mjazzg

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

that takes me back...

I did the same with very similar conclusions. I could have taken some of the bombast (I was a teenage Heavy Metal fan after all) if Washington's playing stood up to it. To my ears it didn't so his solos had the effect of deflating the "atmosphere" that was created by the massed choirs etc. I like that he's popular and everyone and their dog are supposedly listening to him and i'll continue to give it an occasional spin to see whether my reactions change which is the luxury of Spotify.

The pointlessness of the third place play off feels even more acute when your team's involved. It will not be long before no one remembers the runners up let alone third and fourth place. I predict it'll be a Belgian victory but will both manager's play their second XI's as a group match rematch?

resident in the 53rd state

that's what happens when you come from the best country in the world

and thereby betrays a great misunderstanding of the psyche of the nation with regard to that phrase and this competition

Best team won. The skill of the Croatian midfield really shone through Very inexperienced and young England team exceeded my expectations by far

But also Martinez changed formation to make Lukaku the spearhead and therefore became overly reliant on him performing. Against Brazil it was three up front, with Lukaku out wide and they were unstoppable at times going forward Football was always played better in our memories

I like this description and it holds with my impressions of seeing him live too. Next week in London with Five Elements, can't wait

Not too sure who you're referring to here but no-one's making you watch it

Football's a sport not an art. We fans romantically talk about artists on the pitch and the aesthetics but we're only the fans. For the players it's a win or lose competition, not art. I really appreciated both sides' displays tonight. France defended marvellously and also created chances. Belgium failed to take their chances but created some good ones. If you can't appreciate the skills on display tonight from Hazard, De Bruyne, Mbappe, Varane, Pogba, Matuidi, Lloris then you're watching the wrong sport. The fact that there are more French names, and defenders at that, in that list goes some way to explain why they won

We'll see

Terrific match. Well played France. Great to see Mbappe in the final

Really enjoyed that half of football.

Not for me, they're not. Love them all as well as Kikuchi's solo and trio ECM discs