“SMOOTH JAZZ: LIKE A BRIDGE INTO JAZZ”

Chieli Minucci grants Smooth Hot Jazz a exclusive interview

After passing twice through the Madrid stages by Smooth Hot Jazz, Chieli Minucci grants Smooth Hot Jazz an exclusive interview.

Guitarist, composer and arranger Chieli Minucci is the recognized leader of the Grammy-nominated Jazz Fusion band SPECIAL EFX, and of great relevance in the world of Jazz and the international music scene for 35 years. Aside from writing and performing his own music, Chieli shares the genius of his guitar in show business as well. He has recorded and performed with many important artists such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer López, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Michael Bolton, Anastasia and, in the Jazz scene, with artists such as Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Bernie Williams, Marion Meadows, among many others. In addition to his prestige in the world of Jazz and Pop, Chieli is also a talented composer on film and television. He has won 3 Emmy Awards and has been nominated 10 times for his eclectic compositions. Her music has been heard on the soundtrack of films such as “Bowfinger”, “A very legal blonde”, “Panic” and others. Chieli’s original work can be heard live in productions of “Peter Pan”, “Dora the Explorer”, “Thomas and Friends” and others.

Enjoy the exclusive interview for Chieli Minucci’s Smooth Hot Jazz Magazine:

 1.      Chieli, you have been in music for many years.  Your father was also a musician. Was it definitive to dedicate yourself to this world? What contributed?

My father’s influence on me was tremendous.  I grew up in a house filled with melody, melody, and more melody! He was a concert pianist, and composer of songs – mostly in the great American songbook tradition.  I was writing music by the time I was 6.  Just playing my little ideas on the piano at first.  My father had me study piano at that time.  I switched to guitar later, when I was 8.  Later on he worked as a producer and A&R man at Columbia Records.  When Special EFX was in it’s early years his watchful eyes were on my writing and particularly, arranging.  He was a huge influence on my approach to the whole.

2.      You have given music and a series of highly prestigious films and you won 3 Emmy awards to your credit. How does it contribute to your musical experience?

Writing for television, film, and music production licensing companies, has been the most creative and varied creative experience of all for me, even more so than writing for my own group!  I’ve been given the opportunity to explore styles of writing & arranging that I would never have explored otherwise. Writing in different styles open one’s ears to new possibilities.  Growing in composing and arranging never ends!

3.      They are great artists that you have worked with throughout your career. Who has impacted or contributed more? Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

My biggest influences came about when I was very young.  In addition to the invaluable experience I had touring on cruise ships from ages 14-17, my first big learning lesson came after university, when I worked with the famous American singer, Eartha Kitt.  I spent about 2 years with her ensemble, not only touring around the east coast of the USA, but re-learning the most rudimentary things I thought I’d already learned – to show up for gigs and sessions on time, how to play softly, yet intensely, how to leave space in the performance, how to be part of an ensemble!

Later on I worked with producer, Arif Mardin, who brought me on for a Chaka Khan record date.  Arif and I spent a lot of time discussing producing and I was surprised to learn that he was a old-fashioned believer in letting the right musicians create the sound of the song.  In other words, he felt that his primary job was to hire the rights guys!   

My biggest inspiration came from my late-partner, percussionist George Jinda, who founded Special EFX with me.  George’s constant encouragement and pushing helped me to go beyond my limits.  This is a lesson I’ve repeatedly practiced with other musicians.

4.  What do you think about the situation of Smooth Jazz today?

Sorry to say, but I don’t listen to too much smooth jazz anymore. There was a time when I felt that a lot of this style was cutting edge and exciting, but that was many years ago.  We are in a period where there is a great output of new music, but with very little originality.  It seems as if most of the sub-styles of contemporary jazz have already been explored in great depth and what’s left is mostly imitation. However, very talented musicians are creating these new recordings and are also touring with great passion.  At least the higher standard of jazz music still exists in the realm of improvisation and technique.

5.  What future is expected for Smooth Jazz worldwide and especially in Europe?

Unless something unexpected happens – such as the younger audiences becoming more interested – I don’t see much of a future. This genre has been fading away in its popularity for many years.  Its original & biggest fans are aging, and there isn’t enough interest from the 15-40-age crowd. Europe never seemed to be as interested in contemporary, “smooth” jazz as the USA. During the biggest years of smooth jazz there was minimal promotion across Europe.  That’s ironic, because the reason that this style became so popular in the first place was because of the unique combination of melody, rhythm, and improvisation it offered it’s audience – and that was not necessarily a “jazz” audience, but probably more pop/R&B music loving fans. Smooth jazz was like a bridge into jazz for many people in the USA. Europe, on the other hand, has traditionally been more in love with classic jazz as well as jazz “fusion”, never fully embracing the broader genre, nor capitalizing on its financial success via radio as the USA did so well from 1985 till about 2005.

Enjoy Ballerina at the #HotJazzConcerts of 2018

And his participation in the second edition of #SmoothHotJazzFestival2019

“SMOOTH JAZZ: LIKE A BRIDGE INTO JAZZ”

Chieli Minucci grants Smooth Hot Jazz a exclusive interview

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