The Web (band)

The Web were a British jazz/blues band, with a style simultaneously related to America's West Coast groove and UK's proto-prog movement. Hailing from the British psychedelic scene, their style is often described as atmospheric, moody, melancholy, and dark.

They were originally fronted by African-American singer John L. Watson, with whom they released two studio albums, Fully Interlocking (1968) and Theraposa Blondi (1970). The band increasingly delved into a progressive rock sound with which Watson's vocal style was incompatible, so they set Watson up with a solo career and replaced him with keyboardist/vocalist Dave Lawson. Shortening their name to simply Web, the band fully embraced their new jazz-prog sound on their third LP, I Spider (1970). Following the departure of saxophonist/flautist Tom Harris, the band changed names again, to Samurai.

A final, self-titled album followed in 1971. With the band losing steam due to financial struggles and lack of recognition, Lawson accepted an invitation to join Greenslade.

Members

 * John L. Watson – vocals (1968-70)
 * Dave Lawson – vocals/keys (1970-71)
 * Tom Harris – woodwind
 * John Eaton – guitar
 * Tony Edwards – guitar
 * Dick Lee-Smtih – bass
 * Lennie Wright – drums/percussion
 * Kenny Beveridge – drums/percussion

Singles

 * "Hatton Mill Morning" / "Conscience" - Deram DM 201 - 1968
 * "Baby Won't You Leave Me Alone" / "Mcvernon Street" - Deram DM 217 - 1968 – UK #52
 * "Monday to Friday" / "Harold Dubbleyew" Deram DM 253 - 1969

Albums

 * Fully Interlocking - Deram SML 1025 - 1968
 * Theraphosa Blondi - Deram SML-R 1058 - 1969
 * I Spider - Polydor 2383 024 - 1970 (as Web)
 * Samurai - Greenwich Grammophone Co. GSLP 1003 - 1971 (as Samurai)