This week's additions focus on dreamy jazzy vocal ballads from newer releases,
 |
| Annie Lennox Photo by Mike Owen |
Thursday, July 30, 2015
InstaCollection - Current Dreamy Vocal Numbers
InstaCollection! - start or freshen up your jazz collection with Kendo recommends! Buy downloads for your phone/pc using the handy links or just load the titles into your favorite music streaming service!
This week's additions focus on dreamy jazzy vocal ballads from newer releases,
ones that I happen to spin a lot on the shows. La Lucha's "The Way You Look Tonight" is simply stunning, reharmonized but with reverence for the melody and lyrics, and profound performances from both vocalist Jun and pianist John C. O'Leary III. You may not have heard of them, but I consider this an essential recording. Diana Krall's "I'm Not In Love" also shows respect for the original recording by 70's band 10cc, but with modern emotion and a breathtaking production. Hardly jazz... but great music! It's hard to pick just one cut from Annie Lennox's "Nostalgia" album, but her heart-on-sleeve crooning for "You Belong to Me" is gripping and the arrangement is fresh & lush; this album also wonderfully recorded. Ah - I just realized these are all love songs. Always a plus! Enjoy!! - Kendo
This week's additions focus on dreamy jazzy vocal ballads from newer releases,
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Playlist for 7-28-2014 WFCF - Jazz Greats!
"Galaxy Piano" - Lambieb123 (Laura)
watercolor
Visit the artist's website!
watercolor
Visit the artist's website!
No theme, just a bunch of cool people I found on my Twitter followers page! Turning out to be a fine show! Tune in by clicking here. See you there! - Kendo
Hour One:
Zach Bartholomew Trio - "Stop and Go" - Out of This Town (2012)
Jacky Terrason - "Take Five" - Take This (2014)
3:15 Jazz Coffee Break
La Lucha - "Don't Talk" - La Lucha (2012)
Greg Little - "Late Night Tea" - Dreamwalker (2003)
Alfredo Rodriguez - "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas" - Invasion Parade (2013)
Harvey Mason - "Montara" - Chameleon (2013)
Arturo O'Farrill - "Mercado en Domingo" - The Offense of the Drum (2013)
Jill Wofsey - "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" - I'm Flying (2005)
Lynne Arriale - "Evidence" - Solo (2011)
Hour Two:
Elias Haslanger - "Adam's Apple" - Live at the Gallery (2013)
Brigitte Zarie - "Where There Is Love" - L'amour (2013)
Eric Reed - "Manhattan Melodies" - Groovewise (2014)
Quincy Jones - "One Note Samba" - Big Band Bossa Nova (1962)
Matthew Kaminski - "Turn to Stone" - Swingin' On the New Hammond (2013)
 | |
| Randy Johnston! |
Randy Johnston - "Garden State" - People Music (2011)
Peter Zak - "The Disciple" - The Disciple (2013)
Eli Bennett - "Step On It" - Breakthrough ()
{background music "Joe Harnell - "The Asphalt Jungle" - The Asphalt Jungle}
Hour Three:
Larry Coryell - "Tyrone" - Planet End (1969) Ride Home!
Allison Paris - "Crazy He Calls Me" - Second Chances (2003)
Emanuele Coluccia - "Dexter" - Jazzlito (1999)
Chris Higginbottom - "The Wide Open" - Where Lands End ()
Brianna Thomas - "Don't Be That Way" - You Must Believe In Love (2013)
Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - "Butterfly" - Intents and Purposes (2014)
 |
| tasteful drummer Matt Kane |
Jason Miles/Ingrid Jensen - "Super City" - Kind of New (2014)
Hour Four:
Matt Kane Trio - "Big Six" - Suit Up! (2013)
Judy Wexler - "Tomorrow Is Another Day" - What I See (2013)
Jacques Lesure - "Grantgomery" - Camaraderie (2014)
Cassandra Wilson - "I'll Be Seeing You" - Coming Forth By Day (2014)
George Cables - "After The Morning" - In Good Company (2015)
Aimee Allen - "My Romance" - Matter of Time New Jazz (2014)
Heads of State - "Search For Peace" - Search For Peace (2015)
New Jazz
New Jazz
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Long-Ass Car Ride Review! - Sam Boshnack, Adam Schroeder
Long-Ass Car Ride Reviews: I take long-ass car rides, I listen to entire albums, I
let you know if they're worthwhile.
