The aptly titled jazz trio Union is a Chicago jazz scene super group, whose name is derived from their very first recording venue; Union Church in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Paul Wertico, widely remembered as drummer of Pat Metheny Group for many years met Chicago jazz piano aficionado Laurence Hobgood in 1991. They quickly became great friends, and when Wertico hit it off with upright bass addict Brian Torff, the idea of a forming a super group was too good not to pursue.
Likened in sound to the extravagant piano led jazz of Bill Evans or Carla Bley, Union takes both jazz standards and improv to new heights with the idea of complete equality as a trio. In effect the dark and brooding mystery of Wertico's drumming and Torff's steadfast rigidity at the bottom end is just as necessary as the keys.
Union's rapport with Naim is still present today, as we continue to work with both Laurence Hobgood and Paul Wertico. Brian Torff has gone on to perform with Tony Bennett, Larry Coryell and George Shearing and compose for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Pittsburg Symphony.