R&B/Jazz
Panist Charles A. Kelly Releases 'Phase II'
(Los Angeles,CA) -
R&B/Jazz keyboardist Charles A. Kelly is focused on transformation, which is evidenced on his sophomore
album, "Phase II" 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, also was 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, one 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, a visionary outing futurizing contemporary
jazz, an evolutionary realization.
"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.
Kelly's
piano remains radiant and ebullient on "SunSeeker," which was 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.
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.
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.
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.
Slated to be the album's fourth single releasing on April 15, "When
We Are One" bobs to a hip-hop loop crafted by Kelly that runs through the song about agape love.
Kelly gets deeply personal on the closing composition, an intimate solo piano piece
written for his late daughter titled "Song For Sharlise."
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.
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(Source: Great
Scott PR)
