The Web-I Spider (1970)

The Web are another one of those obscure bands, little known to the general public, who today are among the most coveted by collectors and, at the same time, deserve to be rescued from oblivion. Their beginnings date back to the late 1960s as a band associated with the jazz and blues genres, with certain influences of proto-progressive rock. Their first two albums featured the powerful voice of African-American singer John L. Watson and those of their two guitarists, John Eaton and Tony Edwards, who provided the band's signature muscular sound. These first two works, titled “Fully Interlocking” (1968) and “Theraposa Blondi” (1969), despite their undeniable quality, went somewhat unnoticed by fans of the time, a fact that led to a reorganization of The Web with the departure of singer Watson and bassist Dick Lee-Smith and the addition of keyboardist and singer Dave Lawson. This would prove decisive in the band's progressively deeper sound, which is reflected in their third and final album, "I Spider." Here, they offered a powerful benchmark for the subsequent evolution of progressive rock in the jazz-rock realm. Energetic bass lines, organ, and percussion are supported by soaring guitar and saxophone melodies, all accompanied by their characteristically passionate vocals. The five-part suite "Concerto For Bedsprings", along with the instrumental "Ymphasomniac", the relaxed "Love You", and the hazy jazz of "Always I Wait", are highlights of an album as captivating as it is brilliant.