Mario Romano Quartet - Valentina

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:39
Size: 122.8 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[6:35] 1. Night In Tunisia
[7:14] 2. Norwegian Wood
[7:12] 3. Autumn Leaves
[7:12] 4. Nardis
[3:14] 5. Those Damn I Love Yous
[6:05] 6. On Green Dolphin Street
[6:06] 7. Windows
[4:26] 8. Via Romano
[5:31] 9. Someday My Prince Will Come

Canadian pianist Mario Romano has an interesting history in jazz. An up-and-coming performer in the 1970s, he took a hiatus from the jazz scene when his Toronto construction business became a big success. Now in 2010, he returns to the scene with the release of Valentina. Playing with gusto and creativity, he seems not to have missed a beat over the years; still, at the keyboard, Romano owes a lot to seventies contemporaries including McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea.

Appearing with him here are three prominent Toronto musicians. American expat tenor saxophonist Pat La Barbera, hails from a prominent family of jazz players, including trumpeter John LaBarbera and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Drummer Mark Kelso—also an expat, but from Ireland—is an energetic presence in the manner of Art Blakey or Jeff "Tain" Watts. Bassist Roberto Occhipinti is a well-known Canadian sideman, co-founder of NOJO—the Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra—and works regularly with Cuban musicians, bringing a Latin flair to this group.

The quartet regularly works together and it sounds like it. With a solid, cohesive sound, the selections are mostly Romano arrangements of jazz classics, but also includes two originals; one, Romano's "Those Damn I Love Yous," features guest vocalist Kristy Cardinal, who sings with a pure, pleasant voice.

The band plays in a hard-driving, straight-ahead fashion, reminiscent of hard-boppers such as Horace Silver and Blakey's The Jazz Messengers, with Kelso's pyrotechnics driving the up-tempo numbers. LaBarbera is also a commanding presence, in the authoritative manner of Lew Tabackin. ~Larry Taylor

Valentina

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Lori Carsillo - Sugar & Smoke

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:05
Size: 129,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. Cinnamon & Clove
(4:31)  2. Grass Is Greener
(5:36)  3. Moon & Sand
(5:44)  4. The Thrill Is Gone
(4:43)  5. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
(3:42)  6. Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast
(5:43)  7. Live for Life
(3:49)  8. Comin Home Baby
(5:24)  9. Old Devil Moon
(5:14) 10. The Look of Love
(3:22) 11. In the Still of the Night
(3:16) 12. Comin Home Baby (Reprise)

San Francisco Bay Area songbird Lori Carsillo provides us with her third solo vocal album Sugar and Smoke, presenting modern versions of familiar jazz standards from the '60s, featuring a host of first-rate musicians from the Bay Area's vibrant jazz scene. Carsillo offers a light soft-toned session of vocal jazz enhanced by her sultry hushed-styled vocal approach that draws the listener in and keeps one engaged. No real swinging pieces or loud outbursts here, this material is delivered with a measure of warmth backed up by excellent instrumentals including sharp solos that make this musical endeavor, a complete jazz package.  The Bergman composition "Cinnamon & Clove," made famous by Sergio Mendes and his bossa arrangement, kicks off the music in style featuring Riley Bandy's superb saxophone solo and Dave Baker's backup vocals spicing up the music. Pianist Adam Shulman accompanies the singer on the Maxwell/Smith standard "Grass Is Greener" as the light bossa nova-styled "Moon and Sand" highlights Carsillo's hushed vocal approach as well as offering Shulman more instrumental solo space in a delightful interpretation of the standard.  One of the highlights of the recording, is this version of Bobby Troup's humorous "Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast" enhanced by splendid instrumental support from guitarist Jay Stapleton and Bandy's saxophone voice. 

Just as good but on the romantic side of the music, Carsillo' sultry delivery is perfect for the love song, "Live for Life" with soft vibes provided by Smith Dobson capping off the classic. Staying in romantic mode, the vocalist sensuous approach of the Burt Bacharach staple, "The Look of Love," is more proof that this singer can tenderize a tune with the best of them. There's practically no swing on this album except her interpretation of "Comin' Home Baby," one of the more upbeat perky tunes of the set. The familiar "Old Devil Moon" gets an all-new treatment from the singer as does the Cole Porter classic "In the Still of the Night" with a little help from cymbal accents from drummer James Gallagher, crisp key work from Shulman and Dobson's stellar vibraphone. The program ends on another rendition of Tucker's "Comin' Home Baby" except this time, Carsillo is joined by vocalist Baker who answers each of the leader's vocal statements with a lyrical salvo of his own. Lori Carsillo's sampling of delicious light vocal jazz, provides a musical dish of far more sweets than fiery smoking material. Nevertheless, Carsillo's unique soft vocal style and approach, serves to shine new light on a selection of time-honored jazz standards revived once again, this time, with a little Sugar and Smoke. ~ Edward Blanco  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/sugar-and-smoke-lori-carsillo-self-produced-review-by-edward-blanco.php#.U7zMxbF8eM0
 

Personnel: Lori Carsillo: vocals; Adam Shulman: piano; Mike Bordelon: bass; James Gallagher: drums; Smith Dobson: vibes (7, 10, 11); Riley Bandy: saxophone (1, 6, 8-10, 12); Jay Stapleton: guitar; Dave Baker: vocals (1, 12).

Sugar & Smoke

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Joni Janak & Centerpiece Jazz - Get Outta Here!

