One of the most promising “hidden gems” from Chicago’s south-side, Chanda Rule is the newest discovery among female jazz vocalists. Rooted in gospel music, Chanda carries the soul in her heart and touches audiences with the clarity and beauty of her jazz phrasings. Her well-received debut-album ”Sapphire Dreams” (PAO 11340) made Dexter Gordon’s favorite pianist Kirk Lightsey state “Chanda is the most amazing, elegant, fascinating, all in all greatest singer I saw in the last 30 or 40 years, and I’ve seen them all.” Her follow-up is a rare blend of American work songs with stunning fixations of vocal beauty on disc! Her African-American roots are perfectly blended with European Jazz virtuosos like renowned trombonist and jazz impresario Paul Zauner, Mario Rom, the new trumpet shooting star with his astounding solos on the rarely heard fluegelhorn, as well as Jan Korinek, the celebrated Hammond magician from Prague. Together they embark on a musical journey with Gospel and Work Songs in extra-ordinary styles and arrangements yet unheard. Modern, yet rooted in Jazz, Chanda melts the lush melodies and rhythmic influences of New Orleans with her own refreshing style. She shares the traditional values of a Jazz lineage with her impressive individual versions of standards while her partners accompany her in playing improvised and varied New Orleans jazz, mixing the music of well-known Jazz standards with traditional songs from the New Orleans streets. „Sweet Emma“ was a renowned pianist and singer from New Orleans who regularly sang in the Preservation Hall. Nat & Cannonball Adderly devoted their song “Sweet Emma” to her … which is the overall inspiration for this special record – a must listen-to! „Press Reviews“ "This is seminal stuff. Chanda Rule takes her showmanship, jazz and gospel background to fantastic heights here. Expressive vocals, cool arrangements and beautiful musicianship make this an extraordinary album. I most highly recommend it. She and her band are the real deal!" (Steve Jones/Blues Blast) “Chanda Rule may well be one of the best singers Americans have never heard, given that both of her recordings were based in Europe. But make no mistake; she is an African-American fully aware and proud of her roots, one who delivers her songs with deep spirit and passion.” (Jim Hynes/Elmore Magazine) “Working with the Sweet Emma Band, Rule stands tall while nodding to her musical ancestors and connecting cultures and styles. (… They) map out an odyssey moving through Black America's sound, promise and pride.” (Dan Bilawsky/All About Jazz)