Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50
The Cuban pianist, composer and arranger Chucho Valdés will kick off the European tour of his tribute to the Cuban band ‘Irake’, at the 33rd edition of the Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz to revive the work of this emblematic group. ‘Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50’ is a tribute by Chucho Valdés to the Cuban band that marked the before & after of Latin Jazz, with its bold fusion of Afro-Cuban ritual music, Cuban popular music, jazz, rock, and a splash of classical music.
Harol López-Nussa
Cuban-born pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa begins an exciting new chapter of his fascinating career with his Blue Note debut Timba a la Americana, a vibrant album teeming with joy and pathos that was inspired by the pianist’s recent decision to leave his Cuban homeland and begin a new life in France. Produced by Snarky Puppy bandleader Michael League, Timba a la Americana unveils a brand-new sound across 10 dynamic original compositions.
Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50
El pianista, compositor y arreglista cubano Chucho Valdés, arrancará en la 33 edición del Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz & Más, la gira europea de su homenaje a la banda cubana que marcó un antes y un después en el jazz latino, 'Irakere 50'. ‘Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50’ es un homenaje de Chucho Valdés a la banda cubana que marcó un antes y un después en el jazz latino, por su magistral fusión de la música ritual afrocubana, con la música popular cubana, el jazz, rock y la música clásica.
Harol López-Nussa
Cuban-born pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa begins an exciting new chapter of his fascinating career with his Blue Note debut Timba a la Americana, a vibrant album teeming with joy and pathos that was inspired by the pianist’s recent decision to leave his Cuban homeland and begin a new life in France. Produced by Snarky Puppy bandleader Michael League, Timba a la Americana unveils a brand-new sound across 10 dynamic original compositions.
Idafe Pérez Quinteto
"Ahul" is an Amazigh (Berber language) exclamation that was used both to greet and say goodbye, and an expression of the wish for good fortune. This group of musicians uses the timbric and instrumentation of traditional jazz for their compositions, that capture the varied soundscapes that inspire them and the multitude of influences that define them. It is music in motion because of the improvisational character of jazz; and avant-garde due to the search for rhythms, harmonic colours, dissonance and the collective composition.
Ernesto Hermida Quintet
Madrid based Cuban bassist Ernesto Hermidao and his group present Points of View. A debut album as a soloist released in 2023, merging in his compositions the different musical influences that he has received during his career as a musician that range from Cuban music, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz, flamenco, Brazilian music, among others, and presenting them from his viewpoint and from that of the musicians who accompany him.
London Afrobeat Collective
London Afrobeat Collective is a tight-knit family of musicians from around the world, living in London and united by a love of Afrobeat and a desire to take original music to new places. This group of 8 musicians from England, Italy, France, Congo, Argentina & New Zealand combines traditional Afrobeat with funk, jazz, rock, Latin and dub to create party-music born of its truly global DNA.
Ernesto Hermida Quintet
Madrid based Cuban bassist Ernesto Hermidao and his group present Points of View. A debut album as a soloist released in 2023, merging in his compositions the different musical influences that he has received during his career as a musician that range from Cuban music, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz, flamenco, Brazilian music, among others, and presenting them from his viewpoint and from that of the musicians who accompany him.
Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50
El pianista, compositor y arreglista cubano Chucho Valdés, arrancará en la 33 edición del Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz & Más, la gira europea de su homenaje a la banda cubana que marcó un antes y un después en el jazz latino, 'Irakere 50'. ‘Chucho Valdés & Irakere 50’ es un homenaje de Chucho Valdés a la banda cubana que marcó un antes y un después en el jazz latino, por su magistral fusión de la música ritual afrocubana, con la música popular cubana, el jazz, rock y la música clásica.
London Afrobeat Collective
London Afrobeat Collective is a tight-knit family of musicians from around the world, living in London and united by a love of Afrobeat and a desire to take original music to new places. This group of 8 musicians from England, Italy, France, Congo, Argentina & New Zealand combines traditional Afrobeat with funk, jazz, rock, Latin and dub to create party-music born of its truly global DNA.