This week's albums have nice, unusual sound combinations, careful arrangements and a welcome sense of fun!
Sam Boshnack Quintet - Exploding Syndrome (2014) - 7/10
Samantha Boshnack - trumpet, flugelhorn; Beth Fleenar - clarinet, bass clarinet; Dawn Clement - piano, wurlitzer, keyboards; Isaac Castillo -- upright bass; Max Wood - drums, percussion
In a word: remarkable
The album starts off in a positive, fun mood and gradually descends into heaviness and seriousness. This is, after all, chamber jazz. The unique, singable repeated melodies in the first couple of cuts are selling points, and the playing is very strong at times. These are very, very well groomed compositions with fun twists and turns; the players obviously love the music; all originals penned by Boshnack. The sounds and instrument combinations are almost always delightful. The best cut is "Suite for Seattle's Royal Court Movement 1"'; "Juba" and "Dormant" also are ear/brain pleasers. The album lost a point for the slowly building headiness and especially for the crazed vocal moment in the title track (the only actual "exploding" on the cd) it's rather ridiculously out of place and disconcerting, it briefly ruins the otherwise superb vibe. Still - this is fresh and vital music performed exuberantly. Looking for something different and satisfying - this is it.
Adam Schroeder - Let's (2013) 8/10
Adam Schroeder - baritone sax, Anthony Wilson - guitar, John Clayton - bass, Jeff Hamilton - drums
In a word - remarkable
With one of the best baritone sax sounds on earth - it's hard not to thoroughly enjoy this release, with the killer Clayton/Hamilton rhythm section in peak form, and the striking combo of guitar and bari, Anthony Wilson being the perfect foil for Schroeder in every way. Much of the album has a playful and lighthearted mood, thanks to selections like Duke Pearson's "Hello Bright Sunflower" and the old standard "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams". There are some unusual and striking surprises like Sam Coslow's "In the Middle of a Kiss" and Thad Jone's title track. Adam Schroeder is also blessed with sheer musicality; he's always saying something, and often just enough, only breaking into bebop staple licks (very well executed) on the burner "A Hawkeye, a Hoosier & Two Call Cats". The ballads are lovely and meaningful. The best tune is a Schroeder original - the funky and fun "Just Clap Your Hands", written for his daughter. Great jazz in the new millennium - you will enjoy this one.
 |
| Adam Schroeder |
This week's albums have nice, unusual sound combinations, careful arrangements and a welcome sense of fun!
Samantha Boshnack - trumpet, flugelhorn; Beth Fleenar - clarinet, bass clarinet; Dawn Clement - piano, wurlitzer, keyboards; Isaac Castillo -- upright bass; Max Wood - drums, percussion
In a word: remarkable
The album starts off in a positive, fun mood and gradually descends into heaviness and seriousness. This is, after all, chamber jazz. The unique, singable repeated melodies in the first couple of cuts are selling points, and the playing is very strong at times. These are very, very well groomed compositions with fun twists and turns; the players obviously love the music; all originals penned by Boshnack. The sounds and instrument combinations are almost always delightful. The best cut is "Suite for Seattle's Royal Court Movement 1"'; "Juba" and "Dormant" also are ear/brain pleasers. The album lost a point for the slowly building headiness and especially for the crazed vocal moment in the title track (the only actual "exploding" on the cd) it's rather ridiculously out of place and disconcerting, it briefly ruins the otherwise superb vibe. Still - this is fresh and vital music performed exuberantly. Looking for something different and satisfying - this is it.
