Learn Jazz Standards – Learn Jazz Standards: Recent Episodes
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In this episode, Brent talks about a listener’s question regarding mastering the chord changes to “The Girl from Ipanema.” He explores two essential methods for learning jazz chords and offers practical advice on chord recognition, pattern identification, and the importance of understanding theory. These are all aimed at helping you effortlessly memorize and navigate complex […]
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In this episode, Brent offers a comprehensive guide to essential jazz standards, answering a listener’s question about the top 25 tunes every musician should know. With his extensive knowledge and infectious passion for jazz, Brent curates a diverse list that spans various styles and forms, from classic swing tunes to modal compositions and bossa nova […]
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In this podcast episode, Brent introduces the “One Jazz Standard Strategy for Jazz.” The philosophy behind this strategy is rooted in the belief that the most effective way to improve jazz playing is by learning new songs. The strategy involves dedicating one month to learning a single jazz standard, focusing on the melody, chords, and […]
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In this episode, Brent provides beginner jazz musicians advice on the best standards for learning jazz improvisation. He recommends simple tunes covering basic concepts like modal playing, blues forms, and ii-V-I progressions to get started. Key takeaways explain building blocks like scales, relative major/minor keys, and chord/melody relationships. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 Important […]
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Here at Learn Jazz Standards, our philosophy is that the best way to learn jazz and improve is to learn jazz songs, aka. Jazz Standards. The fastest the best way to improve is to simply learn more songs, even if you’re starting at the very beginning of your jazz journey. But there may be some […]
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Today, on the podcast, I’ll be talking about 32 jazz standards that I had my students in my Inner Circle membership learn for very specific reasons that I want to share with you. And I want you to also see, out of these jazz standards, which one do you know and which ones would you […]
Today’s episode is what I would consider to be probably the most valuable episode I’ve ever come out with. And I hope that it becomes one of the most popular episodes I’ve ever come up with because I truly believe this is really important information that you need to be paying attention to. We’re gonna […]
So, what’s the best way to learn and memorize the melodies to jazz standards? Well, today, I’m gonna just walk you through me learning the melody to a jazz standard that I actually don’t know and show you my exact process. Listen to episode 384 In this episode:1. What I prepare ahead of time2. This is […]
Today, on the podcast, I’m talking about 40 jazz standards that you should know and I’m gonna break them down by categories so that you can see which categories you need to fill in some more jazz standards on. Welcome to episode 383 In this episode:1. Start-Up Standards2. Advanced Essentials3. Ballads4. Bossa Novas5. Bebop6. Blues7. […]
Giant Steps is notoriously one of the most feared jazz standards for musicians to learn and improvise over, not only because of the complex harmony but also because of the speed. So today, I’m gonna talk about how we can learn the chords most efficiently so we can improvise over them well and find out […]
The post Quick Win: How to Learn Giant Steps (Jazz Tutorial) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Today, we’re talking about the classic minor jazz standard, “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise”. We’ll take a look at the chords to figure out the most efficient way to learn it as well as some harmonic secrets within the tune that will help us improvise over it. Listen to episode 373 In this episode: […]
The post Quick Win: How to Learn Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise (Jazz Tutorial) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Today, we’re talking about the classic ballad, “Misty” by Errol Garner. We’ll take a look at the chords so we can figure out how to most efficiently learn it and find out what harmonic secrets we can discover in the process. Listen to episode 371 In this episode:1. Intro2. Misty – short demo3. The best […]
The post Quick Win: How to Learn Misty (Jazz Tutorial) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Giant Steps by John Coltrane is often known as a right of passage for jazz musicians because it is notoriously one of the most difficult jazz standards to learn and improvise over. Truly it is a complicated song. So, in today’s episode, I’m actually gonna talk about why actually going into the trouble of working […]
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This is a $600 jazz guitar and this is a $6000 jazz guitar. Today, I’m discussing which one I personally like the most as well as the age-old question, “Does having an expensive instrument help you play music better?”. You might be surprised. Listen to episode 366 In this episode:1. Intro2. My $600 jazz guitar […]
