A dynamic, sensual introduction into the brilliant mind of one of Atlanta's most talented songwriters. Her velvety voice massages the ears, while warm piano riffs, memorable lyrics and soothing melodies inspire you to listen again and again...

7 MP3 Songs in this album (32:29) !
Related styles: Easy Listening: Adult contemporary, Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Solo Female Artist

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In a music world overwhelmed and over-run by digital music and questionable artistry, there are few performers who have the whole package: talent, musicianship, intelligence and stage appeal. But Chanda Leigh is not your ordinary artist. This ambitious pianist and vocalist grew her passion and foundation for music while playing for her fatherâs church choir when she was only 12 years old. It was this foundation that gave her the ear for every other kind of music.

An accomplished jazz pianist, the former Spelman student studied creative writing and jazz piano. The Chanda Bailey Trio, which she formed in 1995, performed live jazz all over Atlanta, delighting audiences at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Montreaux Music Festival, National Black Arts Festival and several local venues. In 1997, the budding artist moved to Los Angeles to begin her television career playing keyboards in the house band of the Keenen Ivory Wayans Show. After the show was canceled in 1998, she met and befriended Grammy-nominated producer, DaMone Arnold (Mikki Howard, Gerald Albright, and Jamie Foxx). The two instantly formed a musical bond, quickly writing and recording "Things I'd Do". More songs including "Bright Sunshine", "Makes Some Time" and "Take a Chance" followed. It was with this inspiration, that she and DaMone and the gifted songwriter Noel McKoy of London, England recorded her debut album, Easy on the Eyes, (which she playfully describes as a hybrid of Janet Jackson meets Stevie Wonder).

In the spring of 1999, Chanda Leigh embarked upon a world tour with the Grammy-nominated reggae band, Morgan Heritage, with whom she sang and played keys for sold out shows. She returned to the US with a broadened awareness of the power of music. In 2000, Chanda Leigh began collaborating with longtime mentor and poet Ray Grant. Together the two created many of the songs on her second record, Big City Life, such as "Big City Life", âWash His Feet" and "Don't Cry For Me". "As a poet, Ray Grant encouraged me to see beyond the surface and reach for the emotion that really tells the story."

Chanda Leighâs talents have been showcased in the Jerry Bruckheimer romantic film, Coyote Ugly, on MTV, The Roseanne Show, The Caroline Rhea Show and The Tony Danza Show. Her theater credits include Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin", âI Could Stop on A Dime and Get Ten Cents Changeâ and "Five Guys Named Moe". She has performed and recorded with reggae stars, Morgan Heritage, pop icon Irene Cara, vocalist and percussionist Vinx, Londonâs own soul vocalists Julie Dexter and Noel McKoy, Atlantaâs JIVA, Donnie and Anthony David just to name a few. Exploring and performing all kinds of music has given Chanda Leigh a great love and respect for it. âThere are so many things about humanity and about life that inspire me...so many things that bring me to tears. So I sit down and think of ways to put my thoughts to music."

Her most recent project, Simple Life, was released in January 2010 and showcased Chanda Leighâs diverse musical background, including snippets of down tempo, funk, jazz, gospel, pop, rock and R&B styles. She says, âitâs my favorite work so far because it represents all of the great musical experiences Iâve had in my career. I enjoy working with Dj Vando and other Atlanta artists on this record very much. I feel so blessed to make the music I want to make. And even more blessed to have people enjoy it.â She plans to release her new project Alright With Me, in the fall of 2011. For release information, visit her website at www.chandaleigh.com.