Adam Schroeder - Let's (2013) 8/10
Adam Schroeder - baritone sax, Anthony Wilson - guitar, John Clayton - bass, Jeff Hamilton - drums
In a word - remarkable
With one of the best baritone sax sounds on earth - it's hard not to thoroughly enjoy this release, with the killer Clayton/Hamilton rhythm section in peak form, and the striking combo of guitar and bari, Anthony Wilson being the perfect foil for Schroeder in every way. Much of the album has a playful and lighthearted mood, thanks to selections like Duke Pearson's "Hello Bright Sunflower" and the old standard "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams". There are some unusual and striking surprises like Sam Coslow's "In the Middle of a Kiss" and Thad Jone's title track. Adam Schroeder is also blessed with sheer musicality; he's always saying something, and often just enough, only breaking into bebop staple licks (very well executed) on the burner "A Hawkeye, a Hoosier & Two Call Cats". The ballads are lovely and meaningful. The best tune is a Schroeder original - the funky and fun "Just Clap Your Hands", written for his daughter. Great jazz in the new millennium - you will enjoy this one.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Playlist for 7-21-2015 WFCF - Jazz Greats!
No theme today just some favorite tracks, cuts from recently acquired albums and a few requests! Tune in for the best jazz in my collection starting at 3pm today (Tuesday 7/21). Listen online by clicking here. Say hi on Twitter! See you then - Kendo
Hour One:
Heads of State - "Impressions" - Search for Peace (2015)
Cecile McLorin Salvant - "Fog" - For One To Love (2015)
3:15 Jazz Coffee Break
Charlie Haden/Gonzalo Rubalcaba - "Sandino" - Tokyo Adagio (2015)
Alfredo Rodriguez - "Veinte Años" - The Invasion Parade (2013)
Etta James - "At Last" - At Last (1960)
Ella Fitzgerald - "Cheek to Cheek" - (1958)
Michael Brecker - "Slings and Arrows" - Tales from the Hudson (1996)
 |
| good set from Harry |
Harry Connick Jr - "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" - Oh, My NOLA (2006)
Sam Boshnack Quintet - "Juba" - Exploding Syndrome (2013)
Diana Krall - "I Remember You" - The Look of Love (2001)
Johnny Conquett - "Cry Cry Baby" - (195?)
Hour Two:
Art Blakey – “For Minors Only” – Hard Drive (1957)
Annie Lennox - "Summertime" - Nostalgia (2014)
Adam Schroeder - "Hello Bright Sunflower" - Let's (2013)
Tom Lagana Group - "Nature Boy" - featuring George Garzone Vol 1 (2013)
Freddie Hubbard - "Super Blue" - Super Blue (1978)
Shirley Horn - "That Old Black Magic" - With Horns (1963)
Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet - "Casa Del Sol" - Intercambio (2015)
Cassandra Wilson - "Crazy He Calls Me" - Coming Forth By Day (2014)
Hour Three:
Hank Mobley - "No Room for Squares" - No Room For Squares (1963) Ride Home!
Lee Konitz - "Sound-Lee" - Subconscious-Lee (1949)
 | |
| classic from Diana |
Russell Malone - "Amsterdam After Dark" - Love Looks Good On You (2014)
Jose James - "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" - Yesterday I Had the Blues (2014)
Art Pepper - "Junior Cat" - The Trip (1976)
Cal Tjader - "Money Penny Goes For Broke" - Sounds Out Burt Bacharach (1968)
Matthew Kaminski - "Kylu" - Swingin' On the New Hammond (2013)
Roberto Fonseca – “El Sonador esta Consado” – Yo (2011)
??
Hour Four:
Herbie Mann – “Memphis Underground” – Memphis Underground (1969)
Dave Brubeck Quartet – “Blue Rondo a la Turk” – Time Out (1959)
Barney Kessel – “Laura” – Summertime in Montreux (1973)
New Jazz
Soul Mann and the Brothers – “Bumpy’s Blues” – Shaft (1971)
New jazz
Vinyl
??
Miles Davis – “Straight No Chaser” – Milestones (1958)
Friday, July 17, 2015
InstaCollection - That Sound!
InstaCollection! - start or freshen up your jazz collection with Kendo recommends! Buy downloads for your phone/pc using the handy links or just load the titles into your favorite music streaming service!
