Chieli Minucci & Special EFX at The Cutting Room again July 2, 2015

I returned to The Cutting Room last Friday night to see Chieli Minucci & Special EFX perform.

I last saw them at that venue in January 2014. I arrived close to show time and missed out on a good table. This time, I showed up before the doors opened to ensure better results. The plan worked. I sat at a small table right next to the stage.

Special EFX was led by co-founder Chieli Minucci on guitar:

With Jay Rowe on keyboards:

Jerry Brooks, who’s about to tour with Journey, on bass:

…and Lionel Cordew on drums:

Plus, special guest Alan Grubner on violin:

SET LIST
1. Courageous Cats
Originally heard on: “Jewels,” 1995 (Chieli solo album)

2. Speak to Me (preceded by Chieli’s intro)
Originally heard on: “Masterpiece,” 1999

3. Crazy Eights
Originally heard on: “Genesis,” 2013

4.Till the End of Time
Originally heard on: “Genesis,” 2013

5. George Can’t Dance
Originally heard on: “Catwalk,” 1994

6. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
Originally heard on: “Renaissance,” 1996 (Chieli solo album)

7. Cruise Control
Originally heard on: “Butterfly,” 2001

8. Your Smile, My Heaven
Originally heard on: “Genesis,” 2013

9. Kickin’ It Hard/Spain
“Kickin’ It Hard” originally heard on: “Night Grooves,” 2003 (Chieli solo album); “Spain” is a Return to Forever cover

#2 and 9 featured occasional vocalizing from Chieli.
#8 and 9 featured special guest Alan Grubner.

Various shots of Chieli:

Vocalizing on “Speak to Me”:

Jay Rowe’s “Speak to Me” keyboard solo:

Jerry Brooks’ “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” bass solo:

Lionel Cordew’s “Speak to Me” drum solo:

Alan Grubner’s “Your Smile, My Heaven” violin solo:

Wide shots from “Kickin’ It Hard”:

The last note:

The end:

It was yet another superb set. Until next time.