Gone With The Wave by Lalo Schifrin

Produced by Stanley Wilson (Colpix 1964)

Recorded in Los Angeles, October 1964

This did get a release on CD around 1999 but it seems to be hard to get. I like this album mainly because of the track "Taco-Taquito" which I find addictive. There some cool moments of lush cool jazz like "Aqua Blues" or "Breaks Bosa Nova".

Side One

Gone With the Wave
Laniakea Waltz

A Taste of Bambo

[aka Hot Saké by Quincy Jones]

Halieva Blues


Taco-Taquito


Breaks

Side Two

Aqua Blues

Surf Waltz

Five by Four (Ala Moana)

Breaks Bossa Nova

Waimea Bay

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Rotary Connection by Rotary Connection

Produced by Charles Stepney & Marshall Chess (1969 Cadet)

This was release two years earlier on the Checker label but in 1969 it made it out on the Cadet Label. It is a collection of songs that could be loosely called psychedelic soul. It is acquired listening and the stand-out tunes for me are "Turn Me On", "Like A Rolling Stone" and "Didn't Want To Have To Do It". Also on here is a sitar sample lifted successfully by the Fugees.

Side A

Amen

Rapid Transit

Turn Me On

Pink Noise

Lady Jane

Like A Rolling Stone

Side B

Soul Man

Sursum Mentes

Didn't Want To Have To Do It 

Black Noise

Memory Band

Ruby Tuesday

Rotary Connection

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The Fabulous Ronettes by the Ronettes

Estelle Bennett (below middle) from the classic Ronettes has passed at 67. Phil Spector may have given the group their hits but their irresistible charisma kept them as princesses of pop for a solid 16 months. Their tunes still get a party jumping 46 years later, no problem!

The more favored of the trio was (Veronica) Ronnie Bennett as she went on to marry the Gun-Totting-Wall-of-Sound-Svengali in 1968, only to divorce six years later.

Estelle also married in 1968 and had a daughter. She left the industry until 1988, when suddenly, the spotlight was turned back on for an acrimonious court case between the Ronettes and Spector over royalties. Spector was ordered to pay $3 million but the ruling was over turned on appeal.

For me this is one group that will always be special. If you want your baby to dance, their tunes are simply perfect! 

Estelle may have passed but she will never be forgotten! Come on Baby!

Side A

(Walking) In The Rain (Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann, Phil Spector) 
Do I Love You? (Vini Poncia, Pete Andreoli, Phil Spector) 
So Young (William Tyus) 
(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up (Vini Poncia, Pete Andreoli, Phil Spector) 
I Wonder (Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector) 
What'd I Say? (Ray Charles) 

Side B

Be My Baby (Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector) "You, Baby" (Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann, Phil Spector)
Baby, I Love You (Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector) 
How Does It Feel? (Vini Poncia, Pete Andreoli, Phil Spector) 
When I Saw You (Phil Spector) 

Chapel Of Love (Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector)

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NEW ROCK SAVAGE 12 INCH BLOG

A New Rock Savage Blog has started called Rock Savage's 12 Inch. The idea is to post rare 12 Inch records from the 1980s through to the new millennium. The link is in the side bar so check it out.

Of course this Blog will continue as I find the time to post more rare albums from my collection that have yet to have a CD release.

Re-Edits by Rock Savage

As a little change I thought I would post some of the extended and re-edited mixes I have done for playing at that all important jam.

In some cases the changes are simple, such as an extension of a cool drum break like "California Soul" by Marlena Shaw, while others like "Hang On Sloopy" by The Supremes have been completely re-arranged. Also there are 2 extended versions of songs that were split in their original form "Hook & Sling" by Eddie Bo and "Supernatural Thing" by Ben E. King. I have added some kitschy stuff too. 

As for a track listing I will leave it as a surprise but Jazz, Soul and Funk are some of the genres. There are 22 different tracks. Hope you enjoy it! 

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Dinner Music by Rotary Connection

Produced & Arranged by Charles Stepney

(1970 Cadet Concept Records)

Recorded at Ten Mar Studios, Chicago, Illinois, November 1969

The penultimate album from Rotary Connection before they were deemed uncommercial or unmarketable. Still, this album is not as strong as their pervious efforts but it has its moments.

