For 14 years (1982-1996), guitarist
Chieli Minucci was half of the popular World Fusion band
Special EFX, forming a musical partnership with percussionist
George Jinda and creating accessible yet slightly unusual music.
Minucci attended Ithica College, playing guitar in a variety of rock and pop groups, and had developed his own approach to the guitar when he met up with
Jinda in 1982. Their band recorded extensively with GRP (1984-1992) and also made three CDs for JVC (1993-1995) before finally breaking up.
Minucci in the 1980s and '90s also worked as a producer and writer for other musicians including
Deborah Henson-Conant and
Kim Pensyl, plus he worked in the studios.
Minucci appeared on a variety of R&B dates by the likes of
Chaka Khan,
Roberta Flack,
Noel Pointer, and
Angela Bofill and began his solo career in 1995, cutting three CDs as a leader without
Jinda for JVC during 1995-1997. Since that time,
Minucci has continued to release albums, some of which include
Sweet on You in 2000,
Night Grooves in 2003, and
Sweet Surrender in 2007. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide