Bio
Download PDFReferring to Chieli Minucci as a fire-breathing dragon on guitar (Downbeat Magazine), few contemporary jazz bands have been as entertaining and artistically satisfying as Special EFX. Co-founded in 1982 by master guitarist Chieli Minucci (pronounced Key-eli Mee-noo-chee) and the late percussionist George Jinda, Special EFX helped pave the road for contemporary jazz in the 80s and continues to set the standard. With over 30 years as torchbearers of innovative music, the latest release from this pioneering group, 'Deep As The Night', is the latest chapter in the enduring story of Special EFX. Minucci reflects on the bands longevity. "One of the reasons we have been able to maintain our popularity is because we have evolved over the years. When the band first started we had a heavy world music influence. Later we highlighted more of an acid-jazz sound, as well as some progressive fusion-rock thrown in for good measure. When people hear our music, they can expect to hear a little of everything!
Every day I am grateful for the gift of creative energy, states the Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated guitarist. I am inspired by healthy living, consistent relationships with family and loved ones, friends, and traveling. My music is simply a consequence of what I am thinking about and feeling. With 28 releases, countless world-wide tours and workshops, Chielis influences are numerous. He credits The Beatles eclectic approach to songwriting and record production as an influence and cites Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey as arrangement influences. He adds, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny and Peter Gabriel have influenced me with their adventurousness and ability to combine diverse cultures into their writing and producing. Minuccis father Ulpio Minucci (a concert pianist in Italy and a successful composer whose songs were sung by Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Julius LaRosa) introduced him to piano at age six and encouraged him to become a composer.
Deep As The Night features 12 original compositions with wonderful musical performances by drummer Lionel Cordew, bassist Jerry Brooks, keyboardist Jay Rowe, percussionist Mino Cinelu, saxman David Mann as well cameo spots by violinist Antoine Silverman, pianist Lao Tizer, keyboardist Nicholas Cole and saxophonist Elan Trotman. Minucci notes, "we are excited to be joining the Trippin N Rhythm Records family!"
Widely regarded for television and film work, Minucci has 10 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, winning 3 times. He has written for Good Morning America, Bloomberg Radio, Access Hollywood, The 700 Club and others. He also contributed to the soundtracks of Bowfinger, Legally Blonde, Panic and No Country For Old Men. Minucci also composed and produced the soundtrack for the Broadway Across America/Nickelodeon stage productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer. He also wrote and recorded original songs for the stage production of Thomas & Friends Live.
Every day I am grateful for the gift of creative energy, states the Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated guitarist. I am inspired by healthy living, consistent relationships with family and loved ones, friends, and traveling. My music is simply a consequence of what I am thinking about and feeling. With 28 releases, countless world-wide tours and workshops, Chielis influences are numerous. He credits The Beatles eclectic approach to songwriting and record production as an influence and cites Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey as arrangement influences. He adds, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny and Peter Gabriel have influenced me with their adventurousness and ability to combine diverse cultures into their writing and producing. Minuccis father Ulpio Minucci (a concert pianist in Italy and a successful composer whose songs were sung by Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Julius LaRosa) introduced him to piano at age six and encouraged him to become a composer.
Deep As The Night features 12 original compositions with wonderful musical performances by drummer Lionel Cordew, bassist Jerry Brooks, keyboardist Jay Rowe, percussionist Mino Cinelu, saxman David Mann as well cameo spots by violinist Antoine Silverman, pianist Lao Tizer, keyboardist Nicholas Cole and saxophonist Elan Trotman. Minucci notes, "we are excited to be joining the Trippin N Rhythm Records family!"
Widely regarded for television and film work, Minucci has 10 Daytime Emmy Award nominations, winning 3 times. He has written for Good Morning America, Bloomberg Radio, Access Hollywood, The 700 Club and others. He also contributed to the soundtracks of Bowfinger, Legally Blonde, Panic and No Country For Old Men. Minucci also composed and produced the soundtrack for the Broadway Across America/Nickelodeon stage productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer. He also wrote and recorded original songs for the stage production of Thomas & Friends Live.
