Special EFX with Chieli Minucci, The HITS Tour

Special EFX, the GRAMMY-nominated supergroup, boasts 25 combined albums, 8 Billboard #1s, and decades of domestic and international touring to its credit. This tour celebrates the long-awaited release of “The Hits”, a 14-track project featuring remastered favorites and chart-toppers from the band’s multi-decade career, and brand-new tracks. The show also highlights recent chart successes, including the 2025 Billboard top 10 single “Meant To Be” and the 2024 hit “Cool Summer,” which reached the #1 spot on five charts simultaneously. Fans will also experience the ultra-smooth melodies of “Marbella,” Chieli’s sunny, midtempo collaboration with producer Paul Brown.

 

Chieli Minucci (Guitarist and Leader): Guitarist, composer, producer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the longtime leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX, a major force on the jazz and world music scene for over 40 years. Renowned for his versatility, Minucci has recorded and performed with top artists like Celine Dion, Lou Reed, and Jennifer Lopez. A gifted composer, he has won three Emmy Awards and been nominated 10x, with his music appearing on the soundtracks like No Country for Old Men and Legally Blonde.

 

Jay Rowe (Keyboards): A New England Conservatory of Music alum, Jay became a staple of the New Haven scene alongside Marion Meadows. He has built an impressive resume playing with Angela Bofill, Phil Perry, and Ken Navarro. A “keyboardist wizard” and long-time member of Special EFX, Jay is famous for his “pirouette” during blistering, high-energy piano solos.

 

David Livolsi (Bass): Attending Berklee College of Music helped David refine a signature sound that blends Rock, Jazz, R&B, and Funk. He has collaborated with notable artists such as John Scofield, Bill Evans, Roberta Flack, and Najee. His deep pocket and versatility across genres make him a cornerstone of the group’s fusion sound.

 

Joel Rosenblatt (Drums): A world-renowned drummer and producer, Joel has performed and recorded with greats like Spyro Gyra, Lee Ritenour, and Michel Camilo. Having toured the world many times over, he brings an international musical awareness to the stage. He is also the owner and main engineer at world-class Cliff Sound Productions.

 

David Mann (Saxophone): An elite soloist and versatile arranger, David Mann rounds out this lineup. His sophisticated tone and technical prowess have made him an in-demand performer for both contemporary jazz recordings and high-profile live tours.