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:53
Size: 140,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:21)  1. Get Outta Here!
(3:28)  2. Route 66
(4:33)  3. In a Mellow Tone
(4:32)  4. Feel Like Makin' Love
(2:30)  5. Dream
(5:36)  6. Sentimental Journey
(4:10)  7. Moondance
(4:27)  8. Once I Loved
(4:59)  9. They Can't Take That Away from Me
(3:17) 10. You Are So Beautiful
(3:27) 11. I'm Walkin'
(3:04) 12. Day by Day
(3:19) 13. We're in This Love Together
(3:03) 14. Bye Bye Blackbird
(4:17) 15. You're in Derry
(1:42) 16. Centerpiece

Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, vocalist Joni Janak moved to Denver in 1969 where she continues to reside. She has worked and/or recorded with such notables as Carl Fontana, Ralph Sharon, Stefan Karlsson, Marvin Stamm, Ed Soph, Tom Warrington, Ross Tompkins, Carson Smith, Bill Watrous, Andy Simpkins, Jake Hanna, Bob Cooper, and Conte and Pete Candoli. Her Colorado colleagues include Ellyn Rucker, Ron Moewes, Ed Stephen, Dean Ross, Dale Bruning, Rich Chiaraluce, Eric Gunnison, the Gordon Dooley Orchestra, The Hot Tomatoes, and the Dean Bushnell Orchestra.

Her first European tour occurred in Derry, Northern Ireland in 2001, followed by a highly acclaimed appearance during the Derry Jazz Festival in 2002. Her JLE recordings, Let's Live Again, The Wind, and Get Outta Here! can be heard and purchased at www.jazzlinkenterprises.com. They, too, have met with high praise in Jazz Journal (England), Jazzscene of Oregon, International Trombone magazine, The Denver Post, and Jazz Review (Canada), among others. Queens, New York is the hometown of guitarist/arranger/composer stalwart Ed Stephen. Primarily a self-taught musician, he counts Johnny Smith, Howard Alden, George Van Eps, Bill Evans, and Phil Woods, among his influences. "In fact, an on-going goal of mine is to develop a technique like Johnny Smith, while coming up with ideas like Bill Evans!" quipped the gregarious and gracious Ed. After moving to Colorado in 1975, Ed taught Jazz Guitar at the University of Colorado at Denver. He continues to teach the guitar privately; he also teaches reading and English as a second language for the Range View Library District in Adams County. His Colorado playing credentials include the type of diversity strongly associated with such a skilled musician as he is. He has worked with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Pops Concerts. Those concerts featured the likes of Michel Legrand, Carol Lawrence, Oscar Peterson, and Ferrante & Teicher.

He has played in the Walt Smith's Roaring Fork Jazz Party, which featured Harry Allen; the Sacramento Jazz Festival, and the West Coast Jazz Festival, where he worked with the Summit Ridge Jazz Band with Bob Craven as leader. Some of his other playing cohorts include the Gordon Dooley Orchestra, Joni Janak, Dean Ross, Ron Moewes, Vern Baumer, Bob Craven, and Carl Fontana. His first recording on JLE's label is Get Outta Here!

Manzanola, Colorado is the hometown of the intrepid bassist Dean Ross. Except for a stint in the US Army Band, he has lived and worked in Colorado throughout his career. Musicians he has worked with include Ralph Sharon, Ross Tompkins, Billy Eckstine, Dave Grusin, Marlena Shaw, Helen 0' Connell, Steve Allen, Pete and Conte Candoli, Jon Hendricks, Big Tiny Little, Ron Moewes, Ed Stephen, Joni Janak, Ellyn Rucker, Dale Bruning, Spike Robinson, Rich Chiaraluce, and The Hot Tomatoes. He has also worked with Chicago's James Dapogny's Band at the University of Northern Colorado as well as The Sounds of New Orleans. His first recording on the JLE label is Get Outta Here! with Centerpiece Jazz. A native of Denver, Colorado, drummer Ron Moewes (pronounced Mavis) received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Later, he earned his Master's Degree in Creative Arts from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

With his degrees in hand, he began a 31-year career teaching music (orchestra, jazz band) in the Jefferson County school system. While he taught during the day, he gigged at night and on the weekends, making himself an indispensable drumming staple in Colorado. Ron has worked with such notables as Ralph Sharon, Carl Fontana, Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, Herb Ellis, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Pete Christlieb, Sonny Stitt, Jon Hendricks, Al Grey, Buddy DeFranco, Doc Severinsen, and Peter Appleyard. In Colorado, he has worked with Joni Janak, Ed Stephen, Dean Ross, Ellyn Rucker, Rich Chiaraluce, Dale Bruning, The Gordon Dooley Orchestra, Ken Walker, Mark Simon, Eric Gunnison, Jeff Jenkins, Les James, Spike Robinson, and Bud Poindexter, among others. An outstanding composer and lyricist, some of his originals can be heard on his JLE recordings Ron Moewes & Friends: All This You Gave to Me and Get Outta Here! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/centerpiecejazz

Get Outta Here!

