The Web

Label: Deram
Country: UK
Released: 1969
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

The Web's "Theraphosa Blondi": A Deep Dive

Released in November 1969, "Theraphosa Blondi" marks the second studio album by the London-based band The Web. This album was issued under Deram Records with the catalog number SML 1058. The title is derived from the scientific name of the Goliath bird-eating spider, *Theraphosa blondi*, which hints at the album's eclectic and adventurous spirit.

The album features John L. Watson on lead vocals, his final contribution to The Web before the group transitioned to a new lineup. Other members include John Eaton on guitars and various percussion instruments, Tony Edwards with his range of guitars, Dick Lee-Smith on bass guitar, and an array of wind and percussion instruments played by Tom Harris and Lennie Wright. Kenny Beveridge rounds out the group on drums, playing unique percussion instruments such as an Israeli ceramic drum and an ass jawbone.

Musical Diversity

"Theraphosa Blondi" is characterized by its blend of styles, including rock, blues rock, and jazz-rock. The album is rich in world-percussion textures, which infuse the music with an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. The interplay of vibraphone and marimba, along with brass sections, creates a layered soundscape that supports Watson's gritty vocal delivery.

The album consists of eight tracks, including a heavy jazz-rock reinterpretation of Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love," titled "Like The Man Said." Other notable tracks include the percussion-driven "Bewala" and the instrumental piece "Blues For Two T's." The album also features an explosive medley that combines John D. Loudermilk's "Tobacco Road" with "America" from *West Side Story*, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to experiment.

Recording Details

Recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London, "Theraphosa Blondi" was engineered by Derek Varnals. The album's sleeve photography and design were handled by Terence Ibbott, contributing to the visual identity of the release.

This diverse album reflects The Web's innovative approach to music in the late 1960s, pushing boundaries within the genres they explored. The combination of rock and jazz elements, along with unique instrumentation, sets this album apart in their discography.

"Theraphosa Blondi" was recorded in 1969 at Decca Studios, London.

Tracklist

A1	Like The Man Said Bass – Dick Lee-SmithDrums – Ken BeveridgeGuitar – John EatonGuitar – Tony EdwardsTenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Flute [Concert And Alto], Bass Clarinet – Tom HarrisVibraphone, Congas, Claves – Lennie WrightVocals – John L. WatsonWritten-By – Wright
A2	Sunshine Of Your Love Bass – Dick Lee-SmithDrums – Kenny BeveridgeGuitar – John EatonGuitar – Tony EdwardsTenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Tom HarrisVibraphone, Congas, Claves – Lennie WrightVocals – John L. WatsonWritten-By – ClaptonWritten-By – BruceWritten-By – Brown*
A3	'Till I Come Home Again Once More Bass – DickDrums – KenFlute – TomGuitar – JohnGuitar – TonyVibraphone, Congas, Claves – LennieVocals – John L.Written-By – O'Sullivan
B1	Bewala Bass Drum [Military] – TonyCongas, Cowbell [Tuned], Marimba, Saxophone [Varitone] – WrightCymbal [Slap], Percussion [Ass Jawbone], Drum [Israeli Ceramic] – KenMarimba – TomTambourine, Cabasa – JohnTom Tom [Chinese] – DickWritten-By, Vocals – The Web
B2	1,000 Miles Away Acoustic Guitar – JohnBass – DickDrums – KenElectric Guitar, Twelve-string Guitar – TonyTenor Saxophone – TomVibraphone – WrightVocals – John L.Written-By – Eaton
B3	Blues For Two T's Bass – DickDrums – KenDrums – WrightFlute, Tenor Saxophone – TomGuitar – JohnGuitar – TonyWritten-By – Harris*
B4	Kilimanjaro (African Lullaby) Drum [Large African] – JohnDrum [Small African] – KenFlute [Tenor, Bass] – TomMarimba – WrightVocals – John L.Vocals – The WebWritten-By – EatonWritten-By – Wright*
B5a	Tobacco Road Written-By – Loudermilk*
B5b	America Drums – DickDrums – KenDrums, Xylophone – WrightFlute, Tenor Saxophone – TomGuitar – JohnGuitar – EdwardsVocals – John L.Written-By – BernsteinWritten-By – Sondheim*