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Keef Hartley

Keith "Keef" Hartley (8 April 1944 – 26 November 2011) was an English drummer and bandleader renowned for blending jazz, blues, and rock in his music. Born in Preston, Lancashire, he rose to prominence in the British blues scene of the 1960s, initially replacing Ringo Starr as drummer for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in 1962, followed by stints with Freddie Starr and the Midnighters and the Artwoods in 1964. Hartley achieved wider recognition as a member of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers from 1967 to 1968, contributing to albums including Blues Alone (1967), Crusade (1967), and Diary of a Band (1968). In 1968, he formed the Keef Hartley Band, which released the debut album Halfbreed in 1969 and gained international attention for its performance at the Woodstock Festival on 16 August 1969, though the set was not filmed due to a managerial dispute. The Keef Hartley Band's innovative sound, featuring a fluid lineup including guitarist Miller Anderson and keyboardist Lou Martin, saxophonist Jimmy Jewell, trumpeter Henry Lowther, and bassist , produced further albums such as The Battle of North West Six (1970), The Time Is Near (1970), and Overdog (1971). Hartley later pursued a solo career with the album Lancashire Hustler (1973) and reunited with Mayall for recordings like Back to the Roots (1971), Moving On (1973), and Ten Years Are Gone (1973). By the 1980s, chronic neck pain from years of drumming forced him to retire from performing, leading him to work as a cabinet maker and studio refurbisher in . Hartley documented his life and career in his 2007 memoir, also titled Halfbreed. He died on 26 November 2011 in at age 67 from complications following surgery.

Early Life

Childhood in Preston

Keith Hartley, later known professionally as Keef Hartley, was born on 10 April 1944 in Plungington, a district in north-west , . He grew up in Plungington, within a working-class environment shaped by Preston's industrial heritage in post-war . From childhood, his small hands made the guitar impractical, drawing him instead toward as an accessible entry into music through radio broadcasts and shared records in the neighborhood. As a teenager in Preston's vibrant yet modest local scene, he encountered emerging sounds via community gatherings and broadcasts, igniting a deep interest that soon led to formal musical training. He began playing in local bands, including the Thunderbeats.

Musical Training and Early Influences

Keef Hartley began his formal musical training as a teenager in , studying drumming under educator Lloyd Ryan during the early 1960s. Ryan, known for his expertise in drumming styles, provided Hartley with foundational instruction that emphasized core techniques such as rudiments, helping to build his technical proficiency from the ground up. Hartley's early influences were drawn from both jazz and rock drumming pioneers, with cited as his primary inspiration for dynamic and precise playing. He also drew from rock-oriented drummers like of , , and the Ventures' session drummer on tracks such as "Walk – Don't Run," which sparked his interest in rhythmic experimentation blending swing and rock patterns. These exposures, combined with local music scenes, encouraged Hartley to explore and rock rhythms through informal jam sessions and amateur performances in , refining his timing and ensemble skills before entering professional circles.

Early Career

Rory Storm and the Hurricanes

In 1963, Keef Hartley joined and the Hurricanes as the replacement drummer for , who had departed to become a full-time member of . This was one of Hartley's early professional engagements, drawing on his prior training in that equipped him to handle the band's demanding live sets. The band, led by the charismatic , was a prominent act in the vibrant scene, known for its energetic rock 'n' roll style influenced by American acts like and British instrumental groups such as . During his brief tenure, which lasted approximately one year, Hartley performed regularly in clubs, including the Iron Door, where the Hurricanes shared bills with rival bands and built a reputation for high-energy shows that captivated audiences in the competitive local circuit. The group also undertook a residency at the Star-Club in , , mirroring the rigorous apprenticeship experiences of other acts like , which helped sharpen Hartley's stage presence amid grueling performance schedules. Hartley's interactions with bandmates, including Storm, were marked by the playful yet intense dynamics of the Hurricanes' lineup, though he later reflected on the band's lighthearted approach as somewhat unfulfilling compared to his jazz roots. One notable anecdote from the scene involved a swap during a shared gig with and at the Iron Door, where Hartley temporarily took over for Ian Broad, highlighting the fluid and fiercely competitive nature of the venue's bookings and the unpredictable antics that defined performances, such as Starr's impromptu costume changes. These experiences in the cutthroat environment, rife with rivalries among top bands vying for prime slots, honed Hartley's ability to command the stage under pressure.