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Pat Labarbera - Deep In A Dream

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:44
Size: 162,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. Deep In A Dream
(3:52)  2. Something To Live For
(6:49)  3. There's A Lull In My Life
(5:37)  4. It Shouldn't Happen To A Dream
(4:54)  5. Maybe You'll Be There
(4:12)  6. Here's To My Lady
(9:11)  7. Moon And Sand
(5:57)  8. What Good Would The Moon Be
(5:36)  9. Why Try To Change Me Now?
(5:38) 10. Some Other Spring
(7:18) 11. I Heard You Cried Last Night
(5:00) 12. As Long As I Am Dreaming

Last September tenor/soprano saxophonist Pat LaBarbera appeared at the Forest City Jazz Festival with the same rhythm section featured on this CD. At the time, he alluded to the fact that he had always wanted to record an all-ballads album. Thanks to Bill King and Greg Sutherland of RadioLand Jazz, Pat's dream has become a reality. Deep In A Dream is a 12-track collection of lovely, slow burners that is perfect for late-night listening. While some of the tunes are well-known standards (Something To Live For and There's A Lull In My Life), a number of Pat's hand-picked favourites are more obscure. Indeed, Pat states in the liner notes that master balladeer Frank Sinatra's early recordings, Maybe You'll Be There, Why Try To Change Me Now and Deep In A Dream, were the source for these song choices. Although Pat has always been known for his up-tempo, Coltrane-influenced screamers, Deep In A Dream shows that Stan Getz and Lester Young have also inspired him. Brother Joe LaBarbera's brush work is light and feathery, Neil Swainson pulls deep, rich tones from his bass and pianist Don Thompson's occasional solo spots are suitably restrained. Break out the candles and wine and enjoy! ~ John Sharpe  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/deep-in-a-dream-pat-la-barbera-radioland-review-by-john-sharpe.php#.U7skGrF8eM0.

Personnel: Pat La Barbera (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Don Thompson Quartet (piano); Joe La Barbera (drums).

Deep In A Dream

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Carin Lundin - From Dusk To Dawn / Smulor Och Parafraser

Album: From Dusk To Dawn
Size: 113,5 MB
Time: 48:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Side By Side (3:11)
02. Ask And Answer (2:37)
03. Dream (4:14)
04. Grandma (3:43)
05. Gravy Waltz (3:20)
06. It's Your Colour (4:39)
07. Too Many (5:27)
08. The King And I - Hello Young Lovers (3:20)
09. We (4:30)
10. You're Driving Me Crazy (2:59)
11. After You've Gone (4:46)
12. Finally (5:36)

Carin Lundin is scarcely a household name, even in her homeland. Except perhaps in the town of Växjö, in the wooded province of Småland, where she grew up. Växjö has an excellent musical reputation, being home to the Musica Vitae Chamber Orchestra. Lundin studied piano at the local music school before, at 17, deciding on a career as a vocalist.

This included a stint as a singing waitress at a Stockholm nightspot, during which she inadvertently tipped molten wax over a male customer. Overcoming such inauspicious beginnings, she went on to sing with nearly all the greats of Swedish jazz Rolf Ericsson, Arne Domnérus and Putte Wickman, to name but three then in 2007 won Sweden's Anita O'Day Prize.~Chris Mosey

From Dusk To Dawn

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Album: Smulor Och Parafraser
Size: 95,7 MB
Time: 40:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Kylskapspoesi (2:56)
02. Jag Kan Se Dig Nar (4:07)
03. Ramanagaram (3:51)
04. Min Vals (4:11)
05. Han Ar Bra Tokig Anda (2:52)
06. Langtans Samba (3:18)
07. I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby (3:44)
08. Oh Oh Baby (3:00)
09. Histoire D'un Amour (3:27)
10. Nar Min Van (3:56)
11. Himlen Ar Av Stjarnor Full (2:11)
12. Marionetterna (2:56)

With this album Carin Lundin lays claim to the territory previously occupied in Swedish jazz by the late, great Monica Zetterlund. It was obviously made very much with an eye to the domestic market, with all but two of the 12 numbers in Swedish. However, Smulor och Parafraser (Crumbs and Paraphrases) is already proving something of a hit in—would you believe?—Japan. Rightly so: aided by the very able Johan Setterlind (trumpet and percussion) and Erik Söderlind on guitar, Lundin has come up with a fine set that examines her roots in the mainstream of Swedish popular music and which swings softly but surely from start to finish... which is a language anyone can understand.

It comes as something of a surprise. Carin Lundin is scarcely a household name, even in her homeland. Except perhaps in the town of Växjö, in the wooded province of Småland, where she grew up. Växjö has an excellent musical reputation, being home to the Musica Vitae Chamber Orchestra. Lundin studied piano at the local music school before, at 17, deciding on a career as a vocalist. This included a stint as a singing waitress at a Stockholm nightspot, during which she inadvertently tipped molten wax over a male customer. Overcoming such inauspicious beginnings, she went on to sing with nearly all the greats of Swedish jazz—Rolf Ericsson, Arne Domnérus and Putte Wickman, to name but three—then in 2007 won Sweden's Anita O'Day Prize.

Lundin displays far more warmth than the ultra cool Ms. O'Day ever did. And she is refreshingly unpretentious. "Han Är Bra Tokig Ändå"—"He's Funny That Way" in Swedish—and Lundin's own "Kylskåpspoesi"—Refrigerator Poetry—both hit the spot. As does, strangely enough, "Längtans Samba," an original by Swedish cabaret star Lill Lindfors. Lundin recalls as a teenager hearing the glittery Lindfors sing the number at a provincial dance hall—"The floor shook when she got to the chorus," she says. Her own version is more laid back: she pays tribute but stops shyly and attractively short of attempting to make the song her own.

"Jag kan ser dig när..." is the local version of "I'll Be Seeing You," a hit in the 1950s, "Oh oh Baby" is from an obscure EP released in 1960 and "Ramanagaram" dates from 1973. The two non-Swedish tracks are "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" in English and French vocalist Dalida's "Histoire d'un Amour."

But the standout track has to be "När Min Vän (When My Friend)." This poignant, bluesy ballad about love lost and found was Sweden's entry for the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest. It was far too good to win so few people remember it but it was sung by none other than Monica Zetterlund.

With it Lundin comes full circle.

Personnel: Carin Lundin: vocals; Johan Setterlind: trumpet, percussion; Erik Söderlind, guitar; Mathias Algotsson, keyboards; Mattias Welin, bass; Daniel Fredriksson, drums.