These are 3 Blue Note recordings from 1964, 1965 & 1966, respectively, that feature Bobby Hutcherson on vibes - a regular at the label who brought freshness and a distinguishing mood to their catalog; defining a big part of the sixties mainstream jazz sound in the process. "Somewhere in the Night" is a mellow swing number with a very appealing melody. Grant Green sounds inspired by the heavy company: Larry Young, Elvin Jones and Hutcherson! Dexter Gordon's irresistible "Le Coiffeur" is one of his best; a perky quasi-cha-cha that has Bobby front and center and a great groove from drummer Billy Higgins. "Maiden Voyage" is from Bobby's own classic "Happenings" album, and sports the composer Herbie Hancock on an atmospheric, gently driving version of this great composition!
Grant Green - "Somewhere In the Night"
Dexter Gordon - "Le Coiffeur"
Bobby Hutcherson - "Maiden Voyage"
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| circa 1965 photo: Francis Wolff |
Grant Green - "Somewhere In the Night"
Dexter Gordon - "Le Coiffeur"
Bobby Hutcherson - "Maiden Voyage"
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Long-Ass Car Ride Review! Peter Bernstein, Chris Kelsey/Dom Minasi
Long-Ass Car Ride Reviews: I take long-ass car rides, I listen to albums, I let you know if they are worthwhile.
Peter Bernstein with the Tilden Webb Trio - Live at Cory Weeds' Cellar Jazz Club (2012) 7.25/10
In a word - satisfying
The album begins slightly ho-hum with the only original in the set: "Bones", a commonplace blues head. On the heels of that is the cd's standout track "Darn That Dream". Yep. It's a Cellar Live label release of straight-aheadness. Peter Bernstein's sincerity and quest for harmonic expression make this particular one quite worthwhile, and the trio is very supportive. Standard after standard receive Bernstein's full emotional commitment and technical expertise. "Darn That Dream" shows off his luscious guitar tones and constant stream of solid ideas that please and fascinate. "Love For Sale" features several very fine choruses, the final chordal one is especially fine. "Wise One" was a great choice to offset the warhorses, but would've fared better without the McCoy-isms and Elvin-isms. "Come Rain or Come Shine" sports the best solo from competent and swinging pianist Tilden Webb. Bassist Jodi Proznick takes a lengthy turn in "Django" and drummer Jesse Cahill finally gets some in "What Is This Thing Called Love", but mostly the unit does a great job in letting Bernstein shine, giving him plenty of comfort while he lets loose. Well played live jazz!
Chris Kelsey & Dom Minasi - Duets|NYC/Woodstock (2014) 6.25/10
In a word - Braxtony
The cons: First off - completely free jazz is not my bag. Seriously, whose bag is it? If it's yours, you can add another 2 points to the rating. Truth: the layman off the street won't be able to distinguish the middle of one track from the middle of another. There is nothing "new" here, it could easily be a recording from 1965. Finally - I think Dom Minasi is a great guitarist. It's hard to tell from the sound he emits on this release. Think Joe Cinderella on vinyl circa 1957, your stylus is shot and there's a healthy wad of dust under it, plus someone draped an old tee shirt over one of the speakers. About midway thru the album I got a slight headache coincidentally on the same side as Minasi's guitar is panned.
The pros: I never felt compelled to turn the cd off. Chris Kelsey is quite the gifted soprano saxophonist (highly evidenced during the last minute of the opener "Fondness & Trepidation"). His tone is great and both artists cover most of the emotional spectrum allowed by this sort of music. The necessary empathy between players is in abundance. The tunes (if I may use that word) are never boring and more often than not engaging (they can in fact be distinguished one from the other). The shorter cuts work best. "Tip Toe" was my favorite, and "Blues Ultimatum" and "That Ain't the Blues" are also highlights. If you are in the mood for this sort of thing, it will be a fine listen.
