Thu, February 15

Special EFX All Stars
Feat. Chieli Minucci, Nelson Rangell, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer & Karen Briggs

Genre: Jazz
Doors: 7:00PM
Show: 8:00PM

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Joel Rosenblatt - drums
Karen Briggs - violin
Lao Tizer - keys
Gerald Veasley - bass
Nelson Rangell - sax, flute
Chieli Minucci - guitar, bandleader

The Special EFX All Stars boasts 4 of the most accomplished, and daring musicians in contemporary jazz. Led by guitarist/composer Chieli Minucci, and starring world-famous saxophonist Nelson Rangell, virtuoso violinist Karen Briggs, renowned bassist Gerald Veasley, and cutting-edge, innovator keyboardist, Lao Tizer.

Guitarist/composer Chieli Minucci co-founded Grammy nominated group, Special EFX, in 1982. The group created what would become a signature sound that blended world rhythms with contemporary jazz. In addition to recording, Minucci became a composer for television and film industries, winning three Emmy Awards and garnering 10 nominations for his composition work. With nearly 30 record releases, 2017-2018 sees Minucci marking the 35th anniversary of Special EFX with the release of the chart-topping DEEP AS THE NIGHT.

Jazziz magazine writes that local Denver resident Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil.”. With his discography of now 17 CD releases Rangell continues on his musical path with 2 new and very unique albums, “Red”, a collection of dedicated saxophone recordings in the pop jazz and contemporary jazz idiom and “Blue” which features the flute and piccolo throughout it’s highly artistic and diverse 11 tracks.

Virtuoso violinist Karen Briggs has performed predominantly in the jazz and contemporary instrumental genres. Known for her years touring with Yanni, Stanley Clarke, and the Lao Tizer Band, Briggs received the "Lady in Red" moniker while featured as a soloist on Yanni's Live at the Acropolis tour. She has also worked alongside legendary artists Dave Grusin, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan.

Gerald Veasley is one of the world’s leading six string bass guitar players. He has been voted “best electric bassist” by JAZZIZ Magazine and been recognized by Downbeat Magazine’s Critics and Readers Polls. Also a Special EFX veteran, Veasley has played with such notable jazz and R&B artists as Grover Washington, Jr.,Teddy Pendergrass, Joe Zawinul, others. He is a master lecturer at the Philadelphia School of the Arts.

Trendsetter keyboardist/composer and “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Lao Tizer, has recorded and toured with Special EFX for almost 20 years. He is currently the founder and leader of his own self-titled band, “Jazz Group of the Year” nominee — The Lao Tizer Band. Whether playing ensemble or as a leader, the keyboardist/composer, who hails from Boulder, CO, uses a vibrant energy to push the boundaries of modern day fusion jazz.