"USA Union" is a 1970 album by blues musician John Mayall, featuring a notable lineup including Harvey Mandel on guitar, Larry Taylor on bass, and Don "Sugarcane" Harris on violin. Recorded at Larrabee Studios in LA on July 27 & 28, 1970, and released by Polydor later that year, the album showcases Mayall's exploration of a jazzy blues sound.
At the time, Mayall was based in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, where he had built connections with local musicians like Mandel and Taylor, both recently departed from Canned Heat. Mandel replaced Jon Mark on guitar, while Harris, known for his electric violin, joined to replace saxophonist Johnny Almond. The album's themes revolve around Mayall's romance with Nancy Throckmorton, prominently featured in the album's photography by Throckmorton herself.
"USA Union" features a distinctive lineup with Mayall on piano and harmonica, Mandel on electric guitar, Harris on electric violin, and Taylor on bass, creating a unique blend of blues and jazz without drums. The album includes socially conscious tracks like "Nature's Disappearing," addressing environmental issues, alongside personal reflections on romance.
Following "USA Union," the lineup would be featured in Mayall's "Back to the Roots" set, which included other notable alumni like Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. Mayall continued the drumless format for one more album, "Memories," before evolving his sound further.