Roxana Amed
Roxana Amed is an Argentine-American jazz artist born in Buenos Aires, based in the USA who has been nominated for a Latin Grammy, is a member of NARAS & LARAS and a Gardel Award winner. She is a singular singer-songwriter whose music blends South American folk traditions with art rock and modern jazz. An award-winning vocalist, producer, songwriter and educator, Amed has been praised by Grammy.com for her “artistic vision and understanding of her place in the canon”.
Infante / Colina / Lemes Trío
Guiguan is the result of the collaboration between three musicians, Javier Infante, Alexis Lemes & Javier Colina, who share a deep desire to develop a unique style, entrenched in their island roots. This ensemble can be summarized in one sentence: "The sublime art of listening". These three virtuoso musicians embark, like explorers of the sonic universe, in an incessant search for musical beauty, the subtlety of melodic counterpoint and the courage of risky improvisations. Their music represents an opening towards a genuine musical language, which is inspired by contemporaneity, jazz and the deep musical roots of its land. In short, this group is an emotional picture, where an experience that touches the heart and awakens the soul, are painted with musical notes.
Vincen García Quintet
Spanish bassist Vincen García is already considered one of the most prestigious artists on the current jazz and funk scene worldwide. He is among the top ten most listened to bassists globally in terms of streaming, accumulating hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views and reactions. His new album entitled "Ventura" is receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception in cities around the world such as Madrid, Barcelona, London, Los Angeles and New York.
Roxana Amed
Roxana Amed is an Argentine-American jazz artist born in Buenos Aires, based in the USA who has been nominated for a Latin Grammy, is a member of NARAS & LARAS and a Gardel Award winner. She is a singular singer-songwriter whose music blends South American folk traditions with art rock and modern jazz. An award-winning vocalist, producer, songwriter and educator, Amed has been praised by Grammy.com for her “artistic vision and understanding of her place in the canon”.
Estrellas del Buenavista y Más
With its unique style and energetic repertoire, Estrellas de Buena Vista y Más has taken Cuban music to new heights, fusing traditional rhythms with contemporary influences. The show features the participation of 13 musicians on stage and a repertoire that will recall the golden age of Cuban music, among them, original members of the Buena Vista Social Club such as vocalists Carlos Calunga & Lázaro Villa, percussionist Ángel Terry, saxophonist Javier Zalba & double bass player Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez; and under the musical direction of the best tres player in the world, Pancho Amat. Completing the group we have vocalists Arahí & Kiko Ruíz, trumpeters Manuel Machado & Alain Pérez, pianist Alejandro Falcón, timbalist Jean Roberto San Cristóbal and Rosenio Perdomo on bongos.
Yul Ballesteros Trio
The new album by Yul Ballesteros, Alma, clearly shows the personal and musical evolution of this magnificent guitarist & composer. A work that is cemented on personal growth and musical maturity which he has been acquiring over the years, and is seen reflected in compositions based on experience, where the music takes us on a journey through life’s most intense feelings.
Antonio Lizana
From Andalusia to New York and beyond, Antonio Lizana is one of the most famous representatives of the new Flamenco Jazz of southern Spain. As a jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer, Lizana’s live concerts are described as a “breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz”, spun together with his soulful lyrics carrying messages of optimism and sincerity to his audiences.
Rozier / Van Der Zaal Group ft. Paul Van Kessel
The quintet Sven Rozier & Tom van der Zaal, amped up by vocalist Paul van Kessel, embodies a fusion of jazz tradition and contemporary style. With high intensity energy and a feel-good atmosphere, this band creates a unique musical journey. The playful interaction between Rozier’s drums, van der Zaal’s hard bop lines and van Kessel’s blues voice give rise to magical moments. Each member of the quintet contributes his unique voice, resulting in a lively and dynamic sound which attracts both traditional and modern jazz enthusiasts.
