The American Chieli Minucci, who is a leading representative of jazz, Latin guitar and world music, has a huge musical oeuvre. His career dates back to the early eighties, when he formed a group called Special EFX with Hungarian-born drummer George Jinda, with whom he recorded 20 studio albums. He continued to work with the band after the death of his bandmate in 2001, and released his last album to date in 2020, All Stars. Minucci also has a prolific solo career, with twelve albums recorded and released between 1995 and 2009.
He also has an impressive track record of collaborations with world-famous pop stars. He has appeared on three of Anastesia’s albums , five of Celine Dion's major albums. She has also contributed to albums by Marc Anthony, the Backstreet Boys, Jewel, Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias.
According to József Tőzsér, Vice Rector for Sector Development in life sciences of the University of Debrecen, Minucci's arrival means a lot for the institution, as students can hear an artist play in person whose style and talent has had a huge impact on the international scene.
- In a unique move for the country, the university has launched a new bachelor's degree in light music, with the second year of the course about to begin. This course represents a major addition to the institution's portfolio of artistic training. It is also a part of popular music that it is always worth seeing and hearing world-famous musicians like Minucci. This is not the first time that Djabe has brought an artist of this calibre to the university, as Steve Hackett has also performed in the Liszt Hall. Chieli Minucci is currently on a major tour, he will appear at the University of Debrecen's Faculty of Music as part of that. This concert will also broaden the educational horizons of the university, as the American guitarist will provide students with a high level of technical knowledge. This performance will be an exceptional exercise in musical style, a special musical excursion for students and audience alike," said the Vice-Rector.
Chieli Minucci has won three Emmy Awards for outstanding musical achievement, in 1999, 2007 and 2008 for his work on the television drama series Daytime, and in 2018 he won the professional award for Best Jazz Composition of the Year for his song Deep as the Night.
The world-renowned guitarist will perform his best-known and most successful songs with Djabe on Saturday 25 May at 8pm in the Liszt Hall of the Faculty of Music. Chieli Minucci's concert will be led by Android, which will also include Deputy Rector József Tőzsér, at 19:00.
Press Centre - BZ
One of the most prominent figures of the jazz and world music scene, Chieli Minucci will soon give a concert with Djabé in the Liszt Hall of the Faculty of Music at the University of Debrecen. The classy guitarist has worked with famous musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Anastasia.