Vocals

Minnie Riperton

Mitch Aliota

Sidney Barnes

Judy Hauff

Tommy Vincent

Bobby Simms

Side One

Pointillism

We Will Be Free

Living Alone

Lektricks #1

Country Things

Quartet

May Our Amens Be True

Stormy Monday Blues

Side Two

Love Me Now

Lonely Summer

Amuse

Lektricks #2

Merry Prankster

Pump Effect

Want You To Know

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Soul Bird: Whiffenpoof by Cal Tjader

Produced by

Recorded at A&R Recording, New York City 

June 1 and 2 1965

Recorded at Van Gelder

Studios, New Jersey

July 21 and 22 1965

This is a great Cal Tjader album. Soul Bird (Tin Tin Dao), Daddy Wong Legs and Soul Motion instantly invoke the word classic. Doxy is a fun number with a vibrant groove. Some of these tracks are featured on the 1973 Remastered Collection Double Album 'Doxy'.

Bass - Richard Davis

Piano - Paul Griffin

Drums -  Sol Gubin & Grady Tate

Percussion -  Armando Peraza

On 'Reza'  Bass - Terry Hilliard, Drums -  John Rae and Piano - Lonnie Hewitt

Side One

1. The Whiffenpoof Song

2. Soul Bird (Tin Tin Dao)

3. How High The Moon

4. That's All

5. Soul Motion

6. Reza

Side Two

1. The Prophet

2. Sonny Boy

3. Doxy

4. Samba De Orfeu

5. Shiny Silk Stockings

6. Daddy Wong Legs

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Aladdin by Rotary Connection

Produced & Arranged by Charles Stepney

(1968 Cadet Concept Records)

Rotary Connection are a group that optimizes hippy. The music is kitsch, often inspired and at times difficult but this album has some real gems. Anything that has Minnie Riperton as a vocalist is worth checking out! 

As for groove diggers, this album will certainly satisfy, as it contains immense grooves and funky drum breaks. Enjoy! 

Vocals

Minnie Riperton

Mitch Aliota

Sidney Barnes

Judy Hauff

Tommy Vincent

Bobby Simms

Side One

Life Could

Teach Me How To Fly

V.I.P

Let Them Talk

I Took A Ride (Caravan)

Side Two

Aladdin

Magical World

I Must Be There

I Feel Sorry

Paper Castle

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Marquis De Sade by Lalo Schifrin

The Dissection And Reconstruction Of Music From The Past As Performed By The Inmates Of Lalo Schifrin's Demented Ensemble As A Tribute To The Memory Of The Marquis De Sade by Lalo Schifrin

Produced, Arranged and Conducted by Lalo Schifrin

(1966 Verve)

I think the title says it all? If not, this is a curiosity and definitely a grower. I have had this for years and it gets better with each listen. It is also wonderfully produced by Schifrin in a crisp and clean fashion. All I can say is that this album is like fine wine because it matures with age.

Recorded at Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey April 27th

Drums - Grady Tate

Guitar - Gene Bertoncini

Harp - Gloria Agostini

Bass - Richard Davis

Cello - George Ricci

Viola - Alfred Brown

Piano - Lalo Schifrin

Side One

Old Laces

The Wig

The Blues For Johann Sebastian

Renaissance

Beneath A Weeping Willow Shade

Side Two

Versailles Promenade

Troubadour

Marquis De Sade

Aria

Bossa Antique

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Cymande by Cymande

Produced by John Schroeder (1972 Janus Records)

Cymande are one of those few bands that changed forever my way of listening to music. I cannot praise this fabulous ensemble highly enough. This album is incredible. Pure Genius!

Bass - Steve Scipico

Drums - Sam Kelly

Guitar - Patrick Patterson

Congas - Pablo Gonsales

Saxophone (Alto) - Mike Rose

Saxophone (Alto & Soprano) - Derek Gibbs

Saxophone (Tenor) - Peter Serreo

Vocals & Percussion - Joey Dee & Ray King

Side One

Zion I

One More

Getting It Back

Listen

Rickshaw

Side Two

Dove

Bra

The Message

Ras Tafarian Folk Song

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Betty Davis by Betty Davis

Produced by Gregg Errico (1973 Just Sunshine Records)

Recorded at Wally Heiders Studio, San Francisco. 

A Classic Funk Album that seems to be out of print yet again!

Bass - Larry Graham

Drums - Greg Errico

Guitar - Doug Rodrigues  & Neal Schon

Organ Clavinet - Hershall Happiness Kennedy

Saxophone - Skip Mesquit

Piano - Pete Sears

Congas - Victor Pantoja

Side One

If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up

Walkin Up The Road

Anti Love Song

Your Man My Man

Side Two

Ooh Yea

Steppin In Her I. Miller Shoes

Game Is My Middle Name

In The Meantime

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Moods & Grooves by Ju-Par Universal Orchestra

Produced by Dick Boyell & Bruce Swedien

(1976 Ju-Par Records )

A bit of a curiosity this. It is very Funky but very very Kitsch at the same time. It has some serious Funk samples dotted all over this record for all you groove diggers and the musicianship is top notch.

