Renaissance is a celebration for all of us: an expression of new relationships, passion for life, romance, music, and of course, guitar playing! It's my way of expressing it all, through song.
When I was a teenager I used to think that the making of an album (CD) would mean the ceasing all regular activities: leaving my home for the country, and completely focusing on the musical creation at hand; like a writer, who seeks complete solitude for inspiration, hunkering down in some small cabin in a remote part of northern Maine. In reality it's been just the opposite for me. (anyway, turns out I prefer to be around people) Turns out that the inspiration that goes into the making of a CD like this comes from familiar settings - too little sleep, a full plate of family life, ongoing tours with the band, other musical side project, friends; in other words, everyday life, with all the ups and downs that go with it. It's all this variety and experience that make the juices flow for creativity: the good, the not so good, the unexpected.
In his book, writer/composer John Stuart (remember the song, 'Daydream Believer'?) scribbled a sketch of a composer at work, an antenna attached to the top of his head. He wrote, '...most songwriters feel they are only radio receivers and the songs are coming from somewhere else...." I suppose all we really have to do most times is keep an open mind..keep that spirit channel open. The sun will always shine for those who choose to let it in... Peace - Chieli Minucci
1. Big Sky Country 04:57
2. Renaissance 05:28
3. Cause We've Ended As Lovers 05:01
4. Come As You Are 05:18
5. Anything and Everything 04:54
6. Shine 04:27
7. In Your Arms 07:24
8. Spirit 00:27
9. The Sun Will Always Shine 04:52
10. Cacoutra 00:19
11. Leilani 05:47
12. Mixomelodia 00:40
13. Reunion 05:07
14. Faith 04:28
Chieli Minucci…….electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, programming
Steve Skinner……. keyboards, programming
Clint de Ganon……. drums, cymbal overdubs
Jerry Brooks….bass
Fernando Saunders….bass, vocals
David Mann…..sax
Stan Harrison….alto
Produced by Chieli Minucci
Co-Producers: Paul Wickliffe and Steve Skinner
Executive Producer: Danny Weiss
Recorded and overdubs at Horizon Studios, NJ
12/95-1/96
Pre-Production at Baci Studios and Nervous Music, NYC
additional recording by Hiro Ishihara at Quad Studios, NYC
brass section recorded at Nervous Music, NYC by Steve Skinner
Mixed by Paul Wickliffe at Mystic Studios, NYC
Additional mixing at Horizon Studios
Assistant engineers: Nickos Teneketzis
Edited by Mike Landy at The Review Room, NYC
Mastering by Ted Jensen @ Sterling Sound, NYC