Smulor Och Parafraser

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Chris Barber - A Life In Jazz

Size: 121,6 MB
Time: 52:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. When The Saints Go Marchin' In (3:05)
02. Petite Fleur (2:42)
03. Can't You Line 'em (Chris Barber's Skiffie Group) (2:02)
04. The Entertainer (3:46)
05. You Took Advantage Of Me (Chris Barber's Skiffie Group) (5:31)
06. The Lonesome Road (2:47)
07. Tuxedo Rag (Chris Barber's Skiffie Group) (2:15)
08. When You And I Were Young, Maggie (2:36)
09. Majorca (Chris Barber's Skiffie Group) (3:42)
10. Whistlin Rufus (2:57)
11. Doin My Time (Chris Barber's Skiffie Group) (3:27)
12. Bye And Bye (2:28)
13. The Sheik Of Araby (9:01)
14. April Showers (5:50)

Jazz trombonist Chris Barber formed his first band in the late 1940s, but it is the band that he has led from 1954, after parting company with trumpeter Ken Colyer, that has established all kinds of records for success and longevity. The 54 year partnership with trumpeter Pat Halcox is the longest continuous association in jazz history. The Barber band achieved chart success on both sides of the Atlantic, with "Petite Fleur", and from the middle to late 1950s it was the most popular music act in the UK. The band was one of the first British jazz groups to tour extensively in the United States. It has remained one of the most popular and widely imitated jazz bands in Europe for over half a century. In this candid account of his life and music, Barber tells the story of his band, but also of his many other contributions to music in Britain. He and his guitarist and singer Lonnie Donegan began the skiffle movement. His band pioneered touring with authentic American blues and gospel musicians, including Big Bill Broonzy, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. There were also tours with American jazz soloists, including John Lewis, Trummy Young, Ray Nance and many others. Barber and his colleague Harold Pendleton also launched the Marquee Club in London, which became a legendary jazz and rock venue, as well as becoming the launchpad for the Richmond and Reading Festivals. Barber's band has always been devoted to both jazz and blues, touring for many years with the charismatic Northern Irish singer Ottilie Patterson, (who became Barber's wife) and also including the blues guitarist John Slaughter in the line-up. In 2001 the band became the Big Chris Barber Band, allowing him to continue to play the New Orleans jazz he has always loved, but also to play the big band repertoire of musicians such as Duke Ellington.

A Life In Jazz

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Allan Vache - With Benny In Mind

Size: 160,2 MB
Time: 68:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Avalon (5:49)
02. Moonglow (5:29)
03. Flyin' Home (6:57)
04. Soft Winds (4:10)
05. Air Mail Special (3:29)
06. Stompin' At The Savoy (5:07)
07. Seven Come Eleven (6:57)
08. Body And Soul (4:36)
09. Slipped Disc (3:43)
10. Smo O O Oth One (4:38)
11. Nagasaki (4:29)
12. Memories Of You (4:05)
13. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (6:49)
14. Goodbye (2:16)

In a testimonial printed on the back of the CD case, Bill Hyland (executor of the Benny Goodman estate) observes that this album looks both "backward and forward in a stylistic sense." That's baloney. This album looks resolutely and unapologetically backward in a stylistic sense, straight back to the 1930s, when Benny Goodman was making his hugely influential small-ensemble recordings. And it does so beautifully, with a clarity and grace that sometimes seem to have gone entirely missing in jazz since Goodman's death. "Grace" should not be confused with "wimpiness," of course, and on this wonderful sextet date clarinetist Allan Vaché leads a group that includes some of the hottest swing players currently in the business, among them pianist John Sheridan, drummer Ed Metz, Jr. and a young vibraphonist named Christian Tamburr -- remember that name. The program is completely unsurprising and includes just about all the usual suspects: "Flyin' Home," "Body and Soul," "Airmail Special," even "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." But when Sheridan kicks in the stride technique on "Air Mail Special" or Tamburr digs in deep on "Flyin' Home," it will be as if you're hearing these hoary old classics for the first time. Well, maybe for the second time. ~Review by Rick Anderson

With Benny In Mind

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Bud Powell - Bud Powell In Paris

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:57
Size: 112.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1963/1995
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. How High The Moon
[3:50] 2. Dear Old Stockholm
[6:02] 3. Body And Soul
[4:16] 4. Jor-Du
[3:40] 5. Reets And I
[4:41] 6. Satin Doll
[1:53] 7. Parisian Thoroughfare
[5:37] 8. I Can't Get Started
[3:28] 9. Crazeology
[4:35] 10. Back Home Again In Indiana
[6:57] 11. B-Flat Blues

Considering how late it was in his career, Bud Powell was in surprisingly good spirits at this live session with bassist Gilbert Rovere and drummer Kansas Fields. The innovative pianist stretches out on nine bop standards including two he had written ("Reets and I" and "Parisian Thoroughfare"); in addition there are previously unreleased versions of "Indiana" and "B-Flat Blues." Far superior to most of his 1955-1958 sessions, this was one of Powell's best late-period recordings; he is in near-prime form throughout. ~Scott Yanow

Bud Powell In Paris

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Cecile McLorin Salvant - Woman Child

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 59:31
Size: 136.3 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:59] 1. St. Louis Gal
[6:05] 2. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
[3:22] 3. Nobody
[6:06] 4. Womanchild
[5:10] 5. Le Front Cache Sur Tes Genoux
[5:13] 6. Prelude There's A Lull In My Life
[5:05] 7. You Bring Out The Savage In Me
[3:19] 8. Baby Have Pity On Me
[5:11] 9. John Henry
[6:50] 10. Jitterbug Waltz
[8:11] 11. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
[1:55] 12. Deep Dark Blue

When Cecile McLorin Salvant arrived at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC to compete in the finals of the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, she was not only the youngest finalist, but also a mystery woman with the most unusual background of any of the participants. When she walked away with first place in the jazz world’s most prestigious contest, the buzz began almost immediately. If anything, it has intensified in the months leading up to the launch of her Mack Avenue Records debut, WomanChild.