Phil Upchurch - Guitar

Quinton Joseph - Drums

Lou Satterfield - Bass

Derf Walker - Percussion

Art Hayle - Trumpet

Murry Watson - Trumpet

Ken Soderdlom - Tenor Baritone

Rich Rudoll - Flute

Vocals - Kitty Haywood, Bonnie Herman and Vivian Haywood

Side A

Funky Music

Beauty & The Beast

Time

Chicago Calypso

Side B

Mocha Velvet

Is Anyone Listening?

Flute Salad

Gotta Get-A-Way

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The Magic Of Christmas by The Soulful Strings

Produced & Arranged by Richard Evans

(1968 Cadet Records)

Recorded: August, 1968 at Ter Mar Studios, Chicago

It is not Christmas yet... but when is there a wrong time to give presents?

Merry Christmas, Baby with Dorothy Ashby on Harp is just sublime. Evans effortlessly proves yet again what a Genius he is. Also there is a really nice breakbeat at the beginning of Jingle Bells! 

This is the one for all your future Christmas Jams ....take it from Rock Savage!!!!!!

Just Pray that Christmas is early this year....

Side 1

The Little Drummer Boy

Lenard Druss, Flute; Dorothy Ashby, Harp

Snowfall

Dorothy Ashby, Harp

Dance Of The Sugerplum Fairy

Lenard Druss, Woodwinds; Ron Steele, Sitar

Deck The Halls

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Cleveland Eaton, Cello

Side 2

Sleigh Ride

Lenard Druss, Flute

Merry Christmas, Baby

Dorothy Ashby, Harp

Jingle Bells

Phil Upchurch, Guitar; Lenard Druss, English Horn

The Christmas Song

Bobby Christian, Vibes

Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers

Lenard Druss, Piccolo; Bobby Christian, Vibes

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"Hey, Love" by The New Rotary Connection

Produced by Charles Stepney (1971 Cadet Concept)

This Album by The New Rotary Connection has some classic material. "I am The Blackgold Of The Sun" and "Love Has Fallen On Me" to name but two. The latter received some recent exposure because it was sampled, rather listlessly by the popular rapper Common. Still that assault on this material will be forgotten soon enough and this classic will endure as it has done since it's release in 1971.

Minnie Riperton - Soprano

Kitty Haywood - Soprano & Alto

Shirley Wahls - Contralto

Dave Scott - Tenor

Charles Stepney - Piano, Harpsichord, Organ and Electric Piano

Sydney Simms - Bass

Donny Simmons - Drums

Phil Upchurch - Guitar

Pat Ferreri - Guitar

Master Henry Gibson - Congas

Side One

If I Sing My song

The Sea & She

I Am The BlackGold Of The Sun

Hanging Round The Bee Tree

Hey, Love

Side Two

Love Has Fallen On Me

Song For Everyman

Love Is

Vine Of Happiness

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Paint It Black by The Soulful Strings

Produced & Arranged by Richard Evans (1966 Cadet Records)

Paint It Black by The Soulful Strings is another classic. The title track is enough to ensure that classification.

Off The Record

Side 1

Paint It Black

California Dreamin'

Message To Michael

Wade In The Water

Love Is A Hurting Thing

Side 2

Sunny

When A Man Loves A Woman

Eight Miles High

Take Five

The Sidewinder

A Lover's Concerto

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Love Is Back by Love Unlimited

Produced & Arranged by Barry White (1979 CBS Inc.)

Love Unlimited are a very special group. There is something in the combined voices of Linda James, Diane Taylor and Glodean White that creates beauty and soul to such a degree that they have never been bettered by any of the other vocal groups of this genre. On this album is the hidden soul number "I'm His Woman" which is pure perfection. I really think this song is a soul classic. I post this album because as I stated in my last Love Unlimited "In Heat" post, all the versions out there are of terrible quality and do nothing to preserve the neglected legacy of this inspirational and important group. Here is a crisp 320kbps, almost perfect transfer and I hope you enjoy it.

Orchestrated by Ben Kirk

Side One

I'm So Glad I'm A Woman

High Steppin', Hip Dressin' Fella (You Got It Together)

When I'm In Your Arms, Everything's OK

Side Two

If You Want Me, Say It

I'm Giving You A Love (Every Man Is Searchin' For)

Gotta Be Where You Are

I'm His Woman

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String Fever by The Soulful Strings

Arranged, Conducted & Produced by Richard Evans

(1969 Cadet Records)

Recorded at Ter Mar Studios, Chicago, July 1969

The best of The Soulful Strings studio albums, but for "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child", all the tracks on "String Fever" are original compositions and they do not disappoint. Totally Killa! Enjoy!

