Pat Metheny, Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio and Rob Luft headline Cambridge Jazz Festival #jazz #music

Cambridge headliners L-R: Rob Luft, Pat Metheny and Tim Garland

There’s a strong line-up of UK and international names at this year’s Cambridge Jazz Fest in November

This year’s Cambridge Jazz Festival packs a punch with a bumper line-up including a rare solo show from this month’s Jazzwise cover star Pat Metheny at Saffron Hall on 17 November. This concert is part of a diverse programme taking in jazz, blues, funk and soul running from 8 to 24 November with over 50 events showcasing top UK and international names for the festival’s 10th edition.

Alongside the headline concerts the 2024 programme includes a series of recitals, an extensive fringe programme, instrumental and vocal workshops, musician Q&As, jam sessions, family events, and live painting from visual artist-in-residence, Gina Southgate, whose work will be exhibited at Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington (from 8 Nov to 4 Dec).

Multi-award-winning composer and trombonist, Dennis Rollins MBE, is the festival’s Artist in Residence and appears at two events in the form of his Zero Gravity Trio (14 Nov, La Raza) and Dennis Rollins & CUJO (17 Nov, West Road Concert Hall).

Further highlights include jazz-funk stars the Brand New Heavies (8 Nov, Cambridge Corn Exchange); top UK vocalist OMAR plus the jazz-heavy horns of QCBA (16 Nov, Cambridge Corn Exchange); renowned UK saxophonist Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio with the Britten Sinfonia (20 Nov, West Road Concert Hall); high-flying guitarist Rob Luft and the Amika String Quartet (23 Nov, Cambridge Junction J2), plus concerts from the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars (10 Nov), TC & The Groove Family (12 Nov), Elliot Galvin (15 Nov), Florian Arbenz’s  ‘Conversation’ feat. Immy Churchill, Ivo Neame, Jim Hart and Percy Pursglove (16 Nov) and Imogen Ryall Sings the Charles Mingus/Joni Mitchell Songbook (22 Nov) among many other concerts.

For the full line up and tickets visit www.cambridgejazzfestival.info  

Article provided by jazzwise.com

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Legendary Bassist Ron Carter is Back at Birdland Jazz Club All Month Long #jazz #music

The Return of Ron-tober: Legendary Bassist Ron Carter is Back at Birdland Jazz Club All Month Long
Ron Carter brings The New Jazz Trio, Foursight Quartet, Great Big Band, and Duo with Bill Charlap to Birdland for his annual October residency

NEA Jazz Master and bass virtuoso Ron Carter returns to Birdland Jazz Club, the Jazz Corner of the World, this October for his annual residency. This month-long residency will kick off on Tuesday, October 1 and run through October 26, and will comprise 40 performances over four weeks. 

Renowned for his unmatched talent, Ron Carter stands as one of jazz’s most inventive and prolific bassists. With a staggering discography boasting over 2,000 albums, Carter is certified as the most recorded bass player in the history of recorded music. Honored with the prestigious 1998 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship, Carter’s collaborative footprint spans an astonishing spectrum of musical genres, with performances and recordings alongside an eclectic array of artists. 

The first week, October 1-5, spotlights Ron Carter’s New Jazz Trio. Following the untimely passing of the great Russell Malone this summer, Carter has assembled a new ensemble, which will be making its debut at Birdland. Featuring Carter alongside pianist Donald Vega, the New Jazz Trio features NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Donald Harrison. Harrison and Carter have played and recorded together many times over the past decades and the bandleader is happy to welcome Harrison to the bandstand in this new format. “We’ll be finding the notes there with Russell Malone in our hearts,” Carter shared in a statement. 

The second week, October 8-12, will feature Carter’s Foursight Quartet, featuring an outstanding lineup of contemporary jazz luminaries including Jimmy Greene on saxophone, Renee Rosnes on piano, and Payton Crossley on drums. Based in Connecticut, Jimmy Greene stands as one of his generation’s most admired saxophonists, with an extensive catalog of recordings and a rich history as a sideman for luminaries such as Horace Silver and Freddie Hubbard. Similarly, Vancouver-born pianist Renee Rosnes has forged an illustrious career marked by her collaborations with jazz legends like Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter. Her tenure with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, the SFJAZZ Collective and her groundbreaking group Artemis have solidified her place in the jazz pantheon. Drummer Payton Crossley, who entered the jazz scene as a young prodigy, trained under drum great Alan Dawson, before joining the revered pianist Ahmad Jamal. This great quartet has drawn universal praise. “For all its tastefulness, the Foursight Quartet are not risk averse players, and in their collegiality they can thrillingly mix up fast playing on the slows and slow playing on the fasts, and dive between tempos between walking bops and luminous and lovely ballad playing with complete assurance,” said UK Jazz News of the group’s performance in London last year. 

