Forest - Forest (Harvest 1969) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

As the 1960s progressed, almost every musical genre was affected by the psychedelic boom - and folk was no exception. Artists such as Bert Jansch, Davy Graham and Donovan had introduced elements of world music into their repertoires by 1965, and in 1966 the Incredible String Band’s debut kicked the door wide open for a generation of young musicians to follow. Originally called The Foresters Of Walesby the band abbreviated their name to Forest and were fortunate enough to meet John Peel at a local gig and he encouraged them to play in London. After a triumphant gig in Notting Hill’s All Saints Hall at Christmastime 1968, Forest were offered a management deal with Blackhill Enterprises, home to amongst others, Pink Floyd and Roy Harper. It wasn’t long before offers of record contracts came their way and the band eventually signed to EMI’s nascent Harvest label. This, their debut album was recorded at Abbey Road early in 1969 and features completely original material, with their strangely-sculptured melodies and partially improvised accompaniment. Peppermint Store Blogspot

The music, perhaps curiously, is full of sunshine, leaves and running water. John Peel (from original sleeve notes)

Track listing:

A1. Bad Penny
A2. A Glade Somewhere
A3. Lovemaker’s Ways
A4. While You’re Gone
A5. Sylvie (We’d Better Not Pretend)
A6. A Fantasy You

B1. Fading Light
B2. Do You Want Some Smoke?
B3. Don’t Want To Go
B4. Nothing Else Will Matter
B5. Mirror of Life
B6. Rain Is On My Balcony

Martin Welham:
12 string guitar, organ, harmonium,
piano, pipes, percussion
Derek Allenby:
mandolin, harmonica, pipes,
harmonium, percussion
Hadrian Welham:
guitar, harmonica, pipes, cello,
electric harpsichord, harmonium,
percussion, organ, mandolin
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios early 1969.
Produced by Andrew King & Forest.