UNION

Ry Cooder starts the day here, his 1972 album Boomer’s Story has always been a fave.. Open till 6PM today, 11 till 4 Sunday, come say hi..

Tonight’s listening is straight out of the to drawer. Charles Gayle’s mercurial, inquisitive mind alongside Parker’s relentless drive and heart provide the perfect pairing to provide Ali with a beautiful tribute to a long lost friend. Just stunning from start to finish.

Thanks @mojomagazine.bsky.social for a lovely piece on the legend that is Chip Taylor. His new album The Truth And Other Things plays out like an intimate conversation between old, old friends. Chip's in his eighties now but still possesses the kindest of hearts.. Media folks, PM me for a copy!

I think Zoh Amba will produce something magnificent at some point. This isn’t that but it’s mighty fine nonetheless and my favourite music she’s produced this far.

Amazing haul from @hivemindrecords.bandcamp.com Absolutely loving each and every one. Very pleased to be a Hive Mind stockist..

Hank Mobley - High Voltage
I was a Christmas temp at HMV and used to head onto shop floor and grab cassettes of the rack and give them a spin on my lunchbreak. That cover was just so alluring..

Sunday morning on the west coast hanging with the cool cats...

Russ Freeman, Stu Williamson, Red Mitchell, Mel Lewis, Jack Nimitz, Carl Fontana, Bud Shank and the inimitable Bill Perkins. Open till 4PM, come say hi..

Prepping for tonight Six Organs Of Admittance gig with some equally sublime Megafaun from 2011 which is perfectly setting the tone.. Open till 6PM, come say hi.

Andrew Barker, William Parker and Jon Irabagon - Bakunawa (CD)

Andrew Barker, William Parker and Jon Irabagon. This has become a firm favourite last couple of months. Well worth a listen, jazz heads..

This is already shaping up into a Jackie McLean kind of day.. Open till 6PM, come chat some jazz..

American Free, by Forbes / Young / Walter 3 track album

This is like being hit by a train. Mike Forbes, Andrew Scott Young, Weasel Walter. American Free from 2009 on ugExplode label. A glorious, relentless, ear-bruising decent into the abyss!! Good morning all :)

ugexploderecords.bandcamp.com/album/americ...

There is some extraordinary music here, ‘Joy’ alone has notes and runs that bring on emotions I never knew I had. A slightly crumpled CD version…

I’m searchin’ for my mainline… Kicking off the day with Sister Ray on very loud. A banger!! Open till 6PM, be great to see you..

A UK ‘68 first press of Miles Davis’ Miles In The Sky kicks off Friday here at UNION. The first step into fusion from the great second quintet… This is a JOY!

This sounds wonderful!

Bill Frisell - "Surfer Girl" (at the Fretboard Journal) YouTube video by Fretboard Journal

Just having one of those 'sponge' days where I am determined to soak up as much artistic goodness as I can. This from my one of my heroes, the inimitable Bill Frisell, that doyen of the frets and Titan of Tone! Just magnificent.

youtu.be/fnDZ7yb5g-c

Ooh, no! I will have a look. Thanks for the heads up Roz

Ornette Coleman - Town Hall 1962. 1969 UK pressing (Fontana)

A ‘69 UK pressing. This still sounds vital and way ahead.. Ornette Coleman from ‘62 live in NYC. #fire

Humility In The Light Of The Creator YouTube video by Joseph Jarman - Topic

Right now this fire music is providing the ballast between me and the crazies. I play loud and often. #lifechanging

youtu.be/_5REk36egUo?...

Day just got a million times better. A ‘67 UK ‘Kulu Se Mama’ in tip top condition just came in. This will be coming home with me…

Kicking off the day with a glorious dollop of Wayne Shorter and his ‘66 album Adam’s Apple. Open here till 6PM, be great to see you..

Aorta YouTube video by Paul Van Gysegem Sextet - Topic

Never knew this record existed till yesterday, amazing what you can stumble into on You Tube. This is from '71, a Flemish free jazz ensemble led by bassist Paul Van Gysegem that certainly deserves some time if your ears are of a freer persuasion. Really good! www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUA...

Under The Influence | @dannythechamp.bsky.social
On tour now in support of astonishing new album, You Are Not A Stranger Here, Danny George Wilson shares four records so influential he hid them in his latest video... bit.ly/DannyChamps @bigmouthpublicity.bsky.social @unionmusicstore.bsky.social

A lovely hour or so of browsing and jazz chat at the excellent @unionmusicstore.bsky.social Picked up these 2 beauties

Miles Davis - sorcerer Early 90s reissue (Columbia)

Glorious melodies delicately unpicked and resown as a slight off-kilter masterpiece. A band at the absolute zenith of their powers.

I can see where this is heading! Open till 6PM today, sun is shining, it’s a lovely day..

Had the great pleasure of meeting Joe when this record came out as was working at jazz dept in HMV and he came in for a signing. Lovely man, lovely record!

Ralph McLean - Country - Chip Taylor - BBC Sounds Ralph talks with songwriter Chip Taylor about his new album, The Truth and Other Things.

The Mighty McLean talking to songwriting legend Chip Taylor about his new triple album, his love of Ireland, and his ongoing battle with cancer. It's a beautiful thing.. Thanks @ralphmclean.bsky.social Always appreciated!

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Stephen Simmons. Drink Ring Jesus. We set our sights here on an album which was originally released back in 2006 and then kind of disappeared. It’s popped back up into view due to a vinyl pressing by the UK label Unspun Heroes whose…

With my Ark PR head on, lovely to see @blabbernsmoke.bsky.social review the @stephensimmons.bsky.social vinyl reissue of his masterful Drink Ring Jesus album on @unspunheroes.com

'a stark yet warming slice of a man’s soul, masterfully delivered....'

paulkerr.wordpress.com/2025/03/12/s...

I did a five mile 'Free Jazz Jaunt' around the South Downs listening to Roscoe Mitchell's 'Sound' and Kidd Jordan's 'On Fire'. A head cleanse for sure!