The Artwoods

Following his stint with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in Liverpool, Keef Hartley relocated to London and joined The Artwoods as their drummer in late 1964, responding to a classified advertisement in Melody Maker. The band, formed in 1963 by vocalist Art Wood—older brother of future Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood—had evolved from Wood's earlier Art Wood Combo merging with the group Red Bludd's Bluesicians earlier that year, initially featuring drummer Reg Dunnage whom Hartley replaced. Hartley's drumming contributed to The Artwoods' mod-influenced R&B sound during the , appearing on their sole studio album released in on , which included tracks like the soulful cover "Can You Hear Me," originally by Jerry Moore. He also played on the 1966 single "Can You Hear Me" backed with "Down in the Valley," one of several non-charting releases on labels including , , and Fontana that showcased their repertoire of R&B covers and originals. A 1967 compilation, , collected key singles and album cuts, highlighting their energetic interpretations of songs by artists like and . The Artwoods built a strong reputation through live performances in London's vibrant club scene, including venues like Klooks Kleek, where they rivaled top acts such as the Animals and Manfred Mann with their tight, horn-infused R&B sets that appealed to the mod subculture. They undertook tours across the UK and performed on BBC radio sessions between 1965 and 1967, capturing their dynamic stage presence in unreleased tracks like "Smack Dab in the Middle." An international gig in Denmark in 1967 further demonstrated their live prowess, though recordings from the show suffered from audio quality issues. Within the band, Hartley collaborated closely with keyboardist Jon Lord, whose organ work added a sophisticated jazz-blues edge to their sound, while bassist Malcolm Poole and guitarist Derek Griffiths provided rhythmic drive and gritty leads under Art Wood's charismatic vocals. However, internal tensions arose for Hartley, who later expressed dissatisfaction with the group's polished mod image, including their "daft little suits," and felt their music veered too far from his preferred raw blues style. Despite a loyal following and prolific output of singles and EPs over three years—The Artwoods disbanded in spring 1967, primarily due to lack of commercial chart success and members seeking new opportunities, with Hartley departing first and Lord soon joining formative lineups that led to Deep Purple.

Work with John Mayall

Joining the Bluesbreakers

In 1967, Keef Hartley was recruited to 's Bluesbreakers following the departure of drummer earlier that year, with briefly filling the role before leaving to join Peter Green in the newly formed . The opportunity arose from a chance meeting between Hartley and Mayall at the Blue Boar Service Station on the , where the two discussed their shared passion for blues music. This encounter led directly to Hartley's invitation to join , marking a pivotal transition from his prior work with . Hartley's integration began with informal sessions that evolved into his official role, including contributions to Mayall's recordings where he learned intricate arrangements note-for-note under Mike Vernon's guidance to support mixes. These initial rehearsals highlighted the band's emphasis on solid grooves, drawing on Hartley's R&B foundation to lock in with Mayall's vision. The lineup at the time featured on vocals, harmonica, and keyboards; young guitarist on lead; bassist ; and horn section players Chris Mercer on and Dick on , creating a dynamic ensemble poised for expansion. Early in his tenure, Hartley faced challenges adapting to Mayall's demanding approach, as both musicians were known for their argumentative personalities, which occasionally strained collaborations despite their mutual respect and common interests in and Native American culture. This intensity reflected Mayall's commitment to within structured forms, requiring Hartley to quickly align his drumming with the band's evolving, spontaneous energy during rigorous practice sessions.

