Kelly’s vibrant keyboard harmonies, fanciful piano flourishes, and spacy, gurgling synth textures illuminate a rhythmic electronic R&B groove, creating a sound that feels both futuristic and familiar. Adding depth and dimension to the song’s melodic core are Miles Jenson’s electric guitar and Jason Kelly — Charles’s son — on soprano saxophone. Though the single is an invigorating instrumental, it carries embedded messages and empowering affirmations.
“‘Focus on Purpose’ is about how we must concentrate on fulfilling our purpose in life if we are to transform our lives for success. This means consciously aligning our thoughts, daily actions, and decisions so we can turn goals into tangible results. The song has a dynamic, funky, and transformative sound along with a message that will resonate worldwide,” said Charles A. Kelly. “So many people want to live out their purpose but are held back. My intention is for this song to help them overcome their fear and find meaning in their lives.”
Accompanying the single is an AI‑generated video that reinforces the song’s message of courage, clarity, and forward momentum, featuring nearly a dozen affirmations and bold words of encouragement including “Now or Never,” “You Can Do This,” “Don’t Doubt,” “Show Strength,” “Have Vision,” “God is With You,” “Conquer Fear,” and, of course, “Focus on Purpose.”
Last year, Kelly released Phase II, an album of transition and spirituality that bridges his You’re Not Alone album and the upcoming Transformation. The ambitious trilogy opened with a 2022 set designed to capture that moment in contemporary jazz. Phase II pushed the envelope, inviting experimentation, redefining, and hypothesizing what contemporary jazz could become. Transformation aims to be both visionary and evolutionary for the genre. Kelly plans to release two more singles this year from the collection before dropping the album next year.
A native of Philadelphia now based near Los Angeles, Kelly is a gold-record-winning musician, songwriter, producer, music director, and film composer. He has recorded and/or performed with pop music royalty – from Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Nile Rodgers to Sister Sledge, WHAM!, and The Pointer Sisters. In Christian contemporary music, Kelly has collaborated with CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Jeremy Camp, and Israel Houghton. Also an actor, he was cast as a series regular in the iconic television series Fame.
Watch the “Focus on Purpose” video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxC8yYnLu9c
Jazz from Amazon.com
