The new Chieli Minucci & Special EFX CD, 'Sweet Surrender', is now available. Our 23rd release.
To order ALL CDS & DVDs, or ANY song, available individually as digital downloads visit CHIELIMUSIC.COM, or write to CHIELI@AOL.COM
First of all, 'Sweet Surrender' is a 'combined' Chieli Minucci with Special EFX release. The musicians throughout the project are longtime 'core' Special EFX bandmembers (Chieli - electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards, programming, David Mann - saxophones/flute, Lionel Cordew - drums, Philip Hamilton -vocals/percussion, Jay Rowe - keyboards/acoustic piano, Jerry Brooks - bass), as well as some additional guest musicians. We recorded 13 brand new original tracks... an extremely varied combination of music: 4 contemporary pop-jazz songs, 3 live-in-the-studio ensemble tracks, 2 world-fusion music compositions, 2 duets, as well a pseudo-classic rock track.
The lead off single is 'Mystical', a slamming melodic in-your-face demonstration of rhythmic syncopation. Recording this song was special in that it was my final contribution to the CD, and yet was really an older tune, a rewrite/re-arrangement of an old Special EFX piece from our first USA release, back in 1985.
The concept for the CD was to capture the intense energy we strive for at a live concert, but doing so in the studio setting. In that way the recording was much inspired by the release of our live concert DVD from last year's tour. I also wanted to create a CD project that captured the eclectic styles we've explored over the last 20+ years, so there's a lot of different kinds of music on this release! I've long believed that a satisfying listening experience with this style of music is best accomplished by recording a varied group of songs, stylistically and arrangement-wise. Since we're primarily an instrumental group we can get away with being musical chameleons more so than if we had a 'lead' singer out front. In our case it's all about the music & arrangements, the players contributions to interpreting the written notes, and their improvisations mixed in. In the end I hope the listeners will experience a roller coaster ride of enjoyment as we take them through our paces!
SPECIAL EFX-LIVE IN CONCERT DVD now available!
www.chielimusic.com/dvd.shtml
We're happy to announce the official release of our first
live concert high definition-DVD!
In our 22nd year of recording & touring
we've finally captured the full 6-piece Special EFX live
concert show experience, in enhanced high-definition DVD format.
This DVD is now available, via this website, normal retail outlets,
and at our live concerts.
To order just send an email request to: Chieli@aol.com
MUSIC DOWNLOADS - The music download link is up and running! You can sample, and purchase, ALL the songs from classic CDs such as Modern Manners, Slice of Life, Mystique, Peace of the World, Just Like Magic, Renaissance, Jewels, Play, Catwalk, as well as the most recent 2009 releases! (all the Special EFX CDs & all the Chieli Minucci solo CDs!!)
Just go to this link:
http://chielimusic.com/indexcm.htm
Sounds Like
CHECK OUT THE NEW SPECIAL EFX DVD - 'A NIGHT WITH CHIELI MINUCCI & SPECIAL EFX
Chieli Minucci is the leader of the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX, which formed in 1982. Minucci & Special EFX have recorded a combined 25 CDs, 8 of those being solo releases. In addition Minucci has recorded and performed with top pop artists such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastasia and others, as well as jazz/pop artists Bobby Caldwell, Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Nestor Torez, Bob Baldwin, and many others. His father, Ulpio Minucci (a concert pianist/composer) wrote the now 'standard' 1955 hit song "Domani," as well as "A Thousand Thoughts of You," and "Felicia" (both sung by Nat King Cole).
Also known as a composer for television and film, Minucci was nominated for several Daytime Emmy Awards and has won THREE, in 1998, 2007, and most recently in 2008, for his compositional work on CBS's The Guiding Light. He has written music for well-known programs such as Good Morning America (theme), Bloomberg Radio (theme), Access Hollywood, The 700 Club, and others. He also contributed music to the soundtracks of Bowfinger (1999) and Panic (2000), as well as most recently to 'Lifted' (2007).