Side 1

Zambezi

Lenny Druss - Flute; Cleveland Eaton - Cello

Wildwood

Lenny Druss - Bass Flute; Richard Fudali - Flute

Chocolate Candy

Lenny Druss - Flute; Jeff Carp - Harmonica

High Rise Blues

Cash McCall - Guitar; Richie Fudali - Flute; Bruce Hayden - Viola

It's Cold Duck Time

Jeff Carp - Harmonica

Side 2

The Voices Inside

Jeff Carp - Harmonica; Sam Thomas - Guitar

Valdez In the Country

Phil Upchurch - Guitar; Cleveland Eaton - Cello

A Love Song

Ron Steele - Principal Guitar

Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

Richie Fudali - Flute; Jeff Carp - Harmonica

1974 Blues

Lenny Druss - Flute; Phil Upchurch - Guitar

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The Soulful Strings Play Gamble-Huff

Produced & Arranged by Richard Evans (1970 Cadet Records)

Recorded at Tel-Mar Studios, Chicago, July/August 1970

Another great record from The Soulful Strings. Enjoy this very crisp transfer!

There are no notes concerning the musicians on this recording but The Soulful Strings have included the following personnel.

Phil Upchurch – Guitar

Cash McCall – Guitar

Morris Jennings Jr. – Drums

Richard Evans – Bass

Cleveland Eaton – Bass & Cello

Charles Stepney – Organ & Vibes


Bobby Christian – Vibes


Billy Wooten – Vibes


Richie Fudali – Flute


Lennie Druss – Flute

Sol Bobrov – Violin


Bruce Hayden – Viola

Side 1

Hey Western Union Man

Together

I've Got A Groove

Beside You

Turn Back The Hands Of Time

Side 2

One Night Affair

Silly, Silly Fool

I Can't Stop Dancing

Deeper In Love With You

Never Gonna Give You Up

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Hey Leroy by Jimmy Castor

Produced by Luchi De Jesus (1967 Smash Records)

Jimmy Castors first successful recording. This album is packed full of funked up latin rhythms and dance floor corkers! I also include the 45 single version of "Hey Leroy Your Mama's Callin' You" because the mastering is considerably different from the album version. Enjoy!

Richard Landrunm - Congas

Hillard Gibson - Guitar

Ken Mills - Piano

Paul Martinez - Bass

Reginald Barnes - Drums

Martin Charles - Congas

Side 1

Hey Leroy Your Mama's Callin' You

Bang, Bang

Our Day Will Come

Ham Hocks Espanol

How Beautiful You Are

Side 2

Hey Willie

Oh, Yeh

Winchester Cathedral

South Fried Frijoles

Ol' Man River

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‘Bout Love by Bill Withers

Produced by Bill Withers & Paul Smith (1978 CBS Inc)

Recorded at The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA

Here is the seventh studio album from Bill Withers and it is a very middle of the road affair. Gone is the raw production and gritty lyrics. What is left feels like an unfinished work. The haunting "Memories Are That Way" is the stand-out track.

Bass – Bryan Garofalo, Jerry Knight, Keith Hatchell & Keni Burke

Drums -  Russell Kunkel

Drums - Harvey Mason (On “You Got The Stuff”)

Keyboards – Paul Smith

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald

Guitar – Wah Wah Watson

Side 1

All Because Of You

Dedicated To You My Love

Don’t It Make It Better

You Got The Stuff

Side 2

Look To Each Other For Love

Love

Love Is

Memories Are That Way

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Rags To Rufus by Rufus

Featuring Chaka Khan

Producer by Bob Monaco & Rufus (1974 ABC Records Inc.)

Recorded at Quantum Studios, Torrance, California

Some serious funk sporadically peppers this album. The standout tracks are "You Got The Love" which was sampled to great effect by Tone Loc back in the day and the Stevie Wonder penned "Tell Me Something Good". Classic!