Key Recordings and Contributions

Hartley first contributed to John Mayall's recordings on the 1967 album , where he provided drums for eight of the twelve tracks, including "Please Don't Tell," "Sonny Boy Blow," "No More Tears," "Cancelling Out," "Harp Man," "," "Broken Wings," and "Little Girl." This solo effort by Mayall featured Hartley's percussion as the only additional instrumentation beyond Mayall's multi-instrumental performance. He also played drums on the Bluesbreakers' 1967 album Crusade, supporting the band's blues-jazz fusion with Mick Taylor on guitar and the , contributing to tracks that blended structured arrangements with improvisational elements. Hartley appeared on the live Diary of a Band, Volumes One and Two (1968), compiled from sixty hours of Bluesbreakers club performances, where his drumming underscored extended improvisations blending blues structures with subtle jazz phrasing. These recordings showcased Hartley's economical style and precise timing, adding rhythmic depth to the group's horn-augmented arrangements. The brass-laden instrumental track "Hartley Quits" on the studio album Bare Wires (1968) referenced his impending departure from the band. During the 1967–1968 period, Hartley supported the Bluesbreakers on extensive tours across the and , including key American dates such as the February 1968 performance at Auditorium in , where his dynamic playing propelled tracks like "Soul of a Short Fat Man." This exposure in the helped elevate the band's profile amid the burgeoning blues-rock scene. Hartley departed the Bluesbreakers in to form his own ensemble, an amicable split that allowed him to pursue original compositions beyond Mayall's framework.

The Keef Hartley Band

Formation and Core Lineup

Following his departure from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1968, Keef Hartley formed the Keef Hartley Band as an initial trio comprising himself on drums, Miller Anderson on guitar and vocals, and on . This core lineup provided the foundation for the band's blues-infused rock sound, with Anderson and Thain contributing both instrumental and vocal elements from the outset. To develop their distinctive jazz-rock fusion style, the band quickly expanded by incorporating a , featuring saxophonist Chris Mercer and trumpeter Harry Beckett, alongside additional players such as flautist Lyn Dobson and trumpeter Henry Lowther for recordings and live performances. These additions, recorded during sessions in late , emphasized Hartley's vision of blending improvisational elements with rock rhythms. In 1968, the Keef Hartley Band signed with , Decca's progressive imprint, which supported their debut album production and early promotion. Managerial backing further facilitated their growth, enabling tours and studio work amid the evolving British music scene. Throughout the 1970s, the band experienced lineup fluctuations to refine their sound, including the temporary replacement of keyboardist Peter Dines by Mick Weaver in 1970 and the addition of saxophonist Lyle Jenkins. By 1972, further changes saw Miller Anderson depart, with Junior Kerr joining as singer and guitarist, marking a shift toward more experimental compositions.

Woodstock Festival Appearance

The Keef Hartley Band received an invitation to perform at the Music and Art Fair as part of their inaugural U.S. tour, marking their first appearance in America. The band traveled from the , deplaning in and arriving at the festival site via limousine on August 16, 1969. They took the stage that Saturday afternoon from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m., following a high-energy set by , which heightened the performers' nerves amid the festival's growing chaos. Their 45-minute set showcased the band's signature jazz-rock fusion, blending improvisational brass sections with driving rock rhythms. The performance opened with "Spanish Fly," an instrumental highlighting Keef Hartley's dynamic drumming, followed by "Think It Over," "Too Much Thinking," and "Believe in You." The set culminated in an extended medley incorporating "Sinnin' for You," "Leavin' Trunk," "The Halfbreed," "Just to Cry," and a return to "Sinnin' for You," demonstrating their ability to weave , , and rock elements into a cohesive live experience. The appearance was not without significant challenges, including the unprecedented crowd size estimated at over 400,000 attendees, which strained the festival's infrastructure. Additionally, the band's manager demanded $2,000 upfront for recording and filming rights, leading organizers to switch off the equipment and exclude the performance from official Woodstock documentation at the time. This dispute prevented the set from appearing in the 1970 Woodstock film or soundtrack, limiting the band's exposure despite the event's cultural impact. The full recording of the Keef Hartley Band's Woodstock set remained unofficial until 2019, when it was released as part of the Woodstock – Back to the Garden: The Definitive 50th Anniversary Archive box set by Rhino Records, allowing audiences to experience their contribution to the landmark festival for the first time.

