It begins inauspiciously with a pop song marred by really horrid overdriven lead guitar that is totally inappropriate, but things do get better. The title track is a wonderful moody folk song on which vocalist Celia Humphries really shines. Her clear, pure vocals are definitely Trees' strongest asset, since the backing instrumentation generally lacks inspiration (no Richard Thompson-style guitar genius to be found here). If Humphries is the asset, then the lead guitar playing is the drawback- it's pretty sloppy and unimaginative, although generally listenable. The original songs are pretty good psych/folk and, aside from the first track, make up the best parts of the record. The band's treatment of traditional songs is classy, but certainly nothing Fairport wasn't doing earlier and better. The version of She Moved Through the Fair is a slavish copy of Fairport's on "What We Did on Our Holidays" and a bit unnecessary, considering the popularity of the song, but it is pleasant. I guess that's my overall evaluation- it's pleasant music, but not exciting, thus deserving its B-grade status. Folk rock lovers should eventually get around to buying Trees' music and will enjoy it, but only after exploring the giants of the genre like Faiport, Steeleye, the Albion Band and Pentangle.

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