Chieli Minucci and Special EFX

'FESTIVAL BROCHURE' 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 6/07
The new CD,'Sweet Surrender' is now available.
Chieli appeared on both ABC's Good Morning America and the Rachael Ray Show alongside singer Michael Bolton.
2006 Emmy nomination 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 70th 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 2003-2006 Clear Channel/Nickolodeon 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 songs for the latest upcoming Themestar stage production of the long-running British kid's TV show, Thomas & Friends Live! - Thomas Saves The Day!
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
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