Title: Renaissance
Artist: Minucci, Chieli
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 884502114249
Genre: Jazz

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, Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Kim Waters, Alex Bugnon, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Nestor Torez, Bob Baldwin, and many others. His father, Ulpio Minucci (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 10 Daytime Emmy Awards and has won three, in 1998, 2007, and most recently in 2008, for his eclectic 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 Broadway Across America/Nickelodeon live stage productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer ('Dora's Pirate Adventure', 'The City of Lost Toys' and currently 'Return to the City of Lost Toys') which are currently touring internationally. He also wrote and recorded original songs for the live stage production of Thomas & Friends Live™, (both 'Thomas Saves The Day!' and most currently, 'A Circus Comes to Town') ___________________________________________ full bio information Chieli Minucci was born and raised in NYC. Son of Catherine & Ulpio Minucci (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 it's first US release out in the stores, and the band began it's 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/pop artists Bobby Caldwell, Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Kim Waters, Alex Bugnon, 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 25 CDs, as well as all biographical material, full electronic press-kit, etc... ___________________________________________ RECENT ACTIVITIES (as of 5/09) Minucci is currently at work writing and producing Special EFX's 25th anniversary recording, which is due for completion soon and scheduled for a 2010 release. 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! Chieli appeared on both ABC's Good Morning America and the Rachael Ray Show alongside singer Michael Bolton. 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 release. - 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 2003-2006 Live Nation/Broadway Across America/Nickolodeon live tour productions of the hit TV series, Dora the Explorer. Both 'Dora's Pirate Adventure,' and 'The City of Lost Toys', as well as 'Return to the City of Lost Toys' all currently touring internationally. Chieli has written and recorded the soundtrack for the smash hit Themestar stage production of the long-running British kid's TV show, Thomas & Friends Live!™ - A Circus Comes to Town! Chieli and Emanuel 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! ___________________________________________ 'Sweet Surrender' biography Guitar Wizard & Contemporary Jazz Pioneers Chieli Minucci & Special EFX Celebrate Silver Anniversary with Exhilarating New CD Sweet Surrender "...extraordinary range and technical finesse." - JazzTimes Magazine 'Chieli Minucci is both an influential elder statesman and true innovator.' - Jazziz Magazine Grammy nominated and c

Tracks:
1.1 Big Sky Country
1.2 Renaissance
1.3 Cause We've Ended As Lovers
1.4 Come As You Are
1.5 Anything and Everything
1.6 Shine
1.7 In Your Arms
1.8 Spirit
1.9 The Sun Will Always Shine
1.10 Cacoutra
1.11 Leilani
1.12 Mixomelodia
1.13 Reunion
1.14 Faith

Minucci, Chieli: Renaissance

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