Major Albums and Tours

The Keef Hartley Band's debut , Halfbreed, released in 1969 on , marked a significant entry into the -rock scene, blending -rock foundations with improvisational elements and prominent horn sections. The opening track, "Sacked (Introducing Hearts and Flowers / Confusion Theme / The Halfbreed)," humorously dramatizes Hartley's fictional dismissal from John Mayall's band via a mock phone call, transitioning into a multi-part suite that showcases intricate horn arrangements by trumpeter Henry Lowther, including stabbing accents and fugal figures that enhance the track's dynamic shifts. Other standout cuts like "Sinnin' For You" further highlight the brass interplay, with riffing horns adding excitement to the boogie-driven guitar work of Miller Anderson. Critics praised Halfbreed for its inventive of rock, , , and , noting the unconventional chord progressions and varied textures that distinguished it from standard blues-rock fare, though some found the brass occasionally overpowering. The band's follow-up, The Battle of North West Six, also issued in 1969, continued this exploratory path with ten concise tracks that leaned into lighter, more structured -rock infused with sensibilities, earning positive reception for its balanced elements and tight ensemble playing. By 1970, The Time Is Near refined the formula, delivering mellow, soulful tracks that captured a post-Woodstock vibe through brass-augmented grooves and Anderson's emotive vocals, while maintaining the group's progressive edge. Overdog (1971) shifted toward harder rock influences, incorporating funky, Stax-inspired rhythms and high-energy cuts reminiscent of contemporaries like the , yet retained core -rock textures via Hartley's propulsive drumming and the band's rhythmic interplay. The era culminated with the live album Seventy-Five in 1973, capturing the band's onstage vitality through extended improvisations and horn-driven ensembles that underscored their evolution from roots to full-fledged . In 2022, Esoteric Recordings released the Sinnin' for You: The Albums 1969-1973, compiling the band's Deram studio output with bonus tracks. Additionally, a 2024 double-CD release, Live at Essen Pop and Festival 1969/1970, documented their performances at the . Complementing these releases, the Keef Hartley Band undertook extensive tours across the and from 1969 to 1972, honing their material through rigorous live performances that boosted their visibility following the appearance. Key engagements included support slots for major acts such as at Portsmouth's Greyhound Stadium in July 1970 and at London's in February 1971, alongside headlining festival appearances like the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in June 1970, where they shared bills with Led Zeppelin, , and . European outings featured the Essen Pop and Blues Festival in April 1970 with and Kraftwerk, solidifying their reputation as a dynamic live act capable of bridging with energy. These tours not only promoted their albums but also allowed the band to experiment with augmented lineups, including additional horns, fostering the spontaneous fusion that defined their sound.

Later Career

Solo Album and Projects

Following the Keef Hartley Band's intense touring schedule in the early 1970s, which contributed to lineup changes and a period of hiatus, Hartley shifted toward independent recordings and session contributions. In 1973, Hartley released his only solo album, Lancashire Hustler, on , a project that drew on his origins through its title and thematic elements evoking northern English working-class life. The album featured eight tracks, including representative pieces like "Circles" and "Shovel a Minor," blending blues-rock with influences and a more introspective tone compared to his band work. Produced by , it incorporated and subtle symphonic touches, highlighting Hartley's hands-on involvement in arranging his material to emphasize these warmer, less electric elements. Hartley also reunited with for several recordings in the early 1970s, including Back to the Roots (1971), Moving On (1973), and Ten Years Are Gone (1973), providing drums on these blues-rock albums. Amid the band's pauses, Hartley took on session drumming roles in the early 1970s, including contributions to recordings by contemporaries in the and scenes. This period allowed him to explore diverse collaborations while maintaining his focus on percussion-driven .

Dog Soldier and Collaborations

In 1974, following the dissolution of his earlier band and a solo project, Keef Hartley formed Dog Soldier, reuniting with guitarist and vocalist Miller Anderson from the original Keef Hartley Band lineup. The group featured bassist Paul Bliss, guitarist , and keyboardist Mel Simpson, blending blues-rock with progressive elements in a more streamlined format. They signed with and recorded their self-titled debut album at Island Studios in , released in May 1975. The album, produced by Neil Slaven, included tracks like "Pillar to Post" and "Long and Lonely Night," showcasing Hartley's dynamic drumming alongside Anderson's soulful guitar work, though commercial pressures from the label led to creative differences. Throughout the early 1970s, Hartley maintained an active role as a , contributing to several notable recordings. He served as second drummer for the blues-rock outfit Vinegar Joe on their debut album Vinegar Joe (1972) and follow-up Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies (1972), both released on , adding rhythmic depth to the band's energetic performances led by and . Additionally, Hartley collaborated with folk-rock artist Michael Chapman on The Man Who Hated Mornings (1975, ), where he handled drums in the core rhythm section with bassist , supporting Chapman's intricate guitar arrangements on tracks emphasizing electric experimentation. These guest appearances highlighted Hartley's versatility in bridging influences with rock and contexts. Hartley's session work extended to other projects in the , reinforcing his reputation as a sought-after for artists navigating the evolving rock scene. However, by the late , his output slowed amid broader industry shifts toward and , which marginalized jazz-rock ensembles like Dog ; label demands for more commercial material clashed with Hartley's artistic vision, contributing to the band's breakup after their single album and a reduction in major collaborations.

