Customer Reviews

Usa Union

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a seminal album for Mayall. Wonderful music, great violin playing by Sugar Cane Harris. I have listened to this album since 1970 and have never tired of it. It has been in constant rotation as album, cassette, and now CD. Get it, relax, and enjoy.

I bought the CD of John Mayall's album USA Union to replace my LP - it wears awfully well. This is a soft, rhythmic album with a blues feeling. I particularly love the contributions of Don Harris, an "improvising violinist." (Heck, I thought that was a fiddle). Listen to him in the sample of the song "Crying!" You've also got Larry Taylor, bass guitar; Harvey Mandel, lead guitar; and John Mayall's laid-back vocals, some harmonica, and some piano. All songs written by John Mayall. Good listening.

This is one of my favorite John Mayall records and an all time Blues-Rock classic. The sound and compositions are soft,creamy and of very good taste. John Mayall made excellent music without drums. The guitar playing of Harvey Mandell
(Canned Heat) is outstanding and works out very well here.

I bought the LP in 1970 and just got the CD. This is a classic in the sense that it held its own no matter what happened to music and in music in the past 38 years. Lots of soft drumless (!) swing with a strong blues (Mayall) background. The track "Nature is Disappearing" is prophetic and gives me the chills today as it did back then. A MUST HAVE!

This is a great album the violin makes such a big difference to the line up I am so glad someone like John Mayall was around to produce some great combinations of musicians and music. I have this because it is great and I feel if you are into John Mayalls music this is a cd you should have.

USA Union has an easy-going, laid-back feel to it. Some of this can be attributed to the lack of a drummer; much of it can be attributed to the fluid bass of Larry Taylor. Many of the songs are relationship themed. "Took the Car" and "Deep Blue Sea" are blissful meditations on outings with a loved one. "Possessive Emotions" examines the feelings of jealousy that can overtake a person over a lover. "Crying" is a showcase for violinist Don Harris.

While this album lacks the drive of some of Mayall's best work (i.e., A Hard Road), USA Union is a fantastic soundtrack for a summer afternoon. Recommended.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
I am really pleased to see so many glowing reviews of this interesting and unique John Mayall album. USA Union has stood the test of time with me as I still periodically pull this one out and when I do it generally stays in the rotation for weeks. I enjoy the seamless and smooth flow of the tracks as they are propelled along by the steady and melodic bass lines of Larry Taylor. Harvey Mandel's guitar contributions are fluid and under control without being overly restrained. The same is true for Sugarcane Harris and his masterful work on the violin. As for the compositions themselves, you get a sample of Mayall's eco-hippie side (Nature's Disappearing), a peek into his domestic diary (Night Flyer, Off The Road, Possessive Emotions, Took The Car, My Pretty Girl, Deep Blue Sea), his fun and funny side (Where Did My Legs Go), and a pair of well constructed numbers that range from slow blues (Crying) to up-tempo boogie (You Must Be Crazy). In a word USA Union is "REFRESHING" and well worth giving a listen to.

John Mayall's albums with American musicians are further jewels in an already well encrusted crown and this is one of the best, neck and neck with that other momentous achievement 'Jazz Blues Fusion'. The songs at this time were vehicles for extended musical exploration in the jazz/blues/boogie vein and when you have musicians of the calibre of Harvey Mandel, 'Sugarcane' Harris and Larry Taylor in the band you know those explorations are going to be smoking. Everyone stars here - 'Sugarcane' Harris's violin wraps everything in a blanket of electric funk whilst Harvey Mandel's snaky guitar lays over the top of the fluid bass work of Larry Taylor. This is a timeless and essential old favourite. If you haven't heard it, give it a spin - I'll be surprised if you aren't seduced by its easy charms and find yourself returning again and again to immerse yourself in its unique sound. Brilliant album.

Incredible, this record. Great fusion: John Mayall looking for new sounds, a fusion between blues and other stuff. One of the best live albums ever made.

The greatest mistake. i received this as an 8 track from Columbia House without ordering. it was my selection of the month and without knowing the agreeemnt I opened it and what a surprise. It was one of the recording that turned me on to blues and jazz. Very soft and inspiring. Mellow and moody. Buy it!