Vincen García Quintet
Spanish bassist Vincen García is already considered one of the most prestigious artists on the current jazz and funk scene worldwide. He is among the top ten most listened to bassists globally in terms of streaming, accumulating hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views and reactions. His new album entitled "Ventura" is receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception in cities around the world such as Madrid, Barcelona, London, Los Angeles and New York.
Antonio Lizana
From Andalusia to New York and beyond, Antonio Lizana is one of the most famous representatives of the new Flamenco Jazz of southern Spain. As a jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer, Lizana’s live concerts are described as a “breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz”, spun together with his soulful lyrics carrying messages of optimism and sincerity to his audiences.
Rozier / Van Der Zaal Group ft. Paul Van Kessel
The quintet Sven Rozier & Tom van der Zaal, amped up by vocalist Paul van Kessel, embodies a fusion of jazz tradition and contemporary style. With high intensity energy and a feel-good atmosphere, this band creates a unique musical journey. The playful interaction between Rozier’s drums, van der Zaal’s hard bop lines and van Kessel’s blues voice give rise to magical moments. Each member of the quintet contributes his unique voice, resulting in a lively and dynamic sound which attracts both traditional and modern jazz enthusiasts.
Fernando Barrios Quartet
Barrios, a saxophonist linked to the world of jazz since his beginnings, has been a member of several pioneering groups in the field of Latin Jazz and Fusion. In this field he has participated in projects such as ‘Jazztamos’, ‘La Banda de Jazz Latino’ & ‘La Ferretería.’ He has played in several Latin music bands, including ‘Guayaba’, ‘Genética’, ‘Caramelo y el tren del sabor’, ‘Moise González’, ‘Son Iyá Orquesta’, among others. In his long musical career, he has had the opportunity to work with both national and international groups, including artists such as Roberto Blades, Marvin Santiago, Issac Delgado, Armando Manzanero, Olga Guillot, etc.
Estrellas del Buenavista y Más
With its unique style and energetic repertoire, Estrellas de Buena Vista y Más has taken Cuban music to new heights, fusing traditional rhythms with contemporary influences. The show features the participation of 13 musicians on stage and a repertoire that will recall the golden age of Cuban music, among them, original members of the Buena Vista Social Club such as vocalists Carlos Calunga & Lázaro Villa, percussionist Ángel Terry, saxophonist Javier Zalba & double bass player Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez; and under the musical direction of the best tres player in the world, Pancho Amat. Completing the group we have vocalists Arahí & Kiko Ruíz, trumpeters Manuel Machado & Alain Pérez, pianist Alejandro Falcón, timbalist Jean Roberto San Cristóbal and Rosenio Perdomo on bongos.
Rozier / Van Der Zaal Group ft. Paul Van Kessel
The quintet Sven Rozier & Tom van der Zaal, amped up by vocalist Paul van Kessel, embodies a fusion of jazz tradition and contemporary style. With high intensity energy and a feel-good atmosphere, this band creates a unique musical journey. The playful interaction between Rozier’s drums, van der Zaal’s hard bop lines and van Kessel’s blues voice give rise to magical moments. Each member of the quintet contributes his unique voice, resulting in a lively and dynamic sound which attracts both traditional and modern jazz enthusiasts.
Veronica Swift
Veronica Swift’s new eponymously titled album, her third for Mack Avenue Records, is a masterful coming-out story. In her previous albums, Confessions (2019) and This Bitter Earth (2021), she ascended to the upper echelon of early 21st century jazz singers because of her virtuosic brilliance, interpretive ingenuity, bracing songwriting, and keen arrangements. Simply put, Swift is not only one of the most dazzling singers to emerge in her generation, she’s one of the most versatile.
Dave Douglas Gifts Quartet
In 2024, trumpeter & composer Dave Douglas presents a new ensemble: Gifts Quartet, with Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang & Jon Irabagon. Inspired by the life and music of Charles Lloyd, Gifts Trio reflects on the wisdom, vision, and positivity of the composer and saxophonist in an innovative way, notably exploring Lloyd’s fascination with the music of Billy Strayhorn.
Veronica Swift
Veronica Swift’s new eponymously titled album, her third for Mack Avenue Records, is a masterful coming-out story. In her previous albums, Confessions (2019) and This Bitter Earth (2021), she ascended to the upper echelon of early 21st century jazz singers because of her virtuosic brilliance, interpretive ingenuity, bracing songwriting, and keen arrangements. Simply put, Swift is not only one of the most dazzling singers to emerge in her generation, she’s one of the most versatile.
Dave Douglas Gifts Quartet
In 2024, trumpeter & composer Dave Douglas presents a new ensemble: Gifts Quartet, with Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang & Jon Irabagon. Inspired by the life and music of Charles Lloyd, Gifts Trio reflects on the wisdom, vision, and positivity of the composer and saxophonist in an innovative way, notably exploring Lloyd’s fascination with the music of Billy Strayhorn.
Mosco Project
Mosco Project was formed in 2016 with the intention of raising awareness to the original compositions by classical Canarian jazz musicians, such as Eliseo Lloreda, Felu Morales and the leader of the group, Juan Carlos León ‘Mosco’. To these outstanding artists on the Canarian scene, the experience and talent of José Méndez ‘Churchi’ & Gino Marcelli were added later. All of them gathered together in the warmth and enthusiasm of 'Mosco', who decided to promote this unique jazz band to review themes and musical creations of all its members, resulting in a repertoire as suggestive as it is eclectic which brings together in its music exotic, classic & contemporary nuances alike.
Alto For Two
Alto For Two is the project led by two of the most innovative saxophonists in Europe today: Kika Sprangers and Irene Reig with a repertoire of their own compositions. The union of the musical backgrounds of the two artists results in an eclectic and distinctive proposal that offers a wide range of sonorities that they translate into a quintet format. They will be releasing their first disc shortly, composed of a new original repertoire which shows the artistic direction and the evolution of the formation.
Dainius Pulauskas Group
Dainius Pulauskas Group was formed in 1996 and instantly became one of the most influential and leading Lithuanian jazz units and an internationally renowned ambassador of Lithuanian jazz. Jazz critic Jan Patterson, in his article portal All About Jazz (October 10, 2011) described the group as “a unique sextet whose mixture of melody and muscle, lyricism and the unexpected, places it firmly at the forefront of progressive European jazz-fusion” and the group leader is characterized as “pianist/keyboardist Pulauskas is without a doubt, one of the most interesting composers at the fusion end of European jazz, and has been at the helm of this sextet for seventeen years”.
Loris Tils
Loris Tils is a bassist with an unstoppable groove, condensed of seventies-eighties energies with pop-rock and funk accents. This applies currently, as the artist has never hesitated to reinvent himself in order to follow what his creation dictates. He has just released a new album called Mystic Bayou. Originally from La Louvière in Belgium, Loris played in various eclectic groups before returning to a style of music based mainly on improvisation. The result was two albums titled One Take, whose aim was to record a jam session in a bar with special guests in just one take, without artifice or preparation of any kind.
Aleph Quintet
Aleph Quintet brings together five skilled musicians, among whom Wajdi Riahi, a young virtuoso pianist, avant-garde of the Belgian jazz scene, stands out. Winner of the Carthage Musical Journees in Tunisia, as well as the Prix de la presse Musicale in France, Aleph Quintet is one of the revelations of the Brussels scene, especially with their album Shapes of Silence, released in 2023 by Igloo Records.The formation Aleph Quintet highlights the union of these five musicians, bears witness to its roots and traces the years of travel during which the group got together concerning this music. Without imposing limits and driven by its generosity, North African music mixes with jazz improvisation, Gnawa rhythms, Arabic classical and cultural Sufi music. Line-Up: Akram Ben Romdhane: oud Marvin Burlass: violin Théo Zipper: bass Wadji Riahi: piano Max Aznar: drums
Yone Rodríguez Quartet
Yone Rodríguez stands out as one of the greatest exponents of the timple of his generation. During the course of his career, Yone has developed a language of his own in his compositions, characterized by the fusion of styles, achieving an open and universal sound, but with the Canary Islands at the forefront. From an early age, Yone showed a fervent interest in the timple, influenced by the rich musical environment that characterized his family and his hometown, Agaete, known for its long-standing musical tradition. Yone began his studies at the age of seven under the tutelage of the maestro Rafael Garcia, thus marking the beginning of his musical journey. At the age of nine, he took a step further in his training by being guided by one of the great exponents of the timple, José Antonio Ramos.
