Kennedy John Charles - Soul Searching

Kennedy John Charles – Soul Searching | Soulful House, Broken Beat & Jazz House Vinyl LP

Cat No: PENGLP71
Label: Peng
Genre: House, Soul, Jazz House, Broken Beat, Soulful House
Spec: Picture Sleeve
Disc Colour: Black
Format: Vinyl LP

Description:

UK singer and songwriter Kennedy John Charles presents his debut album 'Soul Searching' on Peng, a deeply personal musical journey blending Broken Beat, Soulful House, Jazz House and soul. Built around Charles' expressive vocals, rich songwriting and reflections on his own life, the album moves fluidly between electronic grooves and fully formed soul songs, resulting in a warm and heartfelt record filled with musicality, depth and love.

The story behind 'Soul Searching' began when Kennedy met Andy Compton at the Vocal Booth event in Spain in 2024. The pair were surprised to discover that they lived only a few miles apart near Bristol, UK. Kennedy subsequently visited the Peng studio to share his musical vision, with Compton — best known for his work as part of The Rurals — helping to produce and develop the album into the soulful body of work heard here.

Drawing together Broken Beat, house, jazz and soul with an effortlessly organic approach, 'Soul Searching' favours rich arrangements and complete songs over stripped-back club functionality. There's a warmth reminiscent of the deeper, jazzier side of UK house alongside shades of the vocal-led electronic soul associated with artists such as Peven Everett. Charles' vocals remain at the heart of the record throughout, giving each track its own sense of character while maintaining a cohesive flow across the album.

Recent singles 'Smile' and 'Find Me' both feature, with the latter appearing here as a The Rurals Remix. Elsewhere, tracks including 'Tricks On Me', 'Seeing You', 'Beautiful', 'What I'm Feeling', 'Future' and 'Rain' showcase the breadth of Kennedy's songwriting, while 'Fun' works a familiar drum break into an infectious, soul-drenched groove. With a cast of accomplished musicians contributing throughout, the result is a lush and expressive album made for both home listening and soulful dancefloors.

Perfect for listeners and collectors into Broken Beat vinyl, Soulful House records, Jazz House, UK soul and vocal-led electronic music. With Andy Compton helping bring Kennedy's vision to life, 'Soul Searching' is a beautifully crafted debut and a natural addition to the long-running Peng Records catalogue.

Tracklist:

A1 - Tricks On Me
A2 - Seeing You
A3 - Fun
B1 - Beautiful
B2 - Move
C1 - What I'm Feeling
C2 - Mind
C3 - Smile
D1 - Find Me (Rurals Remix)
D2 - Future
D3 - Rain

Why Buy This Vinyl?

• The debut album from UK singer and songwriter Kennedy John Charles, telling a deeply personal story through soulful vocals and rich musicianship.
• A fluid blend of Broken Beat, Soulful House, Jazz House and soul, balancing dancefloor grooves with fully developed songs.
• Produced with assistance from Andy Compton of The Rurals at the Peng studio near Bristol.
• Includes 'Smile', 'Fun' and a The Rurals Remix of 'Find Me' alongside a wealth of new material.
• Ideal for collectors searching for Broken Beat vinyl, Soulful House LPs, UK soul, jazz-influenced house and essential Peng Records releases.