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.

Exclusive Interview

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

Kenjamin: From twitter and gentleman name Randy Morano reached out to me.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Kenjamin: Texas born native; but Virginia raised musician. I just have loved music as a child and i played drums for about 30 years before picking up the piano about 10 or 12 years ago; but it was my mother who ask me to record myself and send it to her. I was living in NC at the time and she was in Texas. Like most mothers she wanted to push me to become better at whatever i chose to do. So, basically it was mom that put the notion in my head to record.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Kenjamin: This CD named Our Love is actually written doing a time when my marriage was falling apart. So, after the wife and i divorce i needed an outlet for my emotions. Each song has a meaning behind it:

Our Love title song: was the first time we met and how sweet and beautiful things are at the start of any relationship and or marriage.

Jesus: was me praying and seeking God thank him for this new season in which i found a new reason to life

You are not alone: Came about when i realize that the things that has happening to me was a for a reason and that God had my back, he was walking with me in my time of sorrow.

M train: Was that moment when i completely move on from my past and was headed to my future. Like a train once it gets speed it takes alot to stop it or slow it down.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

  Kenjamin:   Well i think online music buying and sharing is the new record store. It is common place to me now; I personally purchase all my music from Itunes and Amazon etc… I dont even use CDs in my car anymore. No, i havent giving away my music, but i would if the person(s) wants it, I love to see smiles on peoples faces.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

  Kenjamin:   My circle is very small now, but i know a few that i will turn this way. I was told to go test the waters and make the path then they will join me. I guess someone has to take the first step. (lol)

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

  Kenjamin:   Yes, but mistakes are sometimes very helpful and or actually workout just depends. However, if its totally jack then i simply start over. Life is to short to get you panties in a twist. I just hit that command Z and go back over it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

  Kenjamin: I havent had an opportunity to tour, it really hasn’t crossed my mind when was creating this cd. But the one im currently working on will be even better and will have some awesome musicians on it. I would like to tour then.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

  Kenjamin:    Songs and ideas hit me at anytime, such as church and or just sitting in my music room playing around with some chords or melodies. When i get a idea, i normally record the concept and comeback to it later. And if time permits i start on it then.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

  Kenjamin:   Kenjaminmcdougaljazz.com its up and active; however, just need to get my pics done and load them. You can also find my music on Itunes, Amazon, CD Baby and other digital media downloads.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

  Kenjamin:   None i dont think, pretty much if its on there then i brought it and it is what it is.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

  Kenjamin:   Well, first purchase a house out right and finish building my studio. I would most likely put the bulk of it in some type of account that would yield me a nice return on it. I would spend the rest of my time making and creating music. I have some artist who want to work with me and help produce them. I could see myself doing several albums in that year. But most importantly i would give my tithes to my church.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

  Kenjamin:   Yes, currently building my studio one piece at a time. Im using an IMAC with Studio One 3, ProTools 9, BFD3, and Reasons. My next plan is to build the vocal booth which will wait till i buy the house. I also use a PreSonus mixer which i simply love.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

  Kenjamin:   I have been using FaceBook, Instagram and Tweeter. I also have a web page KenjaminMcDougaljazz.com . FaceBook and Tweeter seems to be working better for me

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

  Kenjamin:   FourPlay simply love this band. I have been listening to them for a longtime. They are one of the first jazz albums i purchased.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

  Kenjamin:   Yes,I’m currently working on the next jazz CD Ken – JAM-in will be the name of it. Also, working on a worship cd for my praise team as well as a jazz cd with the bass player at my church.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Kenjamin: Working, like im doing now for Chase Bank as a Business Analysis. Got to eat!!

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Kenjamin: FourPlay and Soulive are the two bands i purchased first. I needed to hear some funk and i wanted to hear some smooth jazz.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Kenjamin: This is the hardest thing to do right now, mainly because i work a full time job and play for two churches. But somehow i have been bless to keep it all going.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

Kenjamin: I plan to put out another jazz cd this year.

Randy M

Since 2008, I've been dedicated to supporting unsigned artists through ExposedVocals.com, evolving from platform creation to in-depth music reviews and artist discovery. I showcase talent, amplify voices, and share industry insights from legends to empower the next generation of musicians.