Combining Latin and African rhythms with the light textures of MOR jazz, Special EFX emerged as one of the most prominent world fusion groups of their era. Formed in New York in 1982, Special EFX was essentially a duo comprised of guitarist Chieli Minucci and Hungarian-born drummer/percussionist George Jinda; debuting in 1985 with the album Modern Manners, they often recruited other musicians to help flesh out their state-of-the-art sound, among them Dave Grusin, Omar Hakim, and McCoy Tyner. Long favoring an accessible and slick jazz-pop sound, the duo significantly altered their identity with 1990's Just Like Magic, adopting a more acoustic texture and exchanging Jinda's electronic percussion for what he dubbed "wooden world music."

Starting in the mid-'80s, guitarist Chieli Minucci and percussionist George Jinda co-led Special EFX, an unclassifiable group who combined together aspects of fusion, world music, rock, and pop in their own unique sound. Special EFX was a fixture on the GRP label during 1985-1993. This CD has 15 selections drawn from eight of their GRP sets and features the co-leaders (who take "Udu Voodoo" as a duo) joined by up to five other musicians, including several keyboardists, bassist Mark Egan, and drummer Dave Weckl. The melodic music (which often has electric keyboards as the lead along with Chielli's guitars) is full of complex pop rhythms, catchy themes, passionate solos, and subtle surprises. Although certainly not for jazz purists, Special EFX has their own interesting appeal and this sampler CD acts as an excellent introduction to their unusual and accessible music.

Smooth jazz outfit with a distinctive Latin/African vibe. Formed in 1982 by guitarist Chieli Minucci and drummer/percussionist George Jinda. Having recorded 13 albums they split amicably in 1995 after releasing 'Body Language'. George Jinda retained the use of the Special EFX name and recorded the album 'Here To Stay' before being incapaciated after suffering a stroke in 1997. The Special EFX name was handed back to Chieli Minucci who has since recorded and toured as Chieli Minucci and Special EFX.

Combining Latin and African rhythms with the light textures of MOR jazz, Special EFX emerged as one of the most prominent world fusion groups of their era. Formed in New York in 1982, Special EFX was essentially a duo comprised of guitarist Chieli Minucci and Hungarian-born drummer/percussionist George Jinda; debuting in 1985 with the album Modern Manners, they often recruited other musicians to help flesh out their state-of-the-art sound, among them Dave Grusin, Omar Hakim, and McCoy Tyner.