The group formed in 1982 as the brainchild of guitarist Chieli Minucci and percussionist George Jinda. The combination of Minucci’s edgy and melodic, driving style and Jinda’s sense for temperament and rhythm struck a perfect balance, and the rise of a distinctive new and original sound that incorporated heavy percussive world elements fused with smart, energetic, playful, and memorable guitar lines was formed.