Minucci composed and produced the soundtrack for the Clear Channel/Nickelodeon live stage productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer (both 'Dora's Pirate Adventure ,' and 'The City of Lost Toys') which are currently touring internationally. He also wrote and recorded songs for the live stage production of the long-running British children's television show, Thomas & Friends Live! - Thomas Saves The Day!
FULL BIO INFORMATION
Chieli Minucci was born and raised in NYC. Son of Catherine & Ulpio Minucci (a concert pianist/composer, who wrote the 50s hit, Domani (Julius LaRosa), A Thousand Thoughts of You, and Felicia (both Nat King Cole). Chieli grew up in Queens, NY, where he still resides today. He began music early on, studying classical piano from the age of 5, and eventually switched over to guitar at 8. He was continually surrounded by the sound of music, through his father's piano playing, and composing, which was to play a key role in his musical future as a writer himself.
At age 13 he joined neighborhood friends to form the band, Taurus, which stayed together for about 3 years. Chieli did a great deal of performing and traveling with this band, performing regularly on the Italian Line Cruise ships during Christmas and Easter school holidays, as well as countless school dances and parties, as well as local bars. It was during these teen years that he developed his love for performing, writing, singing, and traveling, all through music.
He attended Ithaca College in upstate NY, where he initially majored in music, studying classical guitar, but eventually settled in as an English major. He continued studying music theory, history, solfeggio, composition, and big band arranging, as well as joining various local groups: Amethyst, a folk/pop trio; The New Band, his first foray into fusion-jazz/rock; Fast Food, a new wave vocal/rock group; Colombo, a Brazilian trio; and finally, a long stint in Gumbo, an original instrumental/fusion rock quartet. The college life gave Chieli an opportunity to be a part of many diverse musical situations, which was key in his future as a composer/guitarist.
Following college he returned to NYC, studying composition privately with Nicolas Flagello. From ages 23 through 25 Minucci worked with many acts: The Commotion, Fran Eckhart, China Davis Band, Sapho, as well as continuing to write his own music, in particular, pop vocal music, for which he teamed up with lyricists Bobby Matthews and Norman Simon. He performed in various groups, including a two-year stint with Eartha Kitt, and eventually The B.B. & Q. Band (Capital), as well as a brief run with the Lou Reed Band, which featured the rhythm section of Fernando Saunders on bass, as well as J.T. Lewis on drums. (soon to become the first rhythm section lineup of Special EFX). Chieli performed at the original Farm Aid concert with Lou Reed as well. It was during this period that he met Hungarian drummer/percussionist, George Jinda.
Soon after meeting George, the two musicians formed Special Delivery, which landed a recording contract in 1982 with Keytone Records, in Holland. Their first LP, simply entitled, Special EFX was eventually picked up for USA distribution by GRP Records (Larry Rosen/Dave Grusin) in NYC. By 1984 Special EFX (newly renamed) had its first US release out in the stores, and the band began its present adventures in touring and performing. Since then Special EFX has recorded 17 CDs, and Chieli has recorded 6 solo CDs on his own. 'Chieli Minucci with Special EFX' is still touring regularly.
Chieli has been busy in a wide variety of musical projects, which include recording and performing with top pop artists Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastasia and others....as well as jazz artists Marion Meadows, jay Beckenstein, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Nestor Torez, Bob Baldwin, and many others....
Chieli also has a multimedia website, CHIELIMUSIC.COM, which features video, multiple soundclips, individual song downloads from all 23 CDs, as well as all biographical material, full electronic press-kit, etc...
RECENT ACTIVITIES as of 10/09
The new CDs,'Sweet Surrender', 'Travels', and 'East of the Sun' are now available.
Chieli appeared on both ABC's Good Morning America and the Rachael Ray Show alongside singer Michael Bolton.
2008 Emmy Award for Best Music Composition on a Daytime Drama
(CBS's Guiding Light) One of the primary composers, since 1999.
Has composed over 600 individual cues, and continues to regularly score background music for the show, which is enjoying it's 71st anniversary season on television!