Carter’s Great Big Band takes the stage during week three, October 15-19. The large ensemble, which The New Yorker said “swings mightily”,  is always a major highlight of the Birdland residency. Like previous years, the program will likely pull from Carter’s previously released big band albums including Ron Carter’s Big Band (Sunnyside, 2011), Ron Carter and the WDR Big Band’s My Personal Songbook (In+Out Records, 2014), and the GRAMMY nominated Remembering Bob Freedman (2021) by Ron Carter & The Jazzaar Festival Big Band.

To close out the week, October 22-26, Carter will join forces with piano phenom Bill Charlap for a series of duo performances. Charlap, who graced the most recent issue of DownBeat Magazine and has just released a highly praised new album on Blue Note, And Then Again, joins the maestro for a series of intimate and inventive performances, ending the week on a particularly touching note. 

Every Thursday performance at 7pm will be streamed exclusively at veeps.com/birdland.

There is no better place to be than Birdland Jazz Club this October. Join this living legend for four incredible weeks of music that are not to be missed. 

Ron Carter is at Birdland Jazz Club October 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, and 22-26. On Tuesday through Thursday, sets begin at 7:00 and 9:30 PM, and on Friday and Saturday, at 8:30 and 10:30. Tickets start at $30, and there is a $20 minimum. 

See below for Ron Carter’s full Birdland schedule for October 2024, or visit https://birdlandjazz.com/calendar/.

Ron Carter Birdland Schedule:

October 1-5: Ron Carter’s New Jazz Trio with Donald Harrison and Donald Vega

October 8-12: Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet 

October 15-19: Ron Carter’s Great Big Band

October 22-26: Ron Carter and Bill Charlap

Photo of Ron Carter by Henry Adebonojo. 

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Celebrating 40 Years with Star-Studded Lineup at Lake George, NY. #jazz #music

Jazz at the Lake Celebrates 40 Years with Star-Studded Lineup Lake George, NY - The Lake George Arts Project celebrates the 40th anniversary of Jazz at the Lake, a free, three-day festival (September 13-15) featuring renowned and rising jazz stars. This year's stellar lineup includes rising star Jahari Stampley, trumpet virtuoso Michael Mayo, GRAMMY-winning artists Ulysses Owens, Linda May Han Oh, Nicole Zuraitis, Danilo Perez, and many more. The festival also showcases local favorites, offering a vibrant mix of styles throughout the weekend. "As we celebrate forty years of bringing world-class jazz to Lake George, we are incredibly proud to present a lineup that reflects the festival’s rich history while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Jazz at the Lake has always been a cherished tradition, and this year's event promises to be our most unforgettable yet," said Tanya Tobias, Executive Director of the Lake George Arts Project.  The full line-up for this year’s Jazz at the Lake can be found at: www.lakegeorgearts.org The Festival Kicks-Off Friday Night (Sept 13) Opening night (September 13), sets the stage for our big 4-0 where we welcome the 2023 First Place winner of the Herbie Hancock International Competition Jahari Stampley who will perform with his family trio comprised of 7-time GRAMMY Award nominee Erania Stampley  and Miguel Russell (drums) who, before he was 21, had played with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Nestor Torres, and Paquito D' Rivera. Local bands remain an essential part of the festival, and on Friday night returning favorites and new artists to our festival will be playing at multiple locations around town as part of our Jazz Around Town program. Local artist highlights include The Arch Stanton Trio, Nook & Cranny, Dylan Perillo and Brad Brose, the Scott Hopkins Jazz Trio, and the Chuck Lamb Trio. Partner business include: The Barnsider, The Inn of Lake George, The Caldwell Lake George Library, Gaslight, and The Lagoon. Unleash Your Inner Jazz Fan on Saturday (Sept 14) We start early on Saturday with our popular Coffee and Jazz (10am - 12pm) program at Hello Sunshine Bagel Bistro. Jazz fans can grab a free coffee (generously donated by Hello Sunshine) and experience the sounds of the Chad McLoughlin Trio. Saturday, on the Shepard Park Stage, Michael Mayo (1pm), a trumpet virtuoso celebrated for his soulful and innovative playing, will ignite the stage with his infectious energy. Renowned saxophonist Ben Wendel (3pm) will mesmerize audiences with his lyrical and complex compositions. At 5pm, three time Grammy™ Award-Winning Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., known for being a drummer who (The New York Times) has said “take[s] a back seat to no one,” will be performing with Generation Y, the next generation of dynamic talent from the top music conservatories in NYC and beyond. We’ll finish Saturday night with a Shepard Park Stage favorite, GRAMMY winner Nicole Zuraitis (8pm) jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader, and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. Savor the Final Notes of the Festival on Sunday (Sept 15) On Sunday, jazz fans can take a tour of Lake George on our Jazz Cruise. Passengers will enjoy live music, light breakfast fare, and breathtaking views while cruising the sparkling waters of the Queen of American Lakes. Sunday on the Shepard Park stage, the Daniel Kelly Group (1pm), will pay tribute to festival founder Paul Pines in a performance that uses Pines’ poetry (read by David Gonzales) as inspiration. At 3pm, GRAMMY award-winning Linda May Han Oh (bassist/composer who has performed and recorded with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano) takes the stage with her dynamic quintet. We end the festival with the GRAMMY Award Winners and UNESCO Artist for Peace, Danilo Pérez who will be playing with John Patitucci & Adam Cruz (5pm) lauded as creative powerhouses in contemporary music. The Lake George Arts Project would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Kenneth and Susan Gruskin and Gruskin Creative for their years of generous support and their dedication to one of our most vital programs. We are also thankful to the Town of Lake George, the Village of Lake George, the New York State Council on the Arts, Anonymous, and our generous members and supporters for supporting this year’s Jazz at the Lake. For more information about the 40th Anniversary of Jazz at the Lake visit: lakegeorgearts.org ______________________________________________ About Jazz at the Lake: Since its inception in 1984, Jazz at the Lake has become a wildly popular and critically acclaimed event. The festival brings thousands of visitors to the Lake George region during the off-season and is the largest free cultural event in Lake George. Since 2019, Jazz at the Lake has evolved from a two-day festival with seven performances to a 4-day experience with 8  shows in Shepard Park, 9 performances in partner locations around the village, and an estimated 4000-6000 attendees. Our festival is unique in that we are driven to present the work of both emerging and established artists, as well as providing opportunities for international, national, regional, and local musicians to perform. About The Lake George Arts Project: The Lake George Arts Project was established in 1977 to offer comprehensive programs in the arts. Its mission is to provide exposure and income opportunities to professional and emerging artists, and to provide quality arts programming for the residents and visitors of the Lake George region. Our music and art programs include year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, as well as exhibitions of work by regional artists in our Project Local program, Jazz at the Lake in September, our Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series, and many outreach programs, partnership events, and special programs. Click below to listen to the "Jazz at the Lake" playlist on Spotify

Jazz at the Lake Website

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Cindy Blackman 2024 Summer Tour Dates #jazz #music

