KOERNER, SPIDER JOHN - Spider John

This vinyl-only album fills a crucial gap in the evolution of legendary folk artist Spider John Koerner. Recorded in between 1965s Spider Blues and 1969s Running, Jumping, Standing Still (with Willie Murphy, both released on Elektra), Koerner is captured here live and unaccompanied at The Ash Grove in Los Angeles, bringing to light an exciting and previously-undocumented period in the career of Spider John. The excellent recording captures Koerner at the absolute peak of his guitar-playing powers. Rounding out this crucial slab of wax are two songs recorded in 1966 in New York City, previously only available on an elusive British single. Accompanied by Al Kooper on guitar, Felix Pappalardi on bass, and Roy Blumenfeld on drums, Wont You Give Me Some Love" and "Dont Stop" (the latter with Tony Glover on harp) represent Koerners first, brief excursion into rock and roll terrain. The results sound not entirely dissimilar to Dylans Highway 61 period material -- not surprising, given Koopers presence. This release is not only a fascinating addition to the canon of one of this countrys national treasures, but is also one of his strongest overall efforts. Strictly limited vinyl edition of 500 copies." -Neros Neptune.