On tour in support of Special EFX's first live concert DVD release, 'A Night With Chieli Minucci & Special EFX' as well as 'Sweet Surrender,' Special EFX's 17th CD.
- My Girl Sunday, from 'Sweet On You' was a top five record in 2001
- Cruise Control, from 'Butterly' was 1 in 2002 (1315 spins in 2006 alone!!!!)
- Kickin' it Hard, from 'Night Grooves' was a top five record in 2003
- The Juice, from 'Got It Goin' On' was Top Ten in 2005 (2685 spins to date in 2006)
Composed and produced the soundtrack for the 2003-2009 Clear Channel/Nickolodeon/Live Nation live tour productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer. Both 'Dora's Pirate Adventure ,' and 'The City of Lost Toys', currently touring internationally.
Chieli has written and recorded the soundtrack for the smash hit AEG/Themestar stage production Thomas & Friends Live!™, 'A Circus Comes to Town!'
Look for it at a Theater near you January 2009!
Chieli and Emanauel Kallins continue to score/produce music for Gotham Music, the diverse music production company with compositions and cues being heard all over network television, cable, radio, feature films, etc..... recently 'Good Morning America' has been featuring one of their original compositions as part of their opening theme.... The music can also regularly be heard on such diverse programs as Access Hollywood, Primetime Live, the 700 Club....even Howard Stern!
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
I am glad to announce the release of my debut CD called "Interro Island". This is my first solo project, which includes original tunes composed and arranged by me. I hope you will enjoy my work!
CHECK OUT THE NEW REMIXES OF BEYONCE AND JAZMIN SULLIVAN AND SOME WORK IVE DONE FOR PEOPLE. RIGHT NOW IM SELLING HOT TRACKS FOR $150 EACH, HIP HOP, RNB, POP, REGGAETON, ETC SO HIT ME UP ASAP AND GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND YOU SOME SNIPPETS. BEATS ARE GOING FAST.
Chieli,
Hi back and thanx for checking this out! Like it? There are 4 CD reviews & 5 live Audio Interviews about everything Metal and ... Violins... and bow ... and NO GUITARS on our MySpace page under 'Blogs' and the beginning of our rock journal at www.metalmonthly.com/RockJournal.html ;)
You can follow our up to the minute news and/or daily activities on twitter.com/ArmandVio7
Thank you,
..,,/- Armand
Hey Bro, how are you doing? The last time i saw you play and talked to you was at the Imac theater in Huntington, LI. Hope things are going well for you on the road. Keep up the great playing. Yours truly, David Gee P.S. thanks for being a friend.
CHECK OUT MY NEW REMIXES FROM TAYLOR SWIFT, KATY PERRY,SEAN KINGSTON, LMFAO, AND MORE ON MY PAGE. THESE BEATS ARE FOR SALE PLUS I HAVE MORE BEATS HIT ME UP 4 INFO.
Friday, December 11th 7:30pm – 10:30pm Eastern – Former Band Member Of Yes Billy Sherwood Meets Yessongs Brasil onlinewithandrea.
Musician Billy Sherwood of Yes Meets Yessongs Brasil
Musician and Composer Billy Sherwood Band Member of Yes and Circa goes onlinewithandrea to meet members of Yessongs Brasil – the Yes Tribute Band from Sao Paulo, Brasil. Hosted by Andrea R. Garrison. Listen to the show live or catch the archive.
Online Now!
Live Interview Dec 11th
Friday, December 11th 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Eastern – Former Band Member Of Yes Billy Sherwood Meets Yessongs
Brasil onlinewithandrea.
Musician Billy Sherwood of Yes Meets Yessongs Brasil
Musician and Composer Billy Sherwood Band Member of Yes and Circa goes onlinewithandrea
to meet members of Yessongs Brasil – the Yes Tribute Band from Sao
Paulo, Brasil. Hosted by Andrea R. Garrison. Listen to the show live or
catch the archive.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/onlinewithandrea/2009/12/12/musician-billy-sherwood-of-yes-meets-yessongs-brasil