An Inside Look

With feet rooted in gospel, a heart filled with soul, and a voice touched with jazz, singer and songwriter Chanda Rule has been weaving stories through song, humming melodies, and bending words since her childhood. After graduating from Howard University, she took a flight to New York with dreams of using her freshly-earned journalism degree on Madison Avenue. Daunted by rush hour and cubicles, she turned to music for solace and soon after began her professional career in musical theater, appearing in a variety of productions, from New Jersey’s Hudson Shakespeare Company and regional tours, to "Hair, The Musical" in Amsterdam and Milan.

 

Her “bewitching voice” has a flexibility and range that has graced a variety of musical projects: from "Sapphire Dreams" recorded with the legendary pianist Kirk Lightsey, "Feeling Good: A Tribute to Nina Simone" where she was featured with sax powerhouse Donny McCaslin, and gospel fests and workshops with the Golden Gospel Singers, to appearing as a featured vocalist on ARTE Concert, Ö1 Jazznacht, and ORF's Dancing Stars. Featured in Cicily Janus' "The New Face of Jazz" (Billboard Books), Chanda has also performed as an opening act for India.Arie, Kamasi Washington, Amel Larrieux, Angela Bofill, Regina Belle & The Whispers.

 

Hold On, a mix of soulfully arranged American work songs, blues and gospel favorites was labeled “compelling and distinctive” by London Jazz News and “a fun ride of creative jazz” by The Jazz Word. Blues Blast Magazine wrote: “Expressive vocals, cool arrangements and beautiful musicianship make this an extraordinary album….She [Chanda Rule] and her band are the real deal!”

 

With her upcoming music endeavors, Chanda steps fully into original music composition – showcasing compelling lyrics that speak the heart’s language. Debuting in 2024: On Time – Chanda Rule & Sweet Emma Band; Revival, featuring Chanda Rule & Mickylee; and River, a sacred concert series commissioned by Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where she wove poetry with liturgy creating an inspired work that was orchestrated by bassist and composer Ike Sturm.

 

Also a published writer, podcast host and storyteller who uses narrative and music for community building and communal healing, Chanda is the author of “How Butterfly Got Her Beautiful Wings and can be heard on her podcast, The Courageous Voice.