Clunky

I've now realised that I own Vol 2 and 3 but not 1 . Good music

The British media were no less jingoistic in the 48hrs or so running up to kick off. The commentary on TV here was as overinflated as it gets but a least it didn’t disparage the Croatians (too much)

Freddie McCoy————Peas and Rice———-(Prestige) RVG 1967 Joanne Brackeen on the piano or organ on all tracks bar one. Pleasant album with some variety and just enough grease.

I’ve not really thought about this until this thread but I realise that I’ve viewed Rouse with or without Monk as almost two different players. He’s always been a solid if not spectacular player. A bit like Junior Cook or George Coleman ( in my eyes) I’m bemused about how apparently controversial his contributions to Monk’s output are. More contentious to my mind was why Monk didn’t develop, progress or otherwise move on the group with Rouse. Now don’t get me wrong but whilst I love all the Colombia studio albums they’re all pretty much interchangeable. They solidified his tunes through repetition in a way that Bud Powell should have dealt with his compositions. Despite that virtue they lack ambition.

Speaking of neutral, that’s me and the England team for much of the first half. They deserved a win by some margin but the likes of Croatia will give them a fright if they are that tentative next game. Pickford is pretty damn great. Arsenal could do with someone with his skill set. Ol , just a half decent goalie would be nice.

The game took its time to get going. Pretty dull until the first goal. Good for England’s confidence. Swedes not really made a game of it.

He seemed in fine form when he performed at the Playhouse, Edinburgh under 2 weeks ago. He was the only performer not to leave the stage at any point in the 2 plus set. He was full of energy and his usual chat. He referred to a diagnosis of prostate cancer. I wish him a speedy recovery. His music has helped me for forty years. Big fan❤️

Elvis Costello--------This year's model-------( Radar U.K.) Elvis cancelled the rest of his European tour today. A few weeks ago when I saw him perform he referred to having had prostatic cancer. He's now been advised to rest. Prostatic surgery can bring all manner of complications. I hope he gets better soon. Spinning this title. Pump it up and Chelsea prompted me to buy ths as a thirteen year old. As I've indicated previously I've not looked back. Vamos Elvis !

Lucky Thompson said hello to the soprano earlier than Trane (not so sure about Lacy). I for one have been enjoying the soprano tracks on the recent issue.

My set arrived with UK customs four days after Mosaic posted it. It then sits in customs for nearly 2 weeks before they send me a letter detailing import fees. This was mainly a handling fee of nearly £12 !! I wondered what the fee would have been if they acted more swiftly 🤤

Tokyo 1981 just arrived. Sound is well balanced but slightly shaky mono. It’s perfectly adequate and so far my impression is that the band have their A game on. I’m glad I didn’t bother with getting the LP version as the audio quality isn’t up to it. For Shaw fans not audiophiles.

Didn’t make for good viewing by a neutral. Fortunately dull games have been a relatively rare occurrence in this year’s competition.

Yosuke Yamashita———Dazzling Days————(Verve Jpn) Such a great composer and musician.

Please stop 🛑. This set isn’t a reality yet this side of the pond. I hope it arrives soon as I’ve got nothing else to listen to 😮

I don’t know these two but I’d speculate that they’d be more than interesting. His own dates seem to be at least as interesting as the ones with Bobby Bradford. Fields and Castles of Ghana are excellent as is the release on No Business.

A very fine one but ‘Live at Pep’s’ is my favourite.

England had lots of energy but less than zero creativity. Tunisia were fairly passive and no doubt would have celebrated a draw with more enthusiasm than they offered on the pitch. On balance England deserved the win - just.

Well deserved indeed. Mexico's win was the highlight of the day's play. Germany appeared pretty diffident. I'm sure they'll improve and wake up to their own combined talent.

Peru unlucky as they had the better game

As a neutral I thought it was as good an advert for World Cup football that could ever be wished for. Spain were sensational and would have deserved victory until that free kick. Ronaldo is unbelievable.

The Wallington Prestige’s are excellent. I think New York Scene is my favourite. Carriage Trade I recall being less urgent and bit more polite

Package arrived but not opened as I’m watching the footie.

I’ve had to dispose of around sixty 78s to regain some control of the spread of my collection around the house. They’re going to Oxfam as it’s just too much hassle to try and sell. None are especially valuable as it is. Being kept however is this very worn disc, an edge bite just into the music but despite its worn appearance it plays pretty well. Charlie Jackson ——The cats got the measles/ I got what it takes but it breaks my heart to give it away ———( Paramount) Ukelele blues , serous stuff. I’ve three Paramount shellac discs. All in poor condition but all testament to extraordinary musicians in extraordinary times.

LP2 of the new reissue of Hot Lotta has 5 tracks (30mins) of material recorded for radio prior to the ten day tour that culminated in “Hot Lotta” . Sound is of the same high standard. This issue comes with Brotzmann’s cooperation and includes his memories of the tour and album. It seems to be very much of a piece with LP hot and fierce. I like the contrasting use of flute/ piccolo flute or tenor sax by Aaltonen. Both sessions in excellent stereo sound with Aaltonen left and Brotzmann right channels respectively.

I’ve not played LP2 but hopefully tonight. Stand by 🙏