“She has poise, elegance, soul, humor, sensuality, power, virtuosity, range, insight, intelligence, depth and grace,” Wynton Marsalis asserts. “I’ve never heard a singer of her generation who has such a command of styles,” remarks pianist Aaron Diehl. “She radiates authority,” critic Ben Ratliff wrote in The New York Times in response to one of her post-competition performances, and a few weeks later his colleague Stephen Holden announced that “Ms. McLorin Salvant has it all.... If anyone can extend the lineage of the Big Three—Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald—it is this 23-year-old virtuoso.”

Woman Child

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The Christian Jacob Trio - Styne & Mine

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 64:03
Size: 146.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[4:38] 1. Just In Time
[4:55] 2. It's You Or No One
[4:39] 3. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
[5:08] 4. Never Never Land
[4:43] 5. Lydia's Crush
[6:45] 6. Piece One
[4:50] 7. Piece Two
[4:41] 8. Piece Three
[6:17] 9. People
[4:14] 10. As Long As There's Music
[4:46] 11. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[5:20] 12. Time After Time
[3:00] 13. The Party's Over

At Ken Poston's all-star tribute to trumpeter Maynard Ferguson in Los Angeles last October (2004), the pianist for most groups, large or small, was Maynard's son-in-law, Christian Jacob, who didn't land the gig because of family connections. When Tierney Sutton, who has worked with Jacob for nearly a dozen years and is the guest vocalist on "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry" and "I Fall in Love Too Easily," introduces Christian as "one of the greatest living jazz pianists," she isn't saying that just to be nice. A number of astute observers agree, including Bill Holman, Benny Golson and the man whose idea it was to have Jacob perform the music of the great Broadway/Hollywood composer Jule Styne, legendary English bandleader/impresario Vic Lewis.

Even with their support and well-wishes, the album almost never happened, as no label expressed an interest in producing it. Enter Christian's wife, Wilder Jacob, who learned how to move it from drawing board to finished product practically by herself, hence the label WilderJazz. That, I surmise, is what is meant by the term "helpmate."

The album's title, Styne & Mine, refers to the fact that nine of its thirteen numbers were co-written by Styne (with various lyricists), the others by Jacob. While Styne's melodies are more familiar, Jacob's have an insistent charm of their own and might respond well to the solicitude of an accomplished lyricist (even though he has prosaically named three of them "Piece 1," "Piece 2" and "Piece 3"). Jacob also wrote "Lydia's Crush" and left the rest in Styne's capable hands.

Jacob is an excellent pianist whose formidable technique is tempered by his marvelous touch, cheerful temperament and impressive capacity to bring out the best in any song. While "one of the greatest" is clearly in the ear of the beholder, Jacob reminds me of such other renowned young pianists as Bill Charlap, Jan Lundgren, Eric Reed and Benny Green, and perhaps that is praise enough. One has to save some applause for Henry and Brinker, each of whom plays his part admirably. Henry is one of the most sought-after bassists in southern California, and it's easy to hear why. He's always at the top of his game. Like many drummers, Brinker has a natural tendency to roar, but softens his approach when necessary to help make this a trio in the best sense of the word. ~Jack Bowers

Styne & Mine

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Joe Jackson - Greatest Hits

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 75:36
Size: 173.1 MB
Styles: New Wave
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[3:34] 1. Is She Really Going Out With Him
[3:20] 2. Look Sharp!
[4:18] 3. Sunday Papers
[3:58] 4. I'm The Man
[3:42] 5. It's Different For Girls
[4:16] 6. Beat Crazy
[2:40] 7. Jumpin' Jive
[4:50] 8. Breaking Us In Two
[4:15] 9. Steppin' Out
[7:58] 10. A Slow Song
[5:20] 11. Memphis
[4:51] 12. You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)
[4:19] 13. Be My Number Two
[4:34] 14. Right And Wrong
[3:10] 15. Home Town
[4:40] 16. Down To London
[5:44] 17. Nineteen Forever

A&M's 1996 collection Greatest Hits contains many of the basics in Joe Jackson's catalog, and that may be enough for some fans -- after all, it has "Is She Really Going Out With Him?," "Look Sharp!," "Sunday Papers," "I'm the Man," "You Can't Get What You Want (Til You Know What You Want)," "Breaking Us in Two," "Steppin' Out," and "Nineteen Forever." The problem with the record is what lies around them. What's there isn't particularly bad, although inclusions like a live version of "Memphis" are fairly puzzling, but it isn't representative of Jackson's best, and it doesn't result in a great listen. It may satisfy those looking for just a handful of hits on one disc, but there are better Jackson compilations on the market. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Greatest Hits

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Melissa Stott - Why Now

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:33
Size: 120,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Mami's Kitchen
(1:45)  2. Why Now
(3:36)  3. Don't You Get It
(2:34)  4. You're Through
(4:41)  5. An Imaginary Girl
(4:02)  6. Suspicion
(4:36)  7. Ella
(4:58)  8. I Think Of You
(4:54)  9. Dreaming
(6:22) 10. You Don't Love Me
(4:17) 11. Anyone Can See That I'm In Love
(5:26) 12. A Long, Long Way
(1:46) 13. Why Now

Melissa Stott, jazz songwriter and vocalist, was born in Manchester (UK), daughter of a Singaporean-Chinese mother and an English father who was a jazz pianist and church organist. Being the only student on the advanced music course at high school, Melissa received one-to-one tuition in harmony and counterpoint from Lorna Wareham. A classical pianist and dancer, she spent the late eighties and early nineties living and working in London, Canterbury, Singapore, Italy, Sweden and Denmark, obtaining a degree in Drama and touring with a theatre company. After vocal and instrumental studies with Barry Harris, Stjepko (Steve) Gut, Vince Benedetti, Dennis Jeter, Andy Farber and LaVerne Jackson, Melissa, already an established jazz vocalist, started writing down the songs that had been in her head for a while. 

