R&B/Jazz keyboardist Charles A. Kelly is focused on transformation, evidenced in his sophomore album, “Phase II,” released on February 21, 2025. An album of transition and spirituality that is the second in a trilogy, Kelly wrote, produced, and arranged ten new songs for the Innervision Records release. The third single from the project, a deep cut titled “Raindrops Under Glass” that imaginatively mixes classical orchestrations, African rhythms, and movie score melodies, was also released on Friday.
Kelly created his 2022 debut album, “You’re Not Alone,” to be the first in a trilogy. The album was to be like an establishing shot in a movie that captures the present moment – or sounds, in this case. His muse was the present state of contemporary jazz. Kelly conceived “Phase II” to serve as a bridge album, with the collection pushing the boundaries of the music genre, experimenting, and testing the limits and the definition of contemporary jazz – offering a thesis of what it could become. The third in the series will be a double album, an evolutionary realization, a visionary outing futurizing contemporary jazz.
“My mission for this album is to stretch the current boundaries of what is considered contemporary jazz. This genre has a rich history, but it has gotten a bit formulaic. For the music to grow, artists must have the courage to reach deep inside and create music boldly while building true connections to a wider audience. As a songwriter, I want to reach as many people as possible for the purpose of engaging in a real and genuine connection with listeners. I believe the only way to do this is to create songs openly and honestly, without restrictions. Listeners love authenticity and I want to be right there with them,” said Kelly, a Philadelphia native who has long called the Los Angeles area home.
“Phase II” opens with the snappy, horn powered “That Groove,” anchored by the taut rhythm section consisting of bassist Jerome Randall and drummer Billy “Shoes” Johnson. Trumpeter Michael Stever captains (and arranges) the four-piece horn section alongside Andrew Neu (tenor and alto saxophone), Nick Lane (trombone), and Kelly’s son, Jason Kelly, on soprano sax. Kelly’s piano dances, radiating a joyous spirit.
“This funky and catchy song symbolizes the essence of confidence in oneself. In life when our mind, body, and spirit are in sync, there is a confidence we have, a radiant glow that shines through when others are around. People may not know personal situations or circumstances, but they see a glow and excitement they may want in their lives. When we can be free from worry and we focus on those things that make us better, we grow. From growth comes confidence,” explains Kelly.
Kelly’s piano remains radiant and ebullient on “SunSeeker,” the first single. A travel-inspired song, it peaked at No. 4 and spent eight months on the chart.
Another invigorating joint, this one recalling his formative years performing in Philly nightclubs, “‘City Night” was the second single to preview “Phase II.” While writing the song, Kelly turned to Philadelphia music legends for inspiration.
“‘City Night’ captures the spirit of the Philadelphia nightlife from that period in my life, the time I spent playing in the nightclubs by Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River. Those nights are where I had a chance to feel the excitement of playing in front of crowds of people every night. That’s when I got a chance to feel that energy for the first time, the thrill of being on stage and performing. It was then that I knew I wanted to make music my career. I started looking at old videos of The Spinners, Blue Magic, Delfonics, and other legendary Philly International Records groups. Since I used to play with Blue Magic, it was fun and exciting to think about that time in my life,” recalled Kelly.
Incorporating fusion into the mix, “Bring It to Compliance” has a tension, focus, and intensity. Again, the horn section packs a punch to which Kelly adds electric guitar to his piano and keyboards, playing alongside electric guitarists Miles Jenson and Billy “Meech” Chase.
“For us to walk in happiness, love, and success, there is work to be done, which is accomplished by becoming compliant to discipline, consistency, ambitious standards, and focus on the goal at hand. Each step we take in life can take us either forward or backward. We must learn from each step and build from it. As we successfully accomplish small steps, we will develop a love for what we do. That love will generate the energy and spirit required to be victorious in life. However, for this to occur we must bring ourselves into compliance with God’s laws that will transform us from the inside out,” said Kelly providing insight.
Another tune tinged with fusion, “Feathers In Flight” was inspired by an unforgettable scene in the Academy Award-winning film “American Beauty,” in which a plastic bag was tossed around in the wind. Kelly explains, “The image of a plastic bag blowing in the wind shows precisely the freedom that comes from finding happiness and beauty in the simplest things, regardless of life’s difficulties. We must not get caught up in those things that damage us spiritually but focus on the things that edify our souls. That is how to overcome our difficulties. Our spirits must float and rise above the things that attempt to bring us down.”
Bold and daring reflecting the song’s namesake, “Amanirenas” was named after the queen regnant of the Kingdom of Kush known for invading Roman occupied Egypt and negotiating the end of the Roman retaliation. Kelly’s song is offered as a testament to all women, reflecting Queen Amanirenas’s beauty, strength, leadership, and courage.
The soothing and placid Africano melodies and rhythms on “I Only Want You” gives way to a mid-tune spoken word rap delivered by Robert Washington along with a vocal caress from Quiahna.
“The song ‘I Only Want You’ is about understanding our protection in life is rooted in a love for God. With the world in so much upheaval, unhealthy political actions, violence, and hatred we must turn to God for strength, protection, and guidance. The lyrics written by Robert Washington say it all,” said Kelly about the song spawned from Ephesians 6:10-14, “The Armor of God.”
Slated to be the album’s fourth single, released on April 15, “When We Are One” bobs to a hip-hop loop crafted by Kelly that runs through the song about agape love.
“‘When We Are One’ explores the endless opportunities when two people are totally connected by agape love for each other. After the initial infatuation period, exploration and discovery period, adaptive period, the commitment phase, we finally experience the acceptance phase, which is the deepest part of any relationship. This is also where the real blessings happen with couples that can endure and embrace this special period in life. Selfless love, characterized by a deep care for another person without any sexual implications, particularly when it is spiritual in nature, can be considered an ideal form of affection,” offered Kelly.
Kelly gets deeply personal on the closing composition, an intimate solo piano piece titled “Song For Charlie,” written for his late daughter.
“The final song on the album is about reconnecting in the spiritual world with my daughter, Sharlise, who passed away quite a few years ago. The music represents a living being going into the spiritual world to tell her how much she is loved by my wife and myself. I tell her that although there was much pain when she passed away and how the family dynamics changed with her passing, we were made stronger, and she will never be forgotten. ‘Song For Sharlise’ also represents a reconciliation rooted in the acceptance of her death. I think any parent who loses a child thinks about what they could have done differently to prevent something tragic from happening. Finally, the end of the song represents that our entire family will be united again. The synths at the end represent Sharlise going back to her spiritual home and me returning to the physical world. This song focuses on loss, love, hope, healing, reconnection, and reconciliation,” revealed Kelly.
Other musicians who contributed to “Phase II” are four-time GRAMMY®-winning percussionist Munyungo Jackson, drummers Tony Moore and Land Richards, and guitarist James Greene.
Kelly is a musician, songwriter, producer, arranger, and band leader who has collaborated with a galaxy of luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Nile Rodgers, Sister Sledge, The Pointer Sisters, and Nathan East. He’s also flourished in the contemporary Christian space, playing with CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Jeremy Camp, and Israel Houghton. As an actor, Kelly was in the cast of the “Fame” television series. “You’re Not Alone” launched four singles onto the charts, including the title track, "Endangered Species,” “I Know You,” and “I’m Good.” For more information, visit https://www.charlesakelly.com.
Kelly’s “Phase II” album contains the following songs:
“That Walk”
“SunSeeker”
“City Night”
“Bring It to Compliance”
“Raindrop Under Glass”
“Feathers In Flight”
“Amanirenas”
“I Only Want You”
“When We Are One”
“Song For Sharlise”
No comments:
Post a Comment