Musical Style

Drumming Technique

Keef Hartley's drumming technique was renowned for its tightness and precision, honed through rigorous practice during extended residencies in Hamburg's club scene in the early 1960s. His early influences included drummers like and ' drummer, as well as . This foundation enabled him to deliver solid, driving rhythms that supported both and jazz-inflected ensembles, emphasizing control and endurance over flashy solos. His approach evolved significantly from straightforward backbeats, as heard in his work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, to more intricate patterns that incorporated and rock energy. This progression reflected Hartley's ability to adapt his playing to diverse musical contexts, blending rhythmic drive with subtle nuance to enhance band dynamics. Hartley placed a strong emphasis on dynamics in his performances, transitioning seamlessly between gentle passages reminiscent of jazz subtlety and powerful, hard-hitting rock beats that propelled high-energy tracks. This versatility allowed him to contribute to the band's overall texture, using volume and touch to build tension and release within compositions. His early training under instructor Lloyd Ryan provided the rudimental groundwork for these skills, focusing on fundamental coordination and timing.

Innovations in Jazz-Rock Fusion

Keef Hartley's integration of horn sections into jazz-rock arrangements marked a significant innovation, allowing for dynamic improvisational solos that elevated the genre's expressive potential. In the Keef Hartley Band's lineup, players like trumpeter Henry Lowther and saxophonist Jimmy Jewell contributed to this approach, creating layered textures that blended rock's drive with jazz's spontaneity. Later expansions included horns arranged by Derek Wadsworth and contributions from Barbara Thompson, further emphasizing over rigid structures. This horn-driven style drew comparisons to American acts like , positioning Hartley's work as a parallel British development in fusing orchestral elements with electric energy. The band's debut album Halfbreed (1969) exemplified Hartley's pioneering blend of sophistication with rock's raw energy, incorporating harmonies and phrasing into blues-rooted compositions. Tracks like "Born to Die" and "Sinnin' for You" showcased this through extended instrumental passages that prioritized collective interplay over verse-chorus conventions. Hartley advocated for such elongated forms, favoring musicians capable of instrumental contributions to sustain improvisational depth, as reflected in collaborator Miller Anderson's recollection that Hartley preferred players who "play an instrument" rather than static vocalists. This emphasis on open-ended structures influenced subsequent releases like The Battle of NW6 (), where jazz-rock explorations extended beyond pop brevity. Hartley's innovations had a lasting impact on the British fusion scene, bridging the blues foundations of his time with John Mayall to the emerging progressive rock landscape. Emerging from Mayall's Bluesbreakers, the Keef Hartley Band helped forge a UK variant of jazz-rock that appealed to progressive audiences, akin to contemporaries like Colosseum. By combining blues energy with jazz improvisation and rock amplification, Hartley facilitated a transition that enriched the British scene's diversity, paving the way for more experimental hybrids in the early 1970s.

Personal Life and Death

Family and Health Issues

Hartley maintained a private , with limited public details about his relationships and family. He was married, though his wife predeceased him, and there are no records of children or specific accounts of family support during his extensive career travels. In the 2000s, Hartley experienced chronic , which he attributed to decades of vigorous drumming, requiring him to wear a brace and rely on painkillers for management. He initially opted against surgical intervention. His reticence about matters mirrored his approach to disclosures, with few interviews or writings delving into these challenges beyond his 2007 , which focused primarily on his musical journey.