For her 2005 debut, Why Now, she was hailed by Chris Parker (Vortex, London) as “a witty, accomplished songwriter with the ability to deliver her material with beguiling, informal intimacy…”, who also went on to predict that “her ability to write clever but affecting original songs that sound like standards in the making should see her establish herself in the top flight of vocalists in short order”. Her new 2007 release The Picture for Leo Feigin’s Feetfirst Records (a division of the avant-garde Leo Records), sees that promise about to be fulfilled. All of the thirteen songs on The Picture were penned by Melissa, proving that her talent for writing catchy tunes with interesting harmonies and witty, touching lyrics continues to blossom. From the up- tempo dismissal of a lover in “Romance Addio”, to the haunting Evans-esque “The Picture”, or the aching, melancholic “Wish It Wasn’t True”, each and every one of Stott’s original songs casts a spell which is hard to forget. Tongue firmly in cheek, she imparts a cautionary tale about learning (or not) from your mistakes in “Hindsight” and dreams poignantly of better tomorrows in “A Little Contented Place”. Melissa Stott is “conversational, mature and engaging...far more than just a singer.”~ (Jazz Review, UK)

As a vocalist, her style is natural and understated, yet “an almost conversational intimacy combines with subtle power” to produce feelings that it’s hard to put your finger on. She also has, in her “precise diction, fluidity of her phrasing and perfect intonation, some of the best strings to her bow”~ (All About Jazz).

She currently performs in clubs and festivals (S.Elpidio Jazz Festival, Toscana Jazz, Appennino Music Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, etc.) all around Italy and in Europe. Melissa is currently living in Italy. http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/melissastott

Why Now

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Antti Sarpila - We'd Like New York...in June!

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:44
Size: 165,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. How About You
(3:09)  2. From This Moment On
(5:09)  3. Everything Happens to Me
(5:05)  4. Moonlight on Germont
(4:40)  5. Lesterity
(3:41)  6. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(2:46)  7. Whispers in the Dark
(2:19)  8. Revolutionary Jump
(3:29)  9. Unforgettable
(4:17) 10. 'Deed I Do
(5:31) 11. I'm Beginning to See the Light
(4:00) 12. Swing ala Chopin
(5:31) 13. Summer Night
(4:03) 14. Just One of Those Things
(3:54) 15. Cheek to Cheek
(5:45) 16. Love Walked In
(3:04) 17. Dearest (You're the Nearset to My Heart)

Finnish multi-reed player Antti Sarpila has developed a strong following within a few short years following his 2001 debut CD as a leader. Equally talented on tenor sax, clarinet, and soprano sax, Sarpila gives this set a truly international flavor, with Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello, Australian bassist Nicki Parrott, and American drummer Ed Metz, Jr.. Opening on tenor in a easygoing take of "How About You?" he showcases each player in turn. The "I Got Rhythm"-derived "Lesterity" is an obvious salute to Lester Young and would be perfect for any jam session. He revisits the long forgotten "Whispers in the Dark" delving in playful exchanges with Sportiello with Metz whispering with his brushwork. His engaging "'Deed I Do" showcases Parrott playing both pizzicato and arco solos. Sarpila's upbeat "Swing à la Chopin" is based on one of Fryderyk Chopin's best-loved waltzes. Fans of mainstream jazz will be delighted with this enjoyable CD. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/wed-like-new-york-in-june!-mw0000809517.

Personnel: Antti Sarpila (clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Antti Sarpila (saxophone); Rossano Sportiello (piano); Nicki Parrott (bass guitar); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

We'd Like New York...in June!

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Pink Martini - Dream A Little Dream

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:39
Size: 109,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:55)  1. Storm
(2:44)  2. Kuroneko No Tango
(3:51)  3. Dream A Little Dream
(3:50)  4. Fernando
(2:52)  5. Hayaldah Hachi Yafah Bagan
(4:13)  6. Friend
(2:44)  7. Die Dorfmusik
(2:00)  8. In Stiller Nacht
(3:11)  9. Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour
(3:19) 10. Rwanda Nziza
(2:25) 11. Gongxi
(3:16) 12. Hushablye Mountain
(2:38) 13. Lonely Goatherd
(2:48) 14. Edelweiss
(4:48) 15. Thunder

Sofia, Melanie, Amanda, and August von Trapp are the actual great grandchildren of Baron & Maria Von Trapp, made famous by the 1965 film The Sound of Music. These siblings (ages 18 25) have been singing together for 12 years, and have toured all over the world in concert. Drawn into the magical orbit of Thomas Lauderdale, they now live together in a house in Portland, Oregon and have been frequent guest performers with Pink Martini for the past two years. This delightful new collaboration features Pink Martini s beloved little orchestra fronted by the beautiful crystalline four-part harmonies of the singing siblings, traveling through a wonderland of Lauderdale s brilliant arrangements. Pink Martini presents the first major international release by the four sensational singing greatgrandchildren of Baron & Maria von Trapp, the real-life subjects of The Sound of Music. 

