Music review and interview with Kenjamin McDougal
Kenjamin McDougal is a composer and multi-instrumentalist musician born in Texas, but raised in Virginia. He started playing drums at only five and performed in various choirs as he grew up. Around a decade a go, he made the switch to keyboards and began studying the craft of composition.
This piece, Jesus, is from the Our Love Album and was written during a difficult period, when he was going through a divorce. It is a soulful jazz instrumental, with a simple two-note refrain around which the piece is based. He has an understated, sophisticated playing style and you can hear the influence of jazz greats like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock.
Beside his melodic, melancholy piano, the piece consists of subtle exotic-sounding percussion, with a constant conga rhythm throughout. There are also bursts of harmonica and flute, with a double bass playing a supporting role underneath it all. The bassline is both rhythmic and melodic, complimenting the piano part perfectly.
Overall, this is a very well composed and performed modern jazz instrumental, that conjures a strong musical atmosphere with just a few sparse but effective musical elements. It is very relaxing, with an almost mesmeric quality that sustains throughout its six minutes. I can highly recommend the music of Kenjamin McDougal.
Listen to Jesus being played on Kiss 104.7 FM
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
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