Live Video:
Downloadable Press Kit (PDF) - click
here
Bio: Mix the sophistication of jazz, the grit of Blues, and the grooves of funk and soul, and you have the recipe for contempo-jazz guitarist B.D. Lenz. The New Jersey native has played guitar since his early teens, is a graduate of
Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, and has studied with such masters as Mike Stern, Vic Juris, and Charlie Banacos along the way. Lenz has released 13 highly-acclaimed recordings as a leader featuring greats such as
Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Joel Rosenblatt, &
Mark Egan and his music has been featured in hundreds of TV shows globally including "
Breaking Bad" (AMC), "
Catfish" (MTV), and "
Young Sheldon" (CBS) to name a few. This
Godin-endorsed guitarist has performed thousands of shows internationally, is a staff composer for
Gramoscope Music, and a columnist for
AllAboutJazz.com.
Noteworthy Appearances: Jazz at Lincoln Center (NYC),
Iridium (NYC),
Rochester Int'l Jazz Festival (NY),
Birmingham Jazz Festival (UK),
Hull Jazz Festival (UK),
Nantwich Jazz Festival (UK),
Cape May Jazz Festival (NJ),
Porthcawl Jazz Festival (Wales UK),
Oswego Harborfest (NY),
JazzImprov Live! Convention (NYC),
Musikfest (Pa.),
Deer Head Inn (Pa.),
55 Bar (NYC),
Museum of Modern Art (NYC),
Branford Jazz on the Green (Ct.)
Seