B.D. Lenz
Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States
Music
Press
"...Lenz's music portrays his deep attachment to groove and rhythm as well as an uncanny ability to craft interesting and memorable melodies..." - AllAboutJazz.com
"...he has released six CDs, he has logged untold hours onstage and his music has been licensed for use in more than 100 TV shows. Even so, Lenz says his latest release, Hit It and Quit It, represents a big step for him..." - BMI.com
"The overall performance of the band on the album is solid and consistent; the musical and rhythmic arrangements are well crafted. Furthermore, Lenz’s compositions are attention-grabbing..." - SmoothJazzNow.com
"An accomplished musician, Lenz blends a unique style of funky soul, rhythm and blues and jazz music" - Sun Gazette
"Six albums. TV exposure. A 2008 Rising Star Award for Best Jazz Band from Gigmasters. United States and European tours — with another planned for this fall. How did this self-proclaimed "North Jersey Boy," hailing from West Milford and now Hackettstown, journey into jazz?" - The Daily Record
"Contemporary jazz guitarist BD Lenz's quartet lays down a funky, jamming vibe...integrating catchy good time grooves with moodier, blues-inflicted pieces." - Jazz Times
"["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..." - Jazz Improv
"There are many tunes to like...This album has shape and character. All of its elements are quite visible and totally brave." - JazzReview.com
"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
Discography
Hit It and Quit (2009)
Straight Up (2007)
Tomorrow's Too Late (2005)
Simple Life (2003)
Lost and Found (2000)
Tell The World (1997)
Photos
Bio
The New York Times says "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..."
Apria recording artist B.D. Lenz has released six CD’s of his original contemporary jazz which feature such greats as Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Mark Egan, and Joel Rosenblatt among others. B.D.’s music has also been licensed to over 100 television shows internationally on such networks as MTV, VH1, USA, A&E, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Travel Channel, Food Network, Spike TV, etc., and his high-energy ensemble can be seen performing throughout the U.S. and U.K.
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 Richie Cannata, Christine Martucci, tU pHace, Mark Ledford, Ada Rovatti, Greg Federico, Jeff Callahan, MAOR, Blue Number Nine, John Virag, Kathy Phillips, and Ron Velosky among many others
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