- After striking a rhythmic chord with ESPN’s new Monday Night Football anthem, Blackman Santana’s 2024 plans include a solo album and tours with the Cindy Blackman Santana Band and Santana. World-renowned drummer and bandleader Cindy Blackman Santana will hit the road this year with her highly acclaimed and vibrant ensemble the Cindy Blackman Santana Band for multiple shows in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Portsmouth, NH, Baltimore, MD, and New York City. Audiences can expect an intimate and soulful musical journey as Cindy and her stellar band, including Aurélien Budynek (guitar), Felix Pastorious (bass), Emilio Modeste (saxophone), Zaccai Curtis (Piano), and JD Allen (saxophone, joining for select NYC shows), explore the depths of jazz, rock, and fusion alongside electrifying performances showcasing Blackman Santana’s signature drumming style. The New York Sun praised last summer's New York City shows at Birdland, stating, "It’s hard to imagine a situation where she is not in charge of everything. Like the great drummer-leaders of modern jazz, she determines more than the beat and the tempo." Blackman Santana says, "I'm thrilled to bring my band to the East Coast! We're excited to connect with the audience and share the energy and passion we bring to the music." For tickets, visit https://cindyblackmansantana.com/. Blackman Santana struck a rhythmic chord last fall with the highly anticipated launch of ESPN’s new Monday Night Football anthem where she, alongside eight-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton and multi-generational artist Snoop Dogg, reimagined the Phil Collins classic “In the Air Tonight.” This year, Blackman Santana will navigate seamlessly between her own ensemble and the iconic Santana collective, which kicks off another set of dates in May as part of the more than ten-year residency An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live at House of Blues Las Vegas, a must-see live experience for fans of the award-winning artist, as well as on the Santana and Counting Crows Oneness Tour 2024 with dates across the U.S. this summer. Next, Blackman Santana will head back into the studio for her upcoming solo album, a testament to her enduring musical legacy and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of sound. Cindy Blackman Santana Band 2024 Tour Dates: July 4 - Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club - Portsmouth, NH July 5 - Keystone Korner Baltimore - Baltimore, MD July 6 - Keystone Korner Baltimore - Baltimore, MD July 7 - Keystone Korner Baltimore - Baltimore, MD July 9 - Birdland - New York, NY July 10 - Birdland - New York, NY July 11 - Birdland - New York, NY July 12 - Birdland - New York, NY July 13 - Birdland - New York, NY For more information, visit https://cindyblackmansantana.com/. For tour dates with Santana, visit https://tour.santana.com/. About Cindy Blackman Santana: Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader and musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing. From the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the ’80s through the present day, Cindy has been touring the globe and making albums with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, and Angela Bofill. She writes, records and performs with her own bands, Cindy Blackman Santana Group and Another Lifetime, which released its critically acclaimed self-titled debut in 2010. In 2011 she joined forces with Vernon Reid, Jack Bruce and John Medeski to form the critically acclaimed Spectrum Road, which released an album and tour dedicated to the music of Tony Williams. From 1992 to 2007 and again in 2014 and 2015 she was the drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band, performing through multiple world tours and hit albums. In 2016, Cindy joined Santana full-time and has been mesmerizing audiences around the globe ever since. Her drumming can be heard on multiple Santana albums, including Power of Peace with the Isley Brothers (2017), the EP In Search of Mona Lisa (2019), Africa Speaks (2019), and Blessings and Miracles (2021). Her solo album Give the Drummer Some (2020) and subsequent touring with the Cindy Blackman Santana Band highlights songs that span the realm of jazz, rock, and funk and showcase Cindy’s incredible versatility both behind the kit and in front of the microphone. Last fall, she joined music superstars Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg for a reimagining of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” as the new musical anthem and show open for ESPN’s Monday Night Football. With it, she continues to build a body of work and artistic legacy that make her one of the finest drummers and recording artists of this or any generation.

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Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club Features World-Renowned & Award-Winning Jazz Pianist and Composer KEIKO MATSUI on Friday April 5 at 7 & 9:30 P.M. #jazz #music

KEIKO MATSUI is a stunning, profound pianist, celebrating over 35 years of recording with the release of her new acclaimed album 'Euphoria' (Shanachie 2023). The LOS ANGELES TIMES calls Matsui, "An electrifying performer." Tickets for KEIKO MATSUI and her Band at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Friday April 5 at 7 & 9:30 P.M., as well as the current list of 2024 shows, can be found on Ticketmaster.com and Jimmy's Online Event Calendar at: http://www.jimmysoncongress.com/events.

Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club Features World-Renowned & Award-Winning Jazz Pianist and Composer KEIKO MATSUI and her Acclaimed Band on Friday April 5 at 7 & 9:30 P.M. Keiko Matsui's music has been critically acclaimed around the world. She is known for her crossover mix of Smooth Jazz, Fusion, and New Age music, and has won numerous awards including Billboard's "Top Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year".

"She is relentless in adding harmonic and rhythmic invention and imagination to virtually everything she does..."
— ALLMUSIC

"An influential, globally acclaimed contemporary jazz artist, keyboardist-composer…"
— MUSIC CONNECTION

"Spiritually uplifting anthems"
— JAZZ TIMES

"A musician of depth, range, grace and talent."
— ALL ABOUT JAZZ

Born in Tokyo, Japan KEIKO MATSUI began playing the piano at the age of six. She composed her first pieces of music when she was in junior high school. In her teenage years Matsui was inspired by a presentation from the great jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a jazz musician. Matsui's talent was quickly recognized by other international jazz artists. At the age of 17, the Yamaha Music Foundation gave her the opportunity to become one of their recording artists.

In the late 1980s she was invited by Miles Davis to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival. After the festival, she moved to Los Angeles and recorded her first album, A Drop of Water, in 1991. Over the course of her career, she has released over 25 acclaimed studio albums and has collaborated with other renowned artists, including Miles Davis, Bela Fleck, Bob James, Earl Klugh, Kenny G, Dave Koz, Randy Brecker, Kirk Whalum, Stevie Wonder, and numerous others.