Sara Lilu & Alesander Peña
This musical duo was created in 2019 in the vibrant city of Barcelona. The connection between the two musicians emerged almost instantly, and their collaboration has led them to forge a distinctive sound that stands out on the jazz scene in Spain. They not only exhibit a high level of technical skill and conceptual solidity, but also maintain a deep connection with the most visceral essence of music.
Alto For Two
Alto For Two is the project led by two of the most innovative saxophonists in Europe today: Kika Sprangers and Irene Reig with a repertoire of their own compositions. The union of the musical backgrounds of the two artists results in an eclectic and distinctive proposal that offers a wide range of sonorities that they translate into a quintet format. They will be releasing their first disc shortly, composed of a new original repertoire which shows the artistic direction and the evolution of the formation.
Dainius Pulauskas Group
Dainius Pulauskas Group was formed in 1996 and instantly became one of the most influential and leading Lithuanian jazz units and an internationally renowned ambassador of Lithuanian jazz. Jazz critic Jan Patterson, in his article portal All About Jazz (October 10, 2011) described the group as “a unique sextet whose mixture of melody and muscle, lyricism and the unexpected, places it firmly at the forefront of progressive European jazz-fusion” and the group leader is characterized as “pianist/keyboardist Pulauskas is without a doubt, one of the most interesting composers at the fusion end of European jazz, and has been at the helm of this sextet for seventeen years”.
Aleph Quintet
Aleph Quintet brings together five skilled musicians, among whom Wajdi Riahi, a young virtuoso pianist, avant-garde of the Belgian jazz scene, stands out. Winner of the Carthage Musical Journees in Tunisia, as well as the Prix de la presse Musicale in France, Aleph Quintet is one of the revelations of the Brussels scene, especially with their album Shapes of Silence, released in 2023 by Igloo Records.
GAC Trio
GAC Trio’s new project takes its career one step further in contemporary European jazz, working with musicians linked to the contemporary jazz movement, and thus developing their music, bringing their personality & experience to this new musical adventure. The repertoire features a review of the music of "GAC trio" as well as the presentation of new compositions written expressly for this format. GAC Trio works from the personal acoustic timbre of the formation and as always, with improvisation as an engine.
Loris Tils
Loris Tils is a bassist with an unstoppable groove, condensed of seventies-eighties energies with pop-rock and funk accents. This applies currently, as the artist has never hesitated to reinvent himself in order to follow what his creation dictates. He has just released a new album called Mystic Bayou. Originally from La Louvière in Belgium, Loris played in various eclectic groups before returning to a style of music based mainly on improvisation. The result was two albums titled One Take, whose aim was to record a jam session in a bar with special guests in just one take, without artifice or preparation of any kind.
Alto For Two
Alto For Two is the project led by two of the most innovative saxophonists in Europe today: Kika Sprangers and Irene Reig with a repertoire of their own compositions. The union of the musical backgrounds of the two artists results in an eclectic and distinctive proposal that offers a wide range of sonorities that they translate into a quintet format. They will be releasing their first disc shortly, composed of a new original repertoire which shows the artistic direction and the evolution of the formation.
D'Local Groove
D´Local Groove, ensemble that started out in the year 2017, is a band formed by seven musicians with extensive experience on the Canarian musical scene and who have merged together in this band of very urban music; a live performance full of energy & songs that vary in their generic conception, but have a common factor, groove, a term used to describe a kind of music that gets you moving & dancing. In their compositions we can enjoy very special and harmonically rich arrangements, with references to neo-soul, R&B, reggae, funk & blues. The songs feature fun & ironic lyrics but are also assertive.