Fifteen songs from all over the world, from Japan, Sweden and Rwanda to France and Ireland. World-famous Irish supergroup The Chieftains appears on August von Trapp's original song Thunder. The legendary Wayne Newton leads a rousing version of Lonely Goatherd with help from Columbus Zoo Director and regular late-night talk show guest Jack Hanna!

In a duet that crosses the threshold of fantasy and reality, Charmian Carr (the actress who played Liesl in The Sound of Music) sings a touching version of Edelweiss.~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Little-Pink-Martini/dp/B00HUQC4WE.

Personnel: August Von Trapp (vocals, ukulele); Amanda von Trapp, Sofie von Trapp, Melanie von Trapp (vocals); Dan Faehnle (guitar); Maureen Love (harp); Nicholas Crosa (violin); Pansy Chang (cello); Gavin Bondy (trumpet); Robert Taylor (trombone); Thomas Lauderdale (piano); Phil Baker (upright bass); Anthony Jones (drums, percussion); Derek Rieth, Brian Davis (congas, percussion); Timothy Nishimoto (percussion).

Dream A Little Dream

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Mark Dorricott & Vocalatti - Into The Night

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:03
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:16)  1. Just Cruisin'
(3:56)  2. Desert Time
(3:03)  3. You Take Me There
(3:22)  4. End Of Time
(2:58)  5. Into The Night
(3:20)  6. Deep Desert
(6:24)  7. Dreamsville
(4:23)  8. Midnight Mood
(3:27)  9. Too Much Time
(5:28) 10. Sands Of Time
(4:50) 11. Back To Nature
(3:26) 12. Sea Of Tranquillity
(4:06) 13. Fragment

Here’s a first collaborative album ‘Into the night‘ with original songs by Vocalatti (songwriter/vocals) and Mark Dorricott (songwriter/instrumentals). The album takes you into the night and beyond, with smooth electric fender rhodes keys (Mark Dorricott)and late night sultry vocals (Vocalatti) ,washing over you, calming even the most tense mind, leaving you chilled and relaxed.

For all you night time lovers, this is the album for you. Put the lights down low… and sit back and relax.  http://www.loungemasters.org/frw/2014/07/02/into-the-night-by-mark-dorricott-vocalatti/

Into The Night

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Terry Gibbs Big Band - Live At The Summit In Hollywood

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 79:32
Size: 182.1 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Day In, Day Out
[3:42] 2. Summit Blues
[2:43] 3. Limerick Waltz
[5:17] 4. You Don't Know What Love Is
[2:49] 5. Sweet Georgia Brown
[2:50] 6. Nose Cone
[4:00] 7. Too Close For Comfort
[4:32] 8. Main Stem
[4:33] 9. Ja-Da
[5:40] 10. T And D
[3:02] 11. Tico Tico
[3:41] 12. Big Bad Bob
[4:26] 13. The Big Cat
[5:12] 14. Soft Eyes
[3:52] 15. Billie's Bounce
[2:49] 16. Pretty Blue Eyes
[3:34] 17. I'll Take Romance
[2:53] 18. Do You Wanna Jump, Children
[4:16] 19. Nature Boy
[3:36] 20. Jump The Blues Away
[2:52] 21. Sleep

Big-band jazz gains a dimension when it is energized by a brilliant central virtuoso like Terry Gibbs, and he self-evidently sparked these live sessions, wailing in front of a fine band with the kind of men and arrangements that suited him perfectly. What registers so vividly is that, although this splendid band had only worked together sporadically, it had a pervasive group feeling and a cohesion and excitement that were communicated with vitality and fervor by the superb ensemble playing and consistently high quality blowing by Bill Perkins, Joe Maini, Conte Candoli, Richie Kamuca, Frank Rosolino, and Pat Moran.

What also made their sound so infectious was their swinging arrangements, deftly wrought by top writers like Bill Holman, Al Cohn, Manny Albam, and Shorty Rogers. This is a true picture of how this band really sounded, thanks to the work of the great sound engineer, Wally Heider, which so vibrantly brought it to life in its transfer from The Summit night club on Sunset Blvd., where it was recorded in excellent stereo sound. It is indisputably one of the best big band efforts in Terry Gibbs’ illustrious history as a top jazzman and band leader.

Al Porcino, Conte Candoli, Ray Triscari, Frank Huggins, Stu Williamson (tp), Frank Rosolino, Vern Friley, Bob Edmondson (tb), Joe Maini, Charlie Kennedy, Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca (saxes), Terry Gibbs (vib), Pat Moran (p), Buddy Clark (b), Mel Lewis (d)

Live At The Summit In Hollywood

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Birgitte Lyregaard - Blue Anemone

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:14
Size: 110.4 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:22] 1. Forgetful
[0:50] 2. Do It Again
[4:19] 3. Den Blå Anemone
[7:33] 4. But Beautiful
[5:37] 5. Nantes
[6:31] 6. Monk's Mood
[2:37] 7. Being Green
[7:40] 8. I Thought About You
[4:12] 9. I've Grown Accustomed To His Face
[3:28] 10. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Birgitte Lyregaard, (born in England 1973) Is a versatile vocalist as well as a composer, lyricist and storyteller and is equally at home in the world of jazz, impro, deep pop and concert tales.

She was made at sea, born in London, grew up in Denmark and studied at the Conservatories in The Hague and Rotterdam in Holland obtaining her Jazz Vocal Master in 2004. Birgitte has returned to Denmark in spring 2011 after having lived and worked for three years in Paris, France.