Keiko Matsui's 1995 album Sapphire hit #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. Keiko's album Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart for three consecutive weeks. She is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003, she enjoyed further success with her recording, The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works.

In 2004, the title track of Keiko's album Wildflower was used to support the United Nations World Food Program's efforts in Africa. "I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can change people's lives for the better," shares Keiko.

In 2011, Keiko recorded with fellow pianist Bob James on an acclaimed four-hand piano project called Altair & Vega. In 2013, Keiko celebrated the release of her critically lauded album Soul Quest, which is the musical inspiration behind Live in Toyko (2015). This same year she was also an invited guest in Istanbul for International Jazz Day alongside luminaries Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis and Terence Blanchard.

In 2016, Keiko released the album Journey To The Heart, which was Keiko's first acoustic project. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. In 2019, the album Echo further solidified Keiko's place as one of the most significant and thrilling pianists in contemporary jazz!

Keiko harnesses joy on her 30th album recording Euphoria (2023 on Shanachie). She enlists an all-star contingency of special guests including vocalist Lalah Hathaway, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mike Stern, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vibist Joel Ross, harmonica player Gregoire Maret and pianist/arranger John Beasley. Keiko is also joined by her touring band, Bassist RICO BELLED, Guitarist JP MOURAO and Drummer JIMMY BRANLEY, who she credits for making the rigors of touring bearable.

Euphoria is a watershed moment for Keiko as she has poured her heart and soul into this project and the result is an utterly inspiring and epic statement. Keiko declares, "At the core of this album is beauty, strength, energy, love, and hope. These are all the things in life that we need to move forward on a new path. This music is dedicated to a new era. If we lead with our hearts, all of mankind and humanity can take this new direction."

Keiko Matsui's influence extends beyond her music. She has created a foundation that provides educational opportunities for children in Japan and has also established a scholarship program for young musicians. Her commitment to philanthropy has helped shape the lives of countless young people who have been inspired by her work. With each passing year, Matsui continues to make an indelible mark on the world of jazz.

KEIKO MATSUI Tickets & Current Schedule of Shows
Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club's 2024 Schedule of Shows now includes 5 NEA Jazz Masters, 34 GRAMMY® Award-Winning Artists, 36 Blues Music Award-Winners, and a comprehensive list of talented musicians with 325+ GRAMMY® Award Nominations amongst them. Tickets for KEIKO MATSUI and her Band at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on Friday April 5 at 7 & 9:30 P.M., as well as the current list of 2024 shows, can be found on Ticketmaster and Jimmy's Online Event Calendar at: http://www.jimmysoncongress.com/events.

ABOUT JIMMY'S JAZZ & BLUES CLUB
The mission of Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club is to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience featuring serious jazz and blues music served with exceptional cuisine. Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club features a spectacular and visually breathtaking environment engineered to deliver the highest quality acoustics while utilizing state-of-the-art production, sound and lighting technologies. Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club is located within a beautifully restored 1905 building at 135 Congress Street in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For more information visit www.JimmysOnCongress.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JimmysJazzBlues and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimmysjazzblues/. Sign-up for Jimmy's Email Newsletter to stay informed on Upcoming Shows, New Artist Announcements, Promotional Offers, Ticket On-Sale Dates, Special Performances, and Jimmy's Sunday Jazz Brunch. In June 2023, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club was given the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its' outstanding Wine List.                                                                                                     

PRIVATE EVENTS AT JIMMY'S 
An architecturally breathtaking center of arts and culture in the heart of historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club offers a rare and spectacular venue to host important corporate functions, weddings, intimate or large-scale social gatherings, private parties, and memorable celebrations. The team at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club put heart and soul into creating a stunning full-service event space with new state-of-the-art production, sound and lighting technologies delivered with outstanding next-level culinary experiences. Our high-touch approach, provided by professional and experienced event staff, ensures that everything is tailored to exceed your expectations. To start a conversation about hosting your event at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club, please call us at 888-603-5299, or fill out Jimmy's Private Event Request Form.

JOIN THE TEAM AT THE LABRIE GROUP FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS
Motivated by a commitment to culinary and hospitality excellence, founders Michael and Peter Labrie and their leadership team understand it is essential to seek out talented team members for each of The Labrie Group family of restaurants — Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, The Atlantic Grill, The River House, and Waterview Grille — all in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Career opportunities and current job openings can be found at www.TheLabrieGroup.com.

Website:
http://www.jimmysoncongress.com

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