Hailed as one of the Top 20 “up and coming ” jazz musicians of New Jersey by the Newark Star-Ledger , and recently featured in the New York Times, guitarist B.D. Lenz leads an original band which has been best described as “ a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing ” (Curt Yeske – Trenton Times) . Signed to NY Jazz label Apria Records he has released five CD’s of his original contemporary jazz: Tell the World (1997), Lost and Found (2000), Simple Life (2003), Tomorrow’s Too Late (2005) [featuring Grammy-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker and legendary bassist Mark Egan], and Straight Up (2007). B.D.’s music has also been licensed to over 50 television shows on MTV, VH1, USA, A&E, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Travel Channel, Food Network, Spike TV, etc.
This high-energy ensemble has rigorously performed throughout the U.S. and U.K. for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, cafes, bookstores, etc. Noteworthy appearances include: PBS TV/Radio, BBC Radio, Panasonic Village Jazz Festivals (NYC), EAT’M Showcase (Las Vegas), Black Dog Jazz Festival (VA), Central PA Festival of the Arts (PA), CD 101.9 Red Bank Jazz Festival (NJ), New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Oswego Harborfest (NY), and Jazz After Dark (UK), among many others.
About B.D. Lenz - Having played guitar since the age of 14, B.D. has since studied with such jazz guitar luminaries as Mike Stern and Vic Juris , as well as pianist Charlie Banacos. A graduate of Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, California, he furthered his studies at the College of New Jersey where he graduated with honors. He has played in bands ranging from pit orchestras to rock bands; big bands to jazz combos and even an Elvis impersonator! Besides his own project, B.D. has recorded and performed with artists such as Randy Brecker, Mark Egan, Richie Cannata, Mark Ledford, Ada Rovatti, Greg Federico, Jeff Callahan, MAOR, Blue Number Nine, John Virag, Kathy Phillips, and Ron Velosky among many others.
"...Part of the reason for his accessibility is that he not only fuses jazz and rock, he complements it with warm chords of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues..." – New York Times
"Contemporary jazz guitarist B.D. Lenz’s quartet lays down a funky, jamming vibe...integrating catchy good time grooves with moodier, blues-inflicted pieces" – JazzTimes
“…[Straight Up] is so there, so ideal, so darn near perfect that it makes a listener want to head straight up there in a pilgrimage to quality...” – JazzImprov Magazine
Lenz is of the ..."20 New Jersey musicians – 40 and under - who should be a big part of the state’s jazz future … – Newark Star-Ledger
“... Lenz's sophisticated playing belies his high-school kid looks balancing the smooth jazz sensibilities of Larry Carlton with the harder-edged jazz-rock fusion...” – Princeton Packet
“Lenz has mastered his instrument and his confidence overflows everywhere... – All About Jazz
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