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A half that exposes the creative deficit in midfield in this England side, no chances created of any note because no-one's passing forward. We should be able to beat this team

Here we go. England's first real test. Sweden in a World Cup QF has to be a major motivation if another were needed

£8 seems to be the standard handling fee I get hit with on occasion. Maybe it costs more to handle a Mosaic set, kid gloves perhaps? Or is handling more precise and skilful north of the border? Mind you, you did get a letter, I only ever get a postcard

David Murray, Fred Hopkins, Stanley Crouch - Live At The Peace Church [Danola Records]

One man's soufflé is another man's T-bone or at the very least a reheated quiche...

I'd agree with you. Whilst the solo drum track is interesting the vocal tracks are "interesting". Still glad to have the album though, it's Chico of this period

David Murray Chamber Jazz Quartet - The People's Choice [Cecma] Plugged this Murray gap recently. An interesting date with Abdul Wadud onboard which is always a bonus. Atypical of Murray's sessions at the time perhaps

And I'd agree with them (if I could speak Flemish). I'd say Croatia, Uruguay and Brazil have looked better than Belgium who apart from tonight have only beaten Tunisia, Panama and England in the battle of second XIs. They have potential and they'll need realise it to get beyond Brazil

great match. Well played Belgium. Tough on Japan and good substitutions from Martinez

showing their height, more like

It's still a mystery how Martinez ever got the job

Beginning to be pleased that England didn't win the group now Japan are impressive

John Coltrane - Olé Coltrane [Atlantic, mono reissue]

I guess we're talking about this album being on the Fresh Sound https://www.discogs.com/Chico-Hamilton-Quintet-With-Strings-Attached/release/1352090 in which case, I really enjoy it for the arranging and everyone's playing, not least Dolphy's. I'm now intrigued as to what else might be on the FS compilation so heading back to Discogs @Guy Berger, I know what you mean but I've really warmed to this album as a bit of an outlier in the catalogue as it has a mix of strings and non-strings tracks where that quintet sound comes to the fore again.

Well it is music written to be performed at religious ceremony so the religious element is pretty upfront and central. It's largely vocal and chant-based. That being said I find it a joyous and rewarding listen (and I'm of no faith). The concert where the Ashram choir performed these pieces in London last year was one of my most moving musical experiences. I wouldn't discount trying to sample it somewhere if you can. It's very recognisably Alice Coltrane music, I think

It didn't. They failed to take advantage of an opening twenty minutes when they had Brazil on the ropes. Neymar won another Oscar nomination as well

mi might be worth dropping an email to the Westbrook site to see if they have US distribution? http://www.westbrookjazz.co.uk/westbrookrecords/index.shtml

I'm looking forward to Mexico blowing the competition even wider open this afternoon

Yukihiro Isso Trio - SakuSyaku [tohyohyo music] purchased at an astonishing performance by this great musician, at Cafe Oto last night

Major poster campaign on London's underground too. Something very reassuring about seeing Tranes's face on the way to and from work. First Jazz album I can remember (apart from Kamasi!!) to have such a campaign

Well, another favourite falls and the competition gets more open. It's always the most cruel way to lose. Sad for Iniesta, his last competition

apart from pass it prettily outside the the Russian box. Fabregas on UK TV asking why they still have two defensive midfielders on the pitch. Which is a very good question I'll still not be surprised if my favourite player doesn't score a winning header with 2 minutes left

And who can blame them. Spain seem to have no plan B. just as I type that Spain (Iniesta,of course) finally put one over the top for Aspas to chase, they need to mix it up a bit

Spain really should be strong enough, even without Iniesta, surely

Bobby Naughton - Solo Vibraphone [Otic] now that No Business is reissuing 'The Haunt' I wonder if this will receive similar treatment. Although I bought this copy direct rom source only a couple of years ago so maybe there are still enough LPs to sell