The post Quick Win: $600 vs. $6,000 Jazz Guitar | Is Cheap or Expensive Better? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
After learning a jazz standard you may find it difficult to recall the chord changes in the long term, especially if you’re learning a lot of them. So, I’m gonna share with you how I memorize chords to jazz standards so I don’t forget them. Listen to episode 364 In this episode: 1. Intro2. #1: […]
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If you’re a guitar or a piano player, one important thing that you’d be able to do is chord melody – playing the chords and the melody of a jazz standard at the same time. But this presents a particular challenge, especially for jazz guitar players. So what are the basics of chord melody and […]
The post Quick Win: How To Play Chord Melody On A Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 348 where I play a jazz ballad solo guitar set to commemorate the last time I play my guitar. I play through my 6 favorite jazz ballads and briefly discuss what makes them great jazz standards and a few harmonic and melodic lessons from each. Listen to episode 348 So, I’ve got […]
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So what are some jazz blues heads that you absolutely need to know for jazz jam sessions and gigs? Well, today I’m gonna share with you 10 that you absolutely should know. Listen to episode 342 In this episode: Simple melody with some kind of cool bebop-y elements in it. Super easy blues head that […]
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So how did I learn 100 new Jazz Standards in one year? Well, I’m gonna show you the exact strategies that I use so that you can use them, too! Listen to episode 340 In this episode: Intro Strategy #1 The circle of10? Strategy #2 The key to learning these standards Strategy #3 Learn this […]
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Welcome to episode 339 where today I walk you through one of my favorite jazz ballads. Ballads are important to know, and this particular one has a lot to teach us about jazz harmony and how to create an amazing melody. I play the ballad and then deep dive into the harmonic analysis. Listen to […]
The post Deep Dive Into My Favorite Jazz Ballad appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So how do you master the seemingly difficult but important jazz song form rhythm changes? Well, today I’m gonna show you 8 simple steps to do exactly that. Listen to episode 337 In this episode: 1. Step #1: The obvious first step 2. Step #2: Get “a-head” of the game! 3. Step #3: The first […]
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Welcome to episode 325 where today I dive into the controversial question of whether or not its a good idea to learn jazz by reading music notation. Many musicians feel comfortable reading music but have heard the jazz is best learned by ear. I dive into my philosphy and why the answer to this question isn't so cut and dry.
Main Points:
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How my philosophy has changed over the years
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The benefits of learning by ear
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The benefits of reading notation to learn jazz
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My philosophy on learning jazz
Important Links
Show Notes:
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode325
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post Should I Learn Jazz By Reading Music? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So how can you play jazz standards at jam sessions and gigs even if you’ve never heard them before? Well, today I’m sharing with you my top tips for recognizing chord progressions. Listen to episode 324 In this episode: Intro Tip #1 – Start understanding and getting familiar with these. Tip #2 – Learn as […]
The post Quick Win: How to Instantly Learn Chord Progressions for Jazz Standards appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So what are some great jazz standards to learn for playing jazz gigs? Well, today I’m gonna go over 8 jazz standards you need to know. Listen to episode 322 In this episode: A tune with a little bit more energy, swinging, and a lot of fun. A more minor and bluesy kind of tune. […]
The post Quick Win: 8 Must-Know Jazz Standards for Jazz Gigs appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So what jazz standards can you get super bluesy in your jazz solos? Well, today I’m gonna teach you 4 of those tunes that you need to know. Listen to episode 316 In this episode: 1. Intro 2. Jazz Standard #1 3. Jazz Standard #2 4. Jazz Standard #3 5. Jazz Standard #4 Important Links […]
The post Quick Win: 4 Must-Know BLUESY Jazz Standards appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 302 where today I walk you through a in-depth process for how to learn chord progressions by ear. For some learning any music by ear is difficult, but when it comes to hearing chords and chord progressions, it can be even more challenging. You'll learn some tips to make it easier and a step-by-step process for how to get started.
Main Points
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Using backing tracks instead of recordings
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Using a slow-downer to make things easier
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Step 1: The Bass Notes
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Step 2: The Chord Qualities
Important Links
Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode302
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post Beginner’s Guide to Learning Chord Progressions By Ear appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
There’s some jazz standards that are so commonly called the jam sessions that you cannot get away with not knowing them. So, today I’m going to go over ten jazz standards from beginner to advanced. Listen to episode 301 In this episode: 1. Jazz Standard # 1 2. Jazz Standard # 2 3. Jazz Standard […]
The post Quick Win: 10 Must-Know Jazz Standards for Jam Sessions appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
What are jazz standards that can help you improve quickly but not leave your brain hurting? Well, today I’m going to show you an easy jazz standard that does exactly that. Listen to episode 293 In this episode: 1. Why is this tune easy 2. 3 reasons why this is a powerful tune to learn […]
The post Quick Win: Easy Jazz Standard to Improve Fast appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 278 where today I share with you 4 important lessons I learned from learning 100 jazz standards over the course of a year. Struggle with remembering standards? Maybe you learn them but feel like you don’t know them very well? These 4 lessons will help. Listen to episode 278 There’s a year […]
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Welcome to episode 276 where we conclude a series of 3 episodes where we are going through a challenge of learning a jazz tune by ear in 3 weeks. We’ve learned the melody, we’ve learned the chords, and now it’s time to learn some jazz language. I compose a 12 bar jazz etude live on […]
The post 3 Week Jazz Tune by Ear Challenge (Week 3) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 275 where we continue a series of 3 episodes where we are going through a challenge of learning a jazz tune by ear in 3 weeks. And in addition to learning it, by the end of these 3 weeks you’ll be able to play a solo over it that you have created […]
The post 3 Week Jazz Tune by Ear Challenge (Week 2) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 274 where we start a series of 3 episodes where we are going through a challenge of learning a jazz tune by ear in 3 weeks. And in addition to learning it, by the end of these 3 weeks, you’ll be able to play a solo over it that you have created […]
The post 3 Week Jazz Tune by Ear Challenge (Week 1) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 271 where today we are exploring the question of how to know what the correct chord changes are for a jazz standard. Because jazz musicians have often manipulated original chord changes, and often take liberties with chordal harmony, it can be difficult to know exactly what the chords are to standards. I […]
The post How to Know What the CORRECT Changes Are to a Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 264 where today I go over some tips and strategies for memorizing jazz standards in such a way that you are less likely to forget them, and can recall them even if you haven’t played them in a while. I go over a few don’ts of memorizing jazz standards, and some work […]
The post Memorizing Jazz Standards 101 (So You Don’t Forget Them) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 262 where today we are reaching into the LJS Podcast Vault and going back in time to revisit an episode all about Bossa Nova. Special guest Livio Almeida walks us through the basics, shedding light on important rhythms, composers, and tunes. This is one of those episodes that needs another listen! Listen […]
The post From the Vault: Bossa Nova Basics with Livio Almeida (5 Year Birthday Episode) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 259 where today we’re addressing a really common problem improvisers face, which is getting lost in the form while you are soloing. Getting lost is something that happens to everyone, but the key is reducing this occurrence and being able to get back on quickly. Here are 7 steps to consider. Listen […]
The post 7 Steps for Not Getting Lost During Your Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 226 of the LJS Podcast where today we cover the very important topic of ending jazz standards. Ever come to the end of jamming on a standard only for things to fall apart at the end? We all need some stock endings in our arsenal, and in today’s episode, I go over 7 different endings you can use to conclude jazz standards.
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Welcome to episode 224 of the LJS Podcast where today I learn a new jazz standard in real-time on the show. If you’ll join with me you’ll know a new jazz standard by the end as well. You’ll see how I approach learning a jazz standard by ear, no filters, no edits. Listen to episode […]
The post By the End of This Episode You’ll Know a New Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 221 of the LJS Podcast where today in celebration of the launch of my new LJS Inner Circle Membership, I go over my 3 step proven process for “improv hacking” jazz standards. This is one of those episode that has so much value packed into it, I know you’ll be reaching for […]
The post Improv Hacking Jazz Standards (3 Step Proven Process) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 211 of the LJS Podcast where today we have special guest Mike Casey on the show to talk to us about arranging jazz standards so you can make them your own unique expression. Mike lays down the value with lots of practical tips for improving your jazz improv, gives us insight to […]
The post Making Jazz Standards Your Own and Developing Your Musical Voice (feat. Mike Casey) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 191 of the LJS Podcast where today I walk you through a chords analysis of the popular jazz standard All the Things You Are. This tune is packed full of valuable lessons that will help you understand other jazz standards better and ultimately improve your improvisation skills.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode191
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
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Welcome to episode 185 of the LJS Podcast where we continue "Jazz Blues Month!" In this episode, I cover the first of 3 strategies I'll be covering on crushing it on a jazz blues. Strategy #1 is "Mapping", and I go over 3 phases of mapping over a jazz blues. After mapping, the mystery of what notes to play will be completely solved.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode185
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
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Welcome to episode 184 of the LJS Podcast where today we kick off "Jazz Blues Month!" In this episode, I discuss 3 reasons why you need to master the jazz blues. If you go deep into understanding and navigating a jazz blues it will unlock countless secrets for becoming a great jazz improviser. Here's why!
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode184
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
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Welcome to episode 179 of the LJS Podcast where today I go over 7 different options for playing an intro on a jazz standard. While you can just count off a tune and start playing the head on beat one, it can be nice to set up a song with an intro. I walk you through some options and give you a call to action at the end.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode179
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
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Welcome to episode 171 of the LJS Podcast where today we talk about 10 jazz standards that will expand your knowledge of jazz harmony. My philosophy is that if we learn jazz repertoire all of the lessons we need to learn about improvising will fall into place. These particular 10 jazz standards start exploring jazz harmony past a basic level of understanding, and will help you know hundreds more.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode171
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
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Welcome to episode 166 of the LJS Podcast where we kick off "Jazz Standards Month." This month we are exploring jazz standards and digging into different concepts to see how we can learn, understand, and improvise over them better. In this episode, I go over the jazz standard Tune Up by Miles Davis, and demonstrate how to simplify these chord changes to make them easier to understand.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode166
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
The post Simplifying Jazz Standards to Make Them Easy (Tune Up Analysis) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 161 of the LJS Podcast where today I go over an in-depth analysis of the jazz standard "There Will Never Be Another You." This is a fantastic tune that has a lot to teach us about traditional diatonic jazz harmony, with a few fun surprises along the way. Learn how to start approaching this great jazz standard.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode161
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
The post Understanding the Jazz Standard There Will Never Be Another You (Chords Analysis) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 156 of the LJS Podcast where today we feature a listener question all about how to memorize chord changes so you don't start confusing them with others. If you've ever gotten lost playing a jazz standard because you accidentally switched into playing a similar one, you're going to find this episode helpful.
View the show notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode156
Related free handout "Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way": https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post How to Memorize Chord Changes and Not Get Lost appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 135 of the LJS Podcast where today we are exploring how to learn, understand, and memorize complex jazz standards. We take a look at Wayne Shorter's "Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum" and extract lessons we can apply to others. Listen in!
Start understanding standards with The Jazz Standards Playbook: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/the-jazz-standards-playbook/
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Welcome to episode 106 of the LJS Podcast where today we are moving forward in Jazz Standards Month to talk about mapping out a tune you are learning. We'll explore mapping out the guide tones and chord tones to build a strong foundation for our improvisation. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode105 of the LJS Podcast where today we are jumping head first into "Jazz Standards Month." This month on the podcast we will be focusing on learning jazz standards and extracting everything we can out of them. To kick it off, we talk about analyzing jazz standards with Roman Numerals for max results. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 103 of the LJS Podcast where today we are having podcast listener Gabriel from Fishers, Indiana on the show to share his jazz tips and advice. Gabriel talks about a moment of musical failure, how he learned from it and has been crushing it in the practice room ever since. Specifically, he hones in on the difference between play along and actually knowing tunes. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 101 of the LJS Podcast where today Brent will teach you how to play one of his favorite jazz standards, "My Shining Hour" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. Learn the melody, chords, and how the harmony works. Brent improvises a chorus at the end to tie it all together. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 84 of the LJS Podcast where today we are answering a question from a caller who asked which jazz standards are important to be listening to and learning. Brent breaks down a list of 40 standards into important categories that you can work from. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 64 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 5 tips for never losing your place in a jazz standard. Getting lost while playing jazz standards is a frustration many listeners and readers have expressed to us and we are here to help. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 59 of the LJS Podcast where today we are dishing out 5 tips for playing jazz ballads like an expert. Jazz ballads can be tricky, largely because slow tempos can open up a number of challenges. Treat these tips like a checklist the next time you play a ballad. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 17 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 8 jazz records you need to listen to. Our host of the LJS Podcast, Brent Vaartstra, talks about his favorite jazz albums that have stood the test of time, and invites you to chime in with yours. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 15 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 5 steps to learning jazz language by ear. In this episode we talk about why it's important to learn jazz language by ear rather than from sheet music, and 5 practical steps to do it. Learning music by ear is certainly the road less traveled, but the rewards are well worth it! Listen in.
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Welcome to episode 14 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 10 important jazz standards you need to know and why. These 10 jazz standards are not only commonly called at jam sessions and gigs, they each have something specific to teach us about jazz and other songs in the repertoire. If you know these 10, you are well on your way to understanding many of the harmonic concepts traditionally found in jazz. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 11 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 4 ingredients to becoming a better jazz musician. These "ingredients" aren't things you should practice or what licks or solos you should learn. These are some really important things to be and do outside of the practice room, if you are serious about becoming a better jazz musician. Listen in!
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Welcome to episode 2 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to properly learn a jazz standard. In this episode we talk about why learning jazz standards is so important and 5 great steps to learning a jazz standard so you can really own it. Find out how!
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