[title]Samurai[/title] is truly a lost classic of the Progressive era. Released on the short lived Greenwich Gramophone label in 1972, the album was influenced by the experiments of groups such as King Crimson, Gentle Giant et al, but was more than a mere clone of these bands.

Evolving from the equally excellent band Web (whose album "I Spider" is a classic of the genre), the musicianship on the album was excellent and Keyboard player Dave Lawson's compositions were groundbreaking and memorable. Sadly the group disbanded shortly after the release of the record resulting in limited sales. However, the influence of the album was not lost as both Dave Lawson and Tony Reeves soon joined Dave Greenslade to form the group Greenslade, effectively taking up the musical mantle laid down by Samurai. This Esoteric reissue features a booklet with previously unseen photographs and an interview with Dave Lawson.

1. Saving It Up For So Long
2. More Rain
3. Maudie James
4. Holy Padlock
5. Give A Little Love
6. Face In The Mirror
7. As I Dried The Tears Away

Amazon USA:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004CO9B/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CO9B/?tag=imwan-21

My gosh, I never heard of this label until our thoughtful librarian Linda started to post releases from Esoteric,
so Thanks Linda..

I have already preordered afew, these groups if found on LP in Record fairs go for very high prices, therefore
thru Esoteric reissue label we get to have them remastered on CD (with bonus too). Bravo Esoteric !!!

Rick A.

OK, found their web site http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric/index.htm.

So they are affiliated with "Cherry Red", well that provides good reason for quality of their reissues.

AND, I just realized they compiled and released the Jack Bruce boxset, so far my vote as best boxset of the year.

Here's an announcement found on their Web site.

Welcome to Esoteric Recordings, the home of good music. Established in 2007 and label managed by Mark Powell, Esoteric Recordings is the home of good music, with all releases finely packaged and remastered from the best possible sources to ensure the highest possible audio quality. Our releases cover both catalogue reissues and inspiring new works from artists with a fine history and heritage. Esoteric Recordings is an imprint of the Cherry Red Records group.

Nice video on website talking about the creation of the label! (I wonder if they are hiring,) :}

Rick A.