Final Years and Passing

In the , Keef Hartley largely retired from the international music scene, returning to his hometown of where he worked as a joiner and cabinet maker while refurbishing recording studios. He made occasional local appearances and briefly reunited with his early band, the Thunderbeats, to record unreleased rock'n'roll tracks such as "." These sporadic engagements marked a shift from his earlier touring intensity, as he focused on a quieter life amid ongoing health challenges from years of drumming. In the years leading up to his death, Hartley reflected on his career through his 2007 autobiography, Halfbreed: A Rock'n'Roll Journey That Happened Against All the Odds, which he dictated and which detailed his rise from Preston roots to collaborations with figures like John Mayall and his Woodstock performance. He also shared insights in a 2004 interview in Manchester, discussing his influences and the evolution of his jazz-rock style. Hartley's long-term neck pain worsened in his final years. He ultimately underwent in late 2011, but complications from the procedure proved fatal, and he died on 26 November 2011 at Royal Preston Hospital in Fulwood, , at the age of 67. Hartley was survived by his immediate family, including his sister Dorothy's children, Beverley and Kevin; he had been widowed prior to his death. arrangements were handled locally in following his passing at the hospital.

Legacy

Influence on Drummers and Bands

Keef Hartley's drumming style and leadership of the Keef Hartley Band played a pivotal role in shaping the jazz-rock genre during the late 1960s, influencing both drummers and bands that followed in the British progressive rock movement. By blending intricate jazz rhythms with rock's driving energy, Hartley demonstrated how drummers could front ensembles, a model that resonated with contemporaries and successors. His band's albums, such as Halfbreed (1969), showcased this approach through extended improvisations and horn sections, setting a template for rhythmic innovation in . The Keef Hartley Band's sound directly paralleled and contributed to the emergence of acts like , another drummer-led group formed in 1968 by , which adopted similar jazz-rock hybrids with emphasis on collective improvisation and genre-blending. Both bands forged a sympathetic marriage of and rock that appealed to the UK's audience, with Hartley's work helping to legitimize the style as a viable commercial and artistic path. Colosseum's early albums, like Those Who Are About to Die Salute You (1969), echoed the Hartley Band's balance of structured songs and free-form elements, underscoring Hartley's indirect but foundational impact on the scene. In the 2000s, Hartley's legacy saw renewed interest through a series of reissues that highlighted his contributions to jazz-rock. Labels like Repertoire Records released remastered editions of The Time Is Near... (originally 1970) and Overdog (1971) in 2007, pairing the albums to emphasize their continuity in exploring funky, improvisational blues-rock with brass accents. These reissues, complete with bonus tracks and , introduced Hartley's music to younger listeners and collectors, reinforcing his influence in niche blues-jazz communities. Additionally, his performance gained further visibility through archival releases tied to anniversaries, though direct participation in 2000s events was limited. Modern drummers and enthusiasts, including those in circles, continue to reference Hartley's techniques for their emphasis on dynamic interplay and fusion.

Autobiography and Recognition

In 2007, Keef Hartley published his autobiography, Halfbreed: A Rock and Roll Journey That Happened Against All the Odds, which chronicles his experiences in the and rock scenes, including collaborations with and his time at . The book offers personal anecdotes from his early career, such as session work and band formations, providing into the challenges of transitioning from drummer to bandleader in the late . Hartley co-authored the work to reflect on a path marked by both triumphs and setbacks, emphasizing his self-described "halfbreed" status in blending , , and rock. Hartley's contributions received renewed attention through mentions in key texts on British rock history, notably in John Mayall's 2019 autobiography : My Life as a Bluesman, where he is highlighted among influential drummers who shaped the Bluesbreakers' sound during the . This recognition underscores Hartley's role in the evolution of the , with Mayall crediting his rhythmic precision on albums like Crusade (). Such references in authoritative biographies have contributed to critical reevaluations of Hartley's impact on jazz-rock fusion pioneers. Posthumously, following Hartley's death in 2011, archival efforts honored his performance through the 2019 release of Woodstock: Back to the Garden – The Definitive 50th Anniversary Archive, a 38-disc that features the full Keef Hartley Band set from , spotlighting tracks like "Halfbreed" and "." Additional recognition came via releases, such as the 2022 Sinnin' for You: The Albums 1969-1973 on Esoteric Recordings, which remasters his Decca-era output and includes drawing from Hartley's own commentary. These projects affirm his enduring place in lore and British rock annals.

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