Potter / Mehldau / Patitucci / Blake
In March 2024, the album "Eagle's Point" was released, and is well on its way to become the best jazz album of the year. The disc features saxophonist Chris Potter, famous for his boundless creativity, his technique and immaculate sense of swing, playing alongside Brad Mehldau, described by The New York Times as "the most influential jazz pianist of the past twenty years”, and bassist John Patitucci, winner of four Grammy awards and with a track record of some thirty years. Joining them on the tour that brings them to Europe and the Festival Canarias Jazz & Más, is drummer Johnathan Blake, whom NPR described as "the ultimate modernist". With credentials ranging from Pharoah Sanders & Wayne Shorter, across Sting, Paul Simon & Herbie Hancock, all the way up to Pat Metheny & Avishai Cohen, playing together, these four virtuosos cover just about every style under the sun.
Cécile McLorin Salvant
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a composer, singer & visual artist. The late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and fully-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theatre, jazz, and baroque music. She is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humour.
Potter / Mehldau / Patitucci / Blake
In March 2024, the album "Eagle's Point" was released, and is well on its way to become the best jazz album of the year. The disc features saxophonist Chris Potter, famous for his boundless creativity, his technique and immaculate sense of swing, playing alongside Brad Mehldau, described by The New York Times as "the most influential jazz pianist of the past twenty years”, and bassist John Patitucci, winner of four Grammy awards and with a track record of some thirty years. Joining them on the tour that brings them to Europe and the Festival Canarias Jazz & Más, is drummer Johnathan Blake, whom NPR described as "the ultimate modernist". With credentials ranging from Pharoah Sanders & Wayne Shorter, across Sting, Paul Simon & Herbie Hancock, all the way up to Pat Metheny & Avishai Cohen, playing together, these four virtuosos cover just about every style under the sun.
Cécile McLorin Salvant
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a composer, singer & visual artist. The late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and fully-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theatre, jazz, and baroque music. She is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humour.
Polo Ortí New Project
The Canarian pianist, composer and teacher, Polo Ortí, is proud to present, for the first time and exclusively, for this 33rd edition of the Canary islands Jazz Festival (Festival de Jazz de Canarias), his new project that brings together a group of young and talented musicians. The repertoire will include various genres, from original compositions to reinterpretations of classical standards, through incursions into various genres such as Jazz Fusion, Latin Music & Electro Jazz. An eclectic musical show that promises a load of energy & spontaneity.
Ana Popovic
Award-winning guitarist Ana Popovic combines electric funk and slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals, and a tight blues groove with soulful, feminine vocals. Add to the mix her incredible stage presence, all of which makes her an irresistible force in the world of contemporary blues music.
Perinké Big Band
This ensemble formed in 2004 within the activity of the Professional Conservatory of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, conducted by Ximo Martínez, who continues to lead the band, constituted the seed of what, in 2009, by dissociating itself from the Conservatory, would end up consolidating as the Perinké Big Band. It is composed of twenty musicians, united under the name of this characteristic endemic reptile of the Canary Islands. During all this time it has gradually become one of the most important formations in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and of Gran Canaria in general, besides having a presence in the rest of the archipelago. A highlight in its beginnings was the opening concert of the cycle “Noches de Jazz” (Jazz Nights) in the municipality of Firgas in the year 2007.
Adédèji
ADÉDÈJÌ is the new phenomenon of Afro Funk in Nigeria, nominated as Best Artist 2023 by Songlines, and the recent album Yoruba Odyssey is among the 50 best albums of 2023 on World Music Charts Europe & Transglobal World Music Charts. His music is a contemporary mix of Yoruba rhythms with Afro Funk and Jazz, but at the same time has a totally personal musical style, rooted in complex Nigerian rhythms and choirs, respecting his roots while taking the music to a contemporary, futuristic level with a show and performance that can be compared with artists like Prince and Earth Wind and Fire. A show like a volcanic explosion that is hard to stand still to, prompting the audience to sing along as if they already knew the music well. Adédèjì is an indispensable artist to feature at any current festival.
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