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Johnny Lytle - Soulful Rebel [Milestone]

Your use of the phrase "Johnny Foreigner" in this context says so much more about your perspective than all your other well chosen words.

I've always been impressed by Wallen on the all too rare occasions I've seen him. On a very non-Jazz note I saw a jaw-droppingly good performance by Godspeed You! Black Emperor accompanying the Holy Body Tattoo dance group. Not for the faint-hearted.

new discovery. Lovely summer sounds

Done. Thanks for keeping this space open, up and running. Very much appreciated, Jim

Thanks for posting. Good to have news of new Seim and Gustavsen albums

Believe me, there are very many English and most definitely UK citizens who'd ditch that dirge in a trice. I find it an embarrassment and it's sentiments wholly outdated but then I'm a rabid republican It actually amuses me most of the time (but not all the time hence this post, I guess)the ire that the England football team seems to generate. For an average and limited team that's over performed and brought joy to a nation of football fans and non-fans alike they have certainly generated a disproportionate amount of discussion. (maybe it's the power of my and Sidewinder's prose? oops arrogance alert...) I'm never sure whether it's a product of history, footballing or otherwise, the current political situation with respect to EU, a largely outdated view of English fans or simply that the players' public profiles outstrip their ability. A lot's been written on this board about English arrogance which seems to be based on our media's reaction and one song "Football's coming home" the context of which has been sorely misunderstood. Thanks to Brad and Dmitry for even handed posts that completely avoid the sweeping national stereotypes of other posters. Anyhow, thankfully or otherwise we can now focus on France (often regarded as arrogant in the UK, the irony ) and Croatia. Allez Bleues!! Except for one follow up question... I didn't ask they'd done since the seventies did I? The discusion was about now, remind me again, how did Holland do in this WC? Well enough to be average in quality and bereft of creativity? Or does that describe the Dutch side's failure to qualify?

How did Holland do?

My problem with the album was that this was Apartheid era South Africa ...how were relationships between Simon and African musicians ever going to transcend that, fair payment or otherwise (apologies if this is politicising the thread - moderator please delete post if so) As Dali Tambo, the founder of Artists Against Apartheid and son of the African National Congress leader Oliver Tambo, notes in the film: "We were saying to artists across the world that at this point in the history of South Africa [1985], the expression of your support must be non-participatory. You can't go there. The way in which you interact with other people is on a free basis between free people."

Hazard and De Bruyne a class apart today and it was very apparent that the Belgian team has 3 times as many international caps as this England side. A good WC for England nonetheless, exceeding expectations and making the most of their strengths and the draw they were dealt. It will be interesting to see how Southgate develops the team (by leaving Sterling out, hopefully) over the two years to the Euros when football will be coming home again! For Belgium, has to be an opportunity missed

John Coltrane - Coltrane Plays The Blues [Atlantic, mono reissue]

Interesting, thanks. I'd not heard of the Hazard/Barca flirting. Mbappe would be an exciting option though. It the short to medium term it might be better all round if they can develop options that mean they don't rely so heavily on one player to score.

Yes, that book's on the "to read" list. Maybe good WC replacement therapy for next week. Fascinating relationship between the cities and the football clubs. I just find Lowe's style a bit unnecessarily florid at times. I invariably enjoy the subject of his articles but find his writing style trips me up (a bit like a Colombian defender ) What's your take on Ronaldo's transfer as an RM fan, Brad? Timely good business or short-sighted error? And, can Bale step up or will they need Hazard plug the gap? I'd love to see Bale given the chance as I think he's another great footballer

Enjoyed this analysis of the French side and Deschamps approach to forging a team rather than focussing on individuals https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/12/didier-deschamps-france-world-cup-final-belgium made me think that you could substitute Southgate for Deschamps in many of the sentences. England just need the players of experience and quality. Two or Four year's time I'm not always convinced by Lowe's writing but this is a good read. By any measures Ronaldo's an astonishing player and the way he has managed his career and maintained that physical prowess shows nothing but great dedication. I could do without the narcissism but I suspect that's all part of the same package. Totti played until he was 40 in Italy so I can't see why Ronaldo won't. As Lowe points out the way he's changed his game to adapt to advancing years is very clever and, in an entirely different way, reminiscent of Pirlo and his golden later years at Juve. He's just a very exciting footballer and as that free-kick against Spain in the opening match showed there's an uncanny inevitability about him performing. Having said that, the less I see of the shorts hike at free-kicks the better, especially around meal times...

Conjoint - A Few Empty Chairs Conjoint are a recent discovery. Karl Berger playing with techno and electronic artists from 10 or so years ago. As a big Berger fan I love it and pleased there's other albums

Yeah, took me a while to find one that I could justify paying for

In a way I find it oddly comforting that the press in other countries can be as bad as ours. as for the TV commentary, just laughable in its pomposity at times. Don't get me started on Roy Keane's punditry (Oh, Ok then I will, if you all insist) - the man who walked away from WC pressure criticising players for not being able to handle the pressure of a WC semi-final...maybe true but pot meet kettle

I'm now playing this one to complete the afternoon's Lawsha listen (unless I get to the studio Firebirds next) I've been confused by the three volumes for years - different line ups, different festivals, partial CD reissues but I got there in the end If you like volume 1 you'll have no worries with volume 3, unless short LPs worry you. It clocks in at just over 31 minutes but 31 terrific minutes - quality not quantity

Keep flying the flag on that island, won't you.

Prince Lawsha - Firebirds Live At Berkeley Jazz Festival, volume 2 no Bobby H on this one

That volume 3 has Bobby Hutcherson on too.

Prince Lawsha - Firebirds Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival, volume III [Birdseye] Buster Williams!

And again...teenage angst anyone?

I'm trying to picture how that works...good luck