Backing Vocals - Al Ciner , Andre Fischer, Dennis Belfied, Kevin Murphy & Ron Stockert 

Bass - Dennis Belfied

Drums - Andre Fischer

Guitar - Al Ciner 

Keyboards - Ron Stockert 

Lead Vocals - Chaka Khan & Ron Stockert 

Organ & Clavinet - Kevin Murphy

All String and Horn Arrangements by Rufus 

Side 1

1. You Got The Love

2. I Got The Right Street

3. Walkin' In The Sun

4. Rags To Rufus

5. Swing Down Chariot

Side 2

 

1. Sideways

2. Ain't Nothin' But A Maybe

3. Tell Me Something Good

4. Look Through My Eyes

5. In Love We Grow

6. Smokin' Room

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All The Woo In The World by Bernie Worrell

Produced by Bernie Worrell & George Clinton

 (1978 Arista Records)

Recorded at United Sound Systems, Detroit, Michigan

This is a Classic Funk Album. The opening track proves it beyond a doubt. "Hold On" is a fantastic slice of mellow funk and "Insurance For Funk" is a nasty slab of Funk improvisation. Enjoy!

All Keyboards & Synthesizers - Bernie Worrell

Bass - Rodney "Skeet" Curtis & Billy Nelson

Drums - Tyrone Lampkin, Jim Wright & Gary Cooper

Horns - Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Richard Griffith & Rick Gardner

Guitars - Gary Shider, J.S. Thiracon, William Collins, Pheps Collins, Micheal Hampton, Glenn Goins & Eddie Hazel

Back Ground Vocals - The Brides, Parlet, The Dr., Casper & Voices Of The Nation

String Arrangement on "Woo Together" by Dave Va De Pitte

Side 1

Woo Together

I'll Be With You

Hold On

Much Thrust

Side 2

Happy To Have (Happiness On Our Side)

Insurance Man For The Funk

Reprise: Much Thrust

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Gozame! Pero Ya by Cal Tjader

Produced by Frank Dorritie (1980 Picante)

This album contains the killer classic "Shoshana" which features Poncho Sanchez. Brilliant!

Recorded at Coast Recorders, San Francisco, CA, June 1980

Mark Levine - Piano & Fender Rhodes

Roger Glenn - Flute & Percussion

Vince Lateano Drums & Percussion

Rob Fisher - Bass

Poncho Sanchez - Congas Percussion

Mundell Lowe - Guitar

Side 1

Shoshana

This Couldn't Be The Real Thing

Bye Bye Blues

Side 2

Rogers Samba

Close Enough For Love

Will You Still Be Mine?

This Is Always

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"La Familia" by Poncho Sanchez

Produced by Carl E. Jefferson  (1989 Picante)

A steaming album from Poncho Sanchez. It has the studio version of "Let A Woman Be A Woman, Let A Man Be A Man" which is a classic!

Recorded at Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood Nov, 1988

Poncho Sanchez  - congas, percussion, lead vocals

Charlie Otwell  - piano

Ramon Banda  - timbales, bata, drums

Tony Banda  - bass, vocals

David Romero  - bongos, percussion, vocals, congas

Art Velasco -  trombone, vocals

Kenny Goldberg  - tenor & alto saxophone, flute

Sal Cracchiolo  - trumpet, flugelhorn

Gray Foster alto Sax on 'Mambo Inn' and 'A Time For Love'

Side 1

1   La Familia

2   Cuidate Compai

3   Mambo Inn / On Green Dolphin Street

4   Senegal

Side 2

1. Well You Needn't

2. Campechana

3. Mambo Pa "T"

4. Time For Love, A

5.  Let A Woman Be A Woman, Let A Man Be A Man

Download Side 1

Download Side 2

Along Comes Cal by Cal Tjader

Produced by

Arranged & Conducted by Chico O'Farrill

Recorded March 28 & 29 1967 at Van Gelder Studios, New Jersey

Los Bandidos Recorded Live at El Matador Jan. 1967

Another killer session from Cal Tjader. There are two stand-out classics on this album. The first is the live recording of "Los Bandidos" which is awesome and a reworking of "Samba Do Sueñho" from the classic "Bamboleate" album with Eddie Palmieri. This version of "Samba Do Sueñho" is more uptempo with an incredibly tight and slamming rhythm section. It also has a fantastic piano solo by Al Zulacia. This version just keeps getting better and better so grab it because it's hot!

Bandidos & Samba Do Sueñho

Congas - Armando Peraza

Piano -  Al Zulacia

Bass - Stan Gilbert

Drums - Carl Burnett

All other tracks

Percussion - Ray Barretto & Armando Peraza

Drums - Grady Tate

Bass - Bobby Rodriguez

Piano - Chick Correa

Organ - Derek Smith

Side One

Quando Quando Que Sera

Round Midnight

Trick Or Treat

Yellow Days

Our Time Will Come

Along Comes Mary

Side Two

Los Bandidos

Similau

Green Peppers

Samba Do Sueñho

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