Chieli Minucci & Special EFX

Few bands in contemporary jazz have been as entertaining and artistically satisfying as Special EFX. Spearheaded by guitarist Chieli Minucci and co-founded by the late percussionist George Jinda (whose untimely passing came in 2001) in 1983, Special EFX helped to pave the road for contemporary jazz during its early years in the 80s and they continue to set the standard. As Special EFX embarks on its third decade as torchbearers of innovative and inspiring instrumental music, Chieli Minucci reflects on the band’s longevity in the music business. "One of the reasons we have been able to maintain our popularity is because we have evolved and changed 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!”