Web - I Spider (CD)

Pre-Samurai
Original release 1970
Re-issue 2003 Walhalla

One of the hidden jewels of British prog, led by the prominent Hammond playing of Dave Lawson. Blues / jazz-laced prog in the vein of Cressida and Titus Groan also featuring the sax and flutes of Tom Harris. The opening track, Concerto For Bedsprings, is a 4-part suite that travels through rock and jazz territory, followed by the slow and dramatic title track I Spider. The use of Mellotron, sax and organ on Love You brings King Crimson to mind, Ymphasomniac is percussion dominated instrumental track bring to mind the best Gentle Giant; and Dave Lawson's jazzy vocals & excellent Hammond playing on Always I Wait. Fans of Colosseum, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graaf Generator, Titus Groan, Cressida, etc. will find what they're looking for, but WEB were no copy cats. They are innovators of the genre; after this album, they changed their name to Samurai (1971) and went on to make another great album.