Blue Anemone, the title song of the cd ”and in Danish "Den blå anemone”, is a Danish song about maintaining hope through times of darkness. Planting a seed in unfamiliar ground and thinking that the roughness and incompatibility of the surrounding elements will be the end of this fragile existance. But come spring, surprise and joy, a spot of sky blue breaks through the soil. Even stronger from resistance this beautiful flower reminds us that there is always a way up and out, no matter how impossible things may seem and that flowers can survive to spread hope and joy in even the most unlikely places.

Though today she is also active with musical projects of different genres (impro, deep pop, poetry rock) her intial love - the jazz standard - has never seized to fascinate and occupy her. So with this trio Birgitte Lyregaard (w. Alain Jean-Marie, piano and Alexandra Grimal, saxophones) gets lost in the American Book of Standards, the bare, re-defined essentials of the soul of the jazz ballads.

Recording information: Herman Van Hove's Place, Kapellen, BE (05/01/2010).

Blue Anemone

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Sal Salvador - Frivolous Sal

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 35:38
Size: 81.6 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1956/2008
Art: Front

[3:11] 1. Frivolous Sal
[3:04] 2. Tangerine
[3:36] 3. I Cover The Waterfront
[3:23] 4. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[2:34] 5. You Could Swing For That
[4:00] 6. All The Things You Are
[4:14] 7. Salaman
[3:35] 8. A Handful Of Stars
[3:08] 9. I Love You
[4:49] 10. I Remember April

A versatile guitarist and onetime head of the guitar department at the University of Bridgeport, Sal Salvador was a capable soloist and accompanist whose single-string style, shaped by his early interest in the music of Charlie Christian, was augmented by extensive studies of guitar technique. Salvador's years of research, playing, and analysis eventually led to his writing guitar methodology books, among them Sal Salvador's Chord Method for Guitar and Sal Salvador's Single String Studies for Guitar in the '50s and '60s. He became interested in jazz during his teens, and began playing professionally in Springfield, MA, in 1945. He worked with Terry Gibbs and Mundell Lowe in New York at the end of the '40s, then joined Stan Kenton's orchestra in 1952. Salvador worked with Kenton until the end of 1953, and appeared on the New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm album. He led bebop bands featuring Eddie Costa and Phil Woods. Salvador was featured in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day and headed a big band in the late '50s and early '60s. He worked in a guitar duo with Alan Hanlon in the early '70s, and began recording again as a leader later in the decade. He re-formed his big band in the '80s, and was named to his position at the University of Bridgeport. Salvador led recordings for Blue Note (1953), Capitol, Bethlehem, Decca, Jazz Unlimited, Dauntless (1963), Bee Hive, GP, and Stash; he died September 22, 1999, at the age of 73. ~bio by Ron Wynn

Frivolous Sal

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Lisa Bassenge - Won't Be Home Tonight....

Styles: Latin Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:12
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:38)  1. Won't Be Home Tonight..
(3:50)  2. It's Raining
(3:38)  3. Sleep
(6:24)  4. In Between Days
(6:17)  5. Overload
(5:06)  6. The Thrill Is Gone
(2:28)  7. Crazy
(4:48)  8. Little Lover
(4:53)  9. I'd Never Have to Go
(4:36) 10. There Must Be an Angel Playing With My Heart
(3:56) 11. Junimond
(5:21) 12. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
(2:59) 13. Ohne Dich
(5:12) 14. Adeus

Lisa Bassenge is a 30 years old versatile singer. The Lisa Bassenge Trio is the “band” used to release jazz songs where you can also hear Paul Kleber on upright bass. In 2004 they recorded their third critically acclaimed album “three”. Lisa is also singing with the german bands “Micatone” and “Nylon”. Paul Kleber plays bass, percussion; he studied classical and jazz doublebass but he likes playing jazz much more. Besides the Lisa Bassenge Trio he also recorded two CDs with Nylon and two with Jazz Indeed. During Micatone shows you can see him also playing triangle and drums on a second drum set together with Tim Kroker (another member of the Micatone project). The Lisa Bassenge Trio has build himself a solid reputation in Berlin’s clubs, thanks to a “playlist” that takes inspiration from the biggest names in jazz and pop, filtering them through the really unique and emotional voice of Lisa and the musical taste of her collaborators. Bio ~ http://www.last.fm/music/Lisa+Bassenge+Trio/+wiki

Won't Be Home Tonight

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Lee Gibson - The Nearness Of You

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:13
Size: 126,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. Time After Time
(4:07)  2. Never Let Me Go
(5:43)  3. They Can't Take That Away from Me
(4:46)  4. Good Morning Heartache
(4:21)  5. Here's That Rainy Day
(5:06)  6. Nice 'n' Easy
(3:09)  7. The Lady Is a Tramp
(5:40)  8. A Foggy Day
(4:01)  9. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
(5:36) 10. The Nearness of You
(4:23) 11. Teach Me Tonight
(4:42) 12. I Only Have Eyes for You

'Lee Gibson is a nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz singer who has delighted critics and fans alike with her wonderful voice; innate sense of swing and dynamic stage presence. She is justly renowned for her musicality and the originality of her interpretations. Lee has appeared at all the major jazz venues and festivals throughout the UK also headlining festivals in Australia and performing throughout Europe. As well as working with her own trio and quartet; Lee is a highly respected and accomplished big band vocalist and has worked with all the major bands in the UK and Europe. When performing with the Danish Radio Big Band, their conductor, the late Thad Jones described her as a "truly marvellous jazz singer".' ~ Bio http://www.jazzcds.co.uk/artist_id_72/biography_id_72

The Nearness Of You

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