Special EFX (featuring Chieli Minucci) - Without You (January 2022)

I’m proud to announce the release of the new Chieli Minucci & Special EFX CD, “Without You”. This comes at a very significant time in our long concert career, our 25th anniversary! Containing 22 brand new tracks, including new arrangements of familiar Special EFX favorites, the featured vocal work of longtime bandmember Philip Hamilton, as well as guest vocalist Will Brock, plus a tribute to my late, great partner, percussionist George Jinda, this new release finds our famously eclectic music evolving towards fresh, contemporary world jazz-fusion sounds. Rounding out the regular EFX lineup are guest musicians, keyboardist Jeff Lorber, violinist Karen Briggs (ex-Yanni group member), as well as NYC stringman Alan Grubner. West-coast pianist Lao Tizer makes a special appearance as well.

Over the last few years our compositional approach has steadily shifted towards a global, high energy fusion experience, sometimes even mixing in cinematic ‘sound-design’ textures. Not one to be shy of variety, I've packed this release with all kinds of music - jazz fusion, world-beat, world-pop vocals, contemporary melodies, rock-tinged versions of EFX classics, and even our first ‘straight-ahead jazz’ piece. I'm sure new listeners, as well as our longtime fans will feel exhilaration as they listen to this unusual mix of new music! 

1. Quivering 03:30

2. Healing Waters 01:02

3. Lakeside 04:53

4. You Make Me Blue 04:59

5. Prelude 00:23

6. Love's Lost in Translation (radio version) 04:26

7. Hushabye 03:42

8. The Night is Ours 06:00

9. Indelible 01:33

10. Wonderboy 05:35

11. Ballerina Rocks 06:51

12. Mountina Jamerooni 05:38

13. Man With a Drum 02:46

14. Afterglow 01:34

15. Bacchanalia 07:14

16. Gathering Wind 03:25

17.You Make Me 05:01

18. Electraglide 05:26

19. July 06:18

20. Twilight 05:43

21. Love's Lost in Translation (full version) 06:14

22. Undeniable 03:19

SPECIAL EFX is:

Chieli Minucci..........guitars, keyboards, arrangements

Jerry Brooks............bass

Lionel Cordew.........drums

Jay Rowe.................acoustic grand piano, keyboards

Philip Hamilton........percussion, vocals

additional musicians

Lao Tizer

Acoustic grand piano on Afterglow, Bacchanalia

Karen Briggs

Violin on Wonderboy, Lakeside

Jeff Lorber

Keyboards on Mountina Jameroon

Will Brock

Vocals on Hushabye

Dave Anderson

Fretless bass on Man with The Drum, Love's Lost In Translation

Alan Grubner

Violin on Bacchanalia, You Make Me, Man With the Drum, Quivering, Ballerina Rocks

PRE-ORDER

Jeff Lorber Fusion / Space-Time (July 2nd, 2021 Shanachie Entertainment)

GRAMMY WINNING JEFF LORBER FUSION BLASTS FAST FORWARD ON INTERGALACTIC JAM SPACE-TIME OUT JULY 2nd!

The Stars Align on Anticipated New CD Featuring Special Guests Hubert Laws, Bob Mintzer, Paul Jackson Jr., Gerald Alright & More

“I’m incredibly lucky to spend my time doing something that I love. When you are doing things that you enjoy, it is easy to spread those good vibes around,” shares Jeff Lorber. The down to earth and humble trailblazing Grammy-winning pianist, composer and producer has built an impressive four-decade career, transcending musical boundaries and honing his own uniquely identifiable sound. A groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber is also one of the most in-demand producers in Contemporary Jazz. Maintaining a busy schedule during the pandemic this past year, Lorber worked on projects with Herb Alpert, Richard Elliot, Norman Brown and Alexander Zonjic, just to name a few. 

“While working on all of these projects,” explains Jeff, “I was sending my manager Bud Harner stuff that I was writing and he was particularly enthusiastic when I sent him my now new single “Back Room” in demo form. His reaction really inspired me to want to focus on making my own record.” July 2, 2021 Jeff Lorber continues to affirm why he is a magnetic force of nature with the release of the anticipated Space-Time. In selecting an album title, Jeff Lorber alludes to his affinity for science and physics. With all the recent chatter about Government confirmed UFO sightings and potential extra terrestrial life, Lorber muses, “If there are aliens, they are probably watching I Love Lucy right now and maybe jamming to early Miles Davis and John Coltrane or listening to some Sun Ra!”

Space-Time is a supersonic odyssey with longtime Jeff Lorber Fusion trio-mates drummer Gary Novak (who has worked with everyone from George Benson to Chick Corea) and bassist/Yellowjackets founding member Jimmy Haslip. “I first met Jimmy and we worked together in the early 80s but we really started working closely in 2010 after a tour we did together in Russia,” recalls Lorber. “He’s a good partner to have and he keeps the big picture in mind, when I sometimes tend to be more detail oriented about things. Gary became part of the core rhythm section around 2010. He’s a good friend and good hang. We have a lot of fun together besides making music.” The album also enlists some help from flutist Hubert Laws, guitarists Paul Jackson, Jr., Michael Landau and Robben Ford, saxophonists Bob Mintzer, Dave Mann, Gary Meek and Gerald Albright (who actually plays electric bass on a track). Space-Time showcases new and original material including a track that was penned for Jeff’s friend and towering piano giant Chick Corea, shortly after his passing.

Jeff Lorber Fusion maps out all of the celestial coordinates on Space-Time, offering a wondrous galaxy of sonic delight. Lorber and company manage to create a sound and feel throughout the album that captures the essence and vibe of a live show. “All the musicians are experienced studio musicians and that’s something that studio players always aim for. The idea is to make it sound natural, grooving and relaxed and to capture the sound of playing for a live audience even though the audience isn’t physically there.” While most of the band completed the album from their own remote studio locations, Lorber and Gary Novak did have the opportunity to record together in the same studio. “Over the last number of years most of us have gotten used to tracking at home,” explains Jeff. “So from that standpoint it wasn’t that different from a normal record. One thing that was different, however was the absence of live touring, I was able to really focus on the record and this album benefitted positively from that.”

In 2018, Jeff Lorber Fusion scored their first Grammy win with the recording Prototype. Lorber reflects, “Winning a Grammy was a thrill, especially after not winning after the last six nominations. It felt very different to hear my name rather than somebody else’s after ‘the winner is…!” Jeff Lorber Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist attended Berklee College of Music. A true clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the long line of modern jazz pianists since 1945. “Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been major influences but I had to go back and try to figure out who they listened to and were inspired by,” says Lorber. “Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell.” He adds, “I also can’t forget all of the pianists who played with Miles Davis such as Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan and Horace Silver.” Growing up in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania offered great inspiration for Jeff Lorber. “There were a lot of home grown record labels like Cameo Parkway and Philadelphia International (Gamble and Huff) not to mention tons of home grown talent and the Dick Clark show originated from there too.”

In 1977 Jeff Lorber Fusion released their self-titled debut. Their 1980 album Wizard Island made the introduction of a then little known Kenny G. The ensemble quickly gained traction and became one of the most popular jazz acts, touring nonstop. In 1982 Lorber made his solo debut with It’s A Fact. He scored his first Grammy nomination in 1985 for his radio hit “Pacific Coast Highway” from his album Step By Step. In the 90s Lorber released a successful string of projects including West Side Stories (1994), State of Grace (1996) and Midnight (1998). During this time Lorber also stayed busy producing Michael Franks, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Rick Braun, among others. The prolific pianist continued to add to his accolades with his shining recordings Kickin’ It (2001), Philly Style (2003), Flipside (2005), He Had A Hat (2007, Grammy nominated) and Heard That (2008), Now Is The Time (2010, Grammy nominated), Galaxy (2012, Grammy nominated) Hacienda (2013, Grammy nominated) and Step It Up (2015). Lorber made his first recordings for Shanachie as a member of Jazz Funk Soul with the late revered guitarist Chuck Loeb and saxophonist Everette Harp on the albums Jazz Funk Soul and the Grammy nominated More Serious Business.

Jeff Lorber has endured his own battle with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and has made it a mission to work with the PKD Foundation to raise awareness. “I was very lucky that my wife donated her kidney,” shares the pianist. “I’m very grateful for that. My sister had a transplant a couple years ago and she is doing well also. There are some solutions that are being worked on but like many genetic based diseases it could be a long time before there is significant progress. People should know that there are 800,000 people in the US with PKD and two million worldwide. It’s a huge problem that unfortunately doesn’t get a lot of publicity.”

With the release of Space-Time, Jeff Lorber continues to demonstrate that his inspiration to push his music forward is as energized as it ever was. He concludes, “Just being alive at this time with everything that’s going on and all of the developments in music technology, keeps me busy and on my toes!” 

1. Space-Time

2. Back Room

3. Sun Princess

4. Mind Reader

5. Memorex

6. Louisiana

7. Curiosity

8. Chick

9. Day One

10. The Truth

11. Memorex Reprise

Pre-order

Back Room Features:

Jeff Lorber: Keyboards and Synth Bass

Jimmy Haslip: Electric Bass

Gary Novak: Drums

David Mann: Horn Arrangement/Performance

Paul Jackson Jr.: Guitar and Guitar Solo

Gianni Vancini - Get Your Groove On (ALFA MUSIC 2018)

AlfaMusic announces the release of the album Get Your Groove On, scheduled for the beginning of 2018. Gianni Vancini’s record (he has been several times in the American charts of Billboard, Smoothjazz.com etc), has been entirely recorded in Los Angeles, and boasts all internationally renowned musicians and special guests.

Available in all the best music stores ( Egea Distribution )

“Gianni Vancini has a unique and wonderful relationship with the Saxophone! He can make you feel so many memorable moments, as the music comes straight from his heart and soul. Gianni’s music is so may things, crisp, refreshing, exciting,soulful, tender and filled with great passion! “Get Your Groove On” is an album brimming with amazing music featuring artists such as Terry Wollman, Greg Manning, Selina Abright, Jeff Lorber, Kenya Hathaway, Kirk Whalum and Alex Al … all whom contribute to this totally fantastic album, making it a Top Favourite with me!!! Gianni is passionate and professionalabout his music, this is shown in his ability to create such a wonderful masterpiece for us to appreciate and enjoy!” David Snashfold – Founder of Smooth Jazz Appreciation Society (London – UK)

BAND

Ricky Lawson: Drums

Alex Al: Bass

Darryl Williams: Bass

James East: Bass

Stan Sargeant: Acoustic Bass

Darrell Crooks: Guitar

Sheldon Reynolds: Guitar

Greg Manning: Keys

SPECIAL GUESTS

Kenya Hathaway: Vox

Terry Wollman: Guitar

Jeff Lorber: Fender Rhodes

Selina Albright: Vox

Kirk Whalum: Tenor Saxophone

Renato Falaschi: Acoustic Piano

Earl Buffington: Vox

Jeff Lorber Fusion - Prototype (2017)

A godfather of original funky fusion has lately made it a point to demonstrate that there’s still no one who can make this kind of music better than him. Since reviving the Jeff Lorber Fusion moniker in 2010, Jeff Lorber has been stamping out an album every year of so with no letup in quality. His fifth since the JLF comeback is just around the corner, too: Prototype is coming out March 24, 2017 courtesy of Shanachie Entertainment, Lorber’s first for the label.

The Jeff Lorber Fusion has always been scary talented beyond its namesake leader and keyboard whiz, lately including Yellowjackets co-founder and electric bass legend Jimmy Haslip and in-demand drummer Gary Novak (Chick Corea, Allan Holdsworth). The latest addition is saxophonist Andy Snitzer, who recently starred on Jason Miles’ terrific live Grover Washington tribute record. Prototype is also chock full of high caliber guest musicians such as Chuck Loeb, Dave Mann, Larry Koonse and Paul Jackson, Jr.

Today Shanachie released an advance single from Prototype, “Hyperdrive,” that you can dig to your heart’s content in the stream above. And you’ll want to, because this snappy groove features those signature polyrhythms so tightly woven into a worldly, catchy keyboard/sax-rendered melody and capped off by an accomplished Lorber Rhodes aside.

What “Hyperdrive” doesn’t have is Haslip on bass…because another bass legend Nathan East is filling in. Lorber contributed this song for an East project but East left it off of his record; Lorber was quite happy to take it back and put it on his own next record.

1. Hyperdrive

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards: Jeff Lorber

Bass: Nathan East

Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Rhythm Guitar: Paul Jackson Jr.

Melody Guitar: Chuck Loeb

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by Peter Mokran

2. Prototype

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards: Jeff Lorber

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by: Jeff Lorber

3. Test Drive

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Synth Bass, Guitar: Jeff Lorber

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Guitar: Jarius Mozee

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by: Peter Mokran

4. What’s the Deal

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Synth Bass: Jeff Lorber

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Tenor Sax: Andy Snitzer

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Guitar: Jarius Mozee

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by: Peter Mokran

5. Vienna

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards: Jeff Lorber

Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Tenor Sax: Andy Snitzer

Guitar and Solo: Larry Koonse

Mixed by Jeff Lorber

6. The Badness

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Synth Bass: Jeff Lorber

Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by Jeff Lorber

7. Gucci

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Synth Bass: Jeff Lorber

Soprano and Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Guitar and Guitar Solo: Larry Koonse

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Guitar: Paul Jackson Jr.

Mixed by: Peter Mokran

8. Hidden Agenda

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Guitar: Jeff Lorber

Alto Sax: Andy Snitzer

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Guitars: Paul Jackson Jr.

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by Jeff Lorber

9. Park West

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards, Synth Bass, Guitar: Jeff Lorber

Alto sax: Andy Snitzer

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Guitars: Michael Thompson

Horn Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by Peter Mokran

10. River Song

Drums: Gary Novak

Keyboards: Jeff Lorber

Soprano Sax: Andy Snitzer

Electric Bass: Jimmy Haslip

Guitars: Michael Thompson

String and Orchestra Arrangement and Performance: Dave Mann

Mixed by Jeff Lorber

All Songs written by Jeff Lorber except Hidden Agenda co written with Jimmy Haslip

Recorded by Jeff Lorber at JHL Sound Pacific Palisades CA except for the following:

Dave Mann horns recorded by Dave at Mannerism Studio, NYC

Michael Thompson recorded by Mike at Cocoa Butt, Culver City, CA