In a word - satisfying
The album begins slightly ho-hum with the only original in the set: "Bones", a commonplace blues head. On the heels of that is the cd's standout track "Darn That Dream". Yep. It's a Cellar Live label release of straight-aheadness. Peter Bernstein's sincerity and quest for harmonic expression make this particular one quite worthwhile, and the trio is very supportive. Standard after standard receive Bernstein's full emotional commitment and technical expertise. "Darn That Dream" shows off his luscious guitar tones and constant stream of solid ideas that please and fascinate. "Love For Sale" features several very fine choruses, the final chordal one is especially fine. "Wise One" was a great choice to offset the warhorses, but would've fared better without the McCoy-isms and Elvin-isms. "Come Rain or Come Shine" sports the best solo from competent and swinging pianist Tilden Webb. Bassist Jodi Proznick takes a lengthy turn in "Django" and drummer Jesse Cahill finally gets some in "What Is This Thing Called Love", but mostly the unit does a great job in letting Bernstein shine, giving him plenty of comfort while he lets loose. Well played live jazz!
In a word - Braxtony
The cons: First off - completely free jazz is not my bag. Seriously, whose bag is it? If it's yours, you can add another 2 points to the rating. Truth: the layman off the street won't be able to distinguish the middle of one track from the middle of another. There is nothing "new" here, it could easily be a recording from 1965. Finally - I think Dom Minasi is a great guitarist. It's hard to tell from the sound he emits on this release. Think Joe Cinderella on vinyl circa 1957, your stylus is shot and there's a healthy wad of dust under it, plus someone draped an old tee shirt over one of the speakers. About midway thru the album I got a slight headache coincidentally on the same side as Minasi's guitar is panned.
The pros: I never felt compelled to turn the cd off. Chris Kelsey is quite the gifted soprano saxophonist (highly evidenced during the last minute of the opener "Fondness & Trepidation"). His tone is great and both artists cover most of the emotional spectrum allowed by this sort of music. The necessary empathy between players is in abundance. The tunes (if I may use that word) are never boring and more often than not engaging (they can in fact be distinguished one from the other). The shorter cuts work best. "Tip Toe" was my favorite, and "Blues Ultimatum" and "That Ain't the Blues" are also highlights. If you are in the mood for this sort of thing, it will be a fine listen.
Playlist for 7-14-2015 WFCF - Jazz Greats!
I got some of the playlist done today! (I've been a little distracted lately, can you tell?) Nonetheless - there's a lot more cd in my bag, and I inherited more vinyl last week - we'll be digging into that, including original pressings of "The Best of Bethlehem" and a Pacific Jazz sampler! Lots of new jazz and plenty of variety... tune in via iHeart by clicking here. Say hi or follow the show on Twitter! See you then - Kendo
Hour One:
Jeff Rupert - "The Norfolk Southern RR" - From Memphis to Mobile (2009)
Gonzalo Rubalcaba - "Bouncin' With Bud" - Diz (1993)
3:15 Jazz Coffee Break
Allison Paris - "Don't Blame Me" - Second Chances (2003)
Teddy Charles - "The Quiet Time" - The Teddy Charles Tentet (1956)
Dinah Washington - "I Remember You" - What a Diff'rence a Day Makes (1959)
Peter Bernstein - "Darn That Dream" - With The Tilden Webb Trio (2012)
Cassandra Wilson - "Billie's Blues" - Coming Forth by day (2014)
Cory Weeds - "'Snuff" - Condition Blue (2014)
Aimee Allen - "Out of the Blue" - Matter of Time (2014)
Hour Two:
Larry Young - "Monk's Dream" - Unity (1965)
Art Tatum - "I'll See You In My Dreams" - Solo Masterpieces Volume Two (1953)
Wayne Shorter - "Go" - Schizophrenia (1967)
Larry Young - "The Moontrane" - Unity (1965)
Jeff "Tain" Watts - "May 15, 2011" -- Blue Vol. 1 (2014)
Jason Miles - "Seeing Through the Rain" - Kind of New (2014)
Johnny Smith - "Jaguar" - Moonlight in Vermont (1952)
Gabor Szabo - "Witchcraft" - Spellbinder (1966)
Michael Petrovich - "Bella Luna" - Bella Luna (2012)
Hour Three:
Grant Green - "More Today Than Yesterday" - Live at Club Mozambique (1971) - Ride Home!
Chris Washburne & the Syotos Band - "Get Up, Stand Up" - Low Ridin' (2014)
Harold Mabern (with Kurt Elling) - "You Needed Me" - Afro Blue (2014)
Jose James - "Tenderly" - Yesterday I Had the Blues (2014)
Art Blakey - "Calling Miss Khadija" - Indestructable (1964)
Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - "Black Market" - Intents and Purposes (2014)
O Som Do Jazz - "Batucada" - A Kiss For Rio (2013)
Frank Sinatra - "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" - At Last: Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (1967)
Hour Four:
Pointer Sisters - "Cloudburst" - Pointer Sisters (1973)
Thelonious Monk - "Work" - Thelonious Monk Plays (1953)
Sarah Vaughan - East of the Sun" - In HiFi (compilation)
David Sanborn - "Can't Get Next To You" - Time and the River (2014)
Wes Montgomery - "Days of Wine and Roses" - Boss Guitar (1963)
Brother Jack McDuff - "Gin and Orange" - Gin and Orange (1969)
Urbie Green - "Mutation" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Don Elliott - "Summer Setting" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Julie London - "Motherless Child" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Dan Jordan - "Modinha" - Pure Joy (2015)
Maria Schneider Orchestra - "The Thompson Fields" - The Thompson Fields (2014)
Hour One:
Jeff Rupert - "The Norfolk Southern RR" - From Memphis to Mobile (2009)
 |
| great playing by Jeff & Kenny Drew Jr! |
Gonzalo Rubalcaba - "Bouncin' With Bud" - Diz (1993)
3:15 Jazz Coffee Break
Allison Paris - "Don't Blame Me" - Second Chances (2003)
Teddy Charles - "The Quiet Time" - The Teddy Charles Tentet (1956)
Dinah Washington - "I Remember You" - What a Diff'rence a Day Makes (1959)
Peter Bernstein - "Darn That Dream" - With The Tilden Webb Trio (2012)
Cassandra Wilson - "Billie's Blues" - Coming Forth by day (2014)
Cory Weeds - "'Snuff" - Condition Blue (2014)
Aimee Allen - "Out of the Blue" - Matter of Time (2014)
Hour Two:
Larry Young - "Monk's Dream" - Unity (1965)
 |
| Forward-looking recordings - what a band! |
Art Tatum - "I'll See You In My Dreams" - Solo Masterpieces Volume Two (1953)
Wayne Shorter - "Go" - Schizophrenia (1967)
Larry Young - "The Moontrane" - Unity (1965)
Jeff "Tain" Watts - "May 15, 2011" -- Blue Vol. 1 (2014)
Jason Miles - "Seeing Through the Rain" - Kind of New (2014)
Johnny Smith - "Jaguar" - Moonlight in Vermont (1952)
Gabor Szabo - "Witchcraft" - Spellbinder (1966)
Michael Petrovich - "Bella Luna" - Bella Luna (2012)
Hour Three:
Grant Green - "More Today Than Yesterday" - Live at Club Mozambique (1971) - Ride Home!
Chris Washburne & the Syotos Band - "Get Up, Stand Up" - Low Ridin' (2014)
Harold Mabern (with Kurt Elling) - "You Needed Me" - Afro Blue (2014)
Jose James - "Tenderly" - Yesterday I Had the Blues (2014)
Art Blakey - "Calling Miss Khadija" - Indestructable (1964)
 |
| solid, of course! |
Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - "Black Market" - Intents and Purposes (2014)
O Som Do Jazz - "Batucada" - A Kiss For Rio (2013)
Frank Sinatra - "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" - At Last: Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (1967)
Hour Four:
Pointer Sisters - "Cloudburst" - Pointer Sisters (1973)
Thelonious Monk - "Work" - Thelonious Monk Plays (1953)
Sarah Vaughan - East of the Sun" - In HiFi (compilation)
David Sanborn - "Can't Get Next To You" - Time and the River (2014)
Wes Montgomery - "Days of Wine and Roses" - Boss Guitar (1963)
Brother Jack McDuff - "Gin and Orange" - Gin and Orange (1969)
Urbie Green - "Mutation" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Don Elliott - "Summer Setting" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Julie London - "Motherless Child" - Bethlehem's Best (comp)
Dan Jordan - "Modinha" - Pure Joy (2015)
Maria Schneider Orchestra - "The Thompson Fields" - The Thompson Fields (2014)
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