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Chieli Minucci

Guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX, which he co-founded with the late George Jinda in 1984. A major force on the jazz and world music scene for 25 years, Special EFX’s newest release, “Without You” is a diverse collection of jazz-fusion, Latin rhythms, and the effortlessly flowing guitar artistry that Chieli (key-eh-lee) is known for.

A true sound-tapestry, blending layers of sound and harmonic texture, “Without You” is an instant classic. This brilliant double CD collection of tracks features the original Special EFX lineup of favorites drummer Lionel Cordew, bassist Jerry Brooks, keyboardist Jay Rowe, and vocalist/percussionist Philip Hamilton, plus many brilliant guest artists, including keyboardist Jeff Lorber, violinist Karen Briggs, keyboardist Lao Tizer, vocalist Will Brock, bassist Dave Anderson, and violinist Alan Grubner. Special EFX is one of the most prominent world fusion groups of the era. During the course of the band’s phenomenal rise to the top of the jazz charts, they released 25 CDs, including Chieli’s 8 solo releases and a live concert DVD. Seminal songs like “Daybreak”, “Cruise Control”, “Bella” and “Seduction” were among their chart-topping hits.

This extraordinary super group takes their vibrant and exciting sound to the next level on its new “Without You” release, which encompasses diverse and eclectic sounds ranging from jazz fusion to world beat, pop vocals and rock- tinged arrangements.

Chieli’s latest project, the Special EFX CD “Without You” highlights an extraordinary career and is essential listening for his legions of fans. Songs like “Love’s Lost in Translation” blends Philip Hamilton’s mellifluous voice with romance and angst in an exotic, world music setting. Long- time fans may recognize parts of “The Night Is Ours”, which is a completely re-written version of Special EFX’s 1982 signature song “Sambuca Nights”. Fans will also be entranced with “Hushabye”, which was originally released as the instrumental “Sweet Surrender” but has been transformed with the addition of the soulful vocals of Will Brock. And for George Jinda fans, the tune “Man with a Drum” captures his original percussion sounds. Talented virtuosos Jeff Lorber, Karen Briggs and Lao Tizer are featured on tracks that may become the “new” classics for Special EFX.

“Legendary keyboardist Jeff Lorber is a brilliant musical collaborator on ‘Mountina Jameroon’. I’m excited to have his high intensity electric jazz flavorings on the new Special EFX CD,” says Chieli.

Showcasing truly incredible musicianship, Special EFX’s captivating jazz fusion textures and progressive new age twists take listeners on an uplifting musical ride they’ll never forget. “Without You” showcases the band’s special gift for combining harmony, feeling, and flawless technique with remarkable passion.

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Performance / Tour

Exodus to Jazz Brings Contemporary Sounds of Chieli Minucci and Special EFX on Saturday, December 3rd

Exodus to Jazz Brings Contemporary Sounds of Chieli Minucci and Special EFX on Saturday, December 3rd

Source: Jazz@Rochester

Exodus to Jazz is bringing contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci with his Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX to the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Saturday, December 3rd at 8:00 pm. Minucci and Special EFX have released 25 CDs, including eight solo releases by Minucci and a live concert DVD. Minucci has performed with top pop artists including Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, as well as jazz/pop artists including Bobby Caldwell, Marion Meadows, ...

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Performance / Tour

Lao Tizer to Perform with Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs in Denver

Lao Tizer to Perform with Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs in Denver

Source: Brody PR

Denver, CA - TIZER, featuring Boulder native and keyboardist/composer Lao Tizer with special guests guitarist Chieli Minucci and violinist extraordinaire Karen Briggs, brings their high-energy world-fusion sounds to Denver for one performance at The Soiled Dove on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Growing up in Colorado, Lao became enchanted by the sounds of a piano and was formally trained by University of Colorado professor Doris Lehnert. Lao began his professional career at age ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Without You

Self Produced
2011

buy

Got It Goin' On!

Shanachie
2005

buy

Night Grooves

Shanachie
2003

buy

Sweet On You

Shanachie
2000

buy

Renaissance

Shanachie
1996

buy

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