Guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the leader of the Grammy Award-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.

Sweet on You by Chieli Minucci. Format: Audio CD

Got It Goin On is the culmination of Chieli's evolving vision for instrumental music. Featuring such special guests as hit-making saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters and Marion Meadows, guitarist Steve Oliver, and bassist Gerald Veasley, all solo recording artists in their own right, Chieli explores many facets of his musical world. For instance, "Love Is Always Young" is a beautiful version of a song written by his father, the noted Italian born composer Ulpio Minucci, when he was in his eighties. Chieli’s father had an impressive career in the music business and wrote songs for such stars as Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Julius La Rosa. "I could write a whole chapter on my Dad's life in music and his inspiration on me," Chieli says. " I felt a guitar rendition of his song would say enough about how I feel."

There are also good-time funk tracks such as "Good Times Ahead" and "Juice" as well as interesting re-imagining of "Still Waiting," one of Special EFX's signature tunes which is notable for the way it juxtaposes uptempo percussion and drums against semi-classical chord movement. Philip Hamilton delivers an impressive vocal on the studio version of the arrangement Chieli and his band have been playing in concert.

NIGHT WITH CHIELI MINUCCI & SPECIAL - DVD Movie