mjazzg

To be frank, it's not that hard to beat, English players are overrated due to the fact that they play in the most popular league in the world... I couldn't agree more. They are flattered by the overall skill levels in the league and when they are exposed to open comparison in an international competition it becomes obvious that few them are as good as their reputations (and as good as they think they are). This isn't helped by the hype over promising English players that are talked up in our media to be potential world beaters but aren't. The classic example of that is Rooney who is no way near as good as his reputation suggests - instead he's as good as his World Cup and Euro competition performance suggest. He might have been better but as with many English players early potential seems never to be realised (let's see what happens to Ross Barkley). The English football team always seems to be playing tactical catch up and look out of date tactically. As Papsrus suggests not until a root and branch reallignment of the English system is undertaken will this change. Meanwhile I'm really enjoying watching the high-pressing, high tempo, counter-attacking approach of Chile, Costa Rica and Colombia (born from Bielsa) - it does look like a potent way forward. I'm intrigued to see what happens when one of them play either France or Germany who are putting a premium on possession. The Dutch seem to have the potential to play this new style as well as a more 'European' possession approach which may well stand them in good stead. So far a thoroughly enjoyable competition. today's clash between Brazil and Chile looks intriguing - Vamos Chile!

Congrats to USA for qualifying from "The Group of Death"

But before Van Bommel went he taught de Jong everything he knew.....

That Brotzmann/Noble/Adasiewicsz on Otoroku has been out for a while already. The vinyl at least, it's impressive

I think Sun Rooms is, not unsurprisingly given the trio format, where Adasiewicsz comes into his own. A lot of the success of the band is also down to Mike Reed though. Both albums are well worth investigating. Live they burn

Robben's as big a cheat as he is a talent when it comes to diving. Always has been wherever he's played. It's a real stain on what should be a reputation as one of the game's great talents. Looks like Suarez needs help along with a very long ban, lifetime wouldn't go amiss

Marion Brown Septet - Juba Lee {Fontana Japan]

Their last duo came out on Bro so could be a repeat. Trost's a good bet too

I'm not usually a great fan of strings/vocals but I do think Akinmusire often uses them to very good effect - sparingly and never in a way that's overly romantic/cloying. I also admire his willingness to engage in social commentary on these albums - he addresses some important issues and it's not often that's done these days

Sun Rooms is a must buy for me as is the duet with Brotzmann - do you which label or is it Delmark also?

Holland v Chile. I hope this lives up to its potential

I enjoyed his playing with Steve Coleman and I was impressed with his first leader date "Prelude:To Cora". That sounded like a young, frech voice with plenty to say - good playing and compostions. The signng to Blue note seems to have polished some necessary edge away and i don't necessarily disagree with 'bland' and think the productions of the two Blue Notes detracts, there's a fluffiness that seems to sap some good playing of any real bite. Compositionally I hear him having too much to say and not quite yet having the editorial skills to hone it - I often feel the somewhat portentous and lengthy album titles are indicative overall of where the whole package is at. Yet I feel there's still enough talent in there to keep listening.

Engraved in the Wind is a fantastic album - Enjoy!

Abdullah - Life force [About Time]

Another victory for high pressing, high tempo attacking football. Well deserved qualification into round of 16

England hang on and then self-destruct. Super Suarez. Forza Azzurri!

Yes, I wondered about that. But if there are just three pitches involved, the manipulation of those pitches would have to be pretty darn ingenious to be regarded as ingenious. Indeed. One man's "ingenious", another man's "and so?"....

Marion Brown - Sweet Earth Flying [abc/Impulse]

Feeling a bit uneasy about the 'must win' nature of this evening's game - not feeling as confident as i'd like to. Here's hoping we don't follow Spain on the homweward trail. Colombia v. Ivory Coast could be an entertaining appetiser to calm the nerves But we're all supporting Chile now, aren't we....

Marion Brown/Gunter Hampel - Gemini [birth]

No doubt he is, aren't we all at times? But in tis instance, I wonder as my understanding is that "ingenuosly" doesn't necessarily mean with any degree of originality, does it? Just that it's cleverly constructed as were the other examples, presumably. May even be more clevely constructed depending on the letters in the name thats being represented? Just my thoughts....

Sam Rivers - Crystals (Impulse/abc] the one Rivers album I've never regarded as highly as the many others I own. Sounding good today though, maybe a reevaluation is in the offing

Sam Rivers - Sizzle [impulse] thanks to B.Clugson for the prompt. Lovely session

I bet that's what the rest of the Portuguese team think too

Thanks relyles for the review. It means that combined with Leeway's earlier commentary i've followed the festival from afar with much interest and no little envy. I share your enthusiasm for Nicole Mitchell and would love to see that band or any other she graces. She's one musician that's not made it over here yet and I can't wait for her to do so