Record Reviews

SAMURAI ~ SAMURAI ESOTERIC 2025 (Barcode: 5013929712522) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 Only album by the obscure British Jazz-Rock / Prog band SamuraiFind albums by this artist, which in fact was just a name change from the previous band they all played in called WebFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist / composer Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist, who joined Web for their final superb album "I SpiderFind albums with this title", turned the band into a full fledged Jazz-Rock unit and being the band´s musical leader and composer, continued the same direction in the new band. The rest of personnel included guitarist Tony EdwardsFind albums by this artist, bassist John EatonFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenny BeveridgeFind albums by this artist and vibraphonist / percussionist Lennie WrightFind albums by this artist. For the recording of this album they were joined by saxophonists Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist and Don FayFind albums by this artist. Lawson´s brilliant compositions and arrangements (which were later explored also in the band GreensladeFind albums by this artist) turn this album into a true gem and a splendid example of early British Jazz-Rock, which sadly was left forgotten for many years. This CD reissue brings it back with all the splendor and luster, to be enjoyed again. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

WEB ~ FULLY INTERLOCKING ESOTERIC 2080 (Barcode: 5013929718029) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008 1st album by the British band WebFind albums by this artist fronted by singer John L. WatsonFind albums by this artist. The band played a nice mix of Rock, Psychedelia and Jazz, which still sounds great today. The album was produced by the legendary producer Mike VernonFind albums by this artist. Apart from Watson, the band included guitarists Tony EdwardsFind albums by this artist and John EatonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tom HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Dick Lee-SmithFind albums by this artist, percussionist Lennie WrightFind albums by this artist and drummer Kenny BeveridgeFind albums by this artist. The material is all original and quite excellent and is very well played indeed. The late 1960s sound and production create that sound, which unfortunately is lost forever, which is another good reason to give this album a spin. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

WEB ~ I SPIDER ESOTERIC 2027 (Barcode: 5013929712720) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 3rd and last album by the British band WebFind albums by this artist, which is a little known early Jazz-Rock / Prog masterpiece and a beautiful example of the musical freedom enjoyed by the musicians at the time. The members of Web recruited the keyboardist / composer Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist after their lead singer John L. WatsonFind albums by this artist left to pursue a solo career. Lawson wrote a bunch of new material for this album and his strong Jazz background strengthened the already existing Jazz elements in the band, turning it into one of the finest examples of early British Jazz-Rock. The excellent music included a lengthy suite in 6 parts, which became the band´s signature tune. Apart from Lawson, the band included guitarist Tony EdwardsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tom HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist John EatonFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / percussionist Lennie WrightFind albums by this artist and drummer Kenny BeveridgeFind albums by this artist. Soon after this album was released, the band changed their name to SamuraiFind albums by this artist and recorded one more album under that name. In retrospect the album still sounds great after all these years and is a superb source of musical inspiration. A must to every fan of early British Jazz-Rock and good music in general!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

WEB ~ THERAPHOSA BLONDI ESOTERIC 2055 (Barcode: 5013929715523) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 2nd album by the British band WebFind albums by this artist fronted by singer John L. WatsonFind albums by this artist. The band played a nice mix of Pop, Rock, Psychedelia and Jazz, which still sounds good today, but lacks a focal point, which they only found on their next seminal album. Apart from Watson, the band included guitarists Tony EdwardsFind albums by this artist and John EatonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tom HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Dick Lee-SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / percussionist Lennie WrightFind albums by this artist and drummer Kenny BeveridgeFind albums by this artist. The great pianist Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist guests on one tune. The material is a mixture of originals and standards and overall is very well played. The late 1960s sound and production create that sound, which unfortunately is lost forever, which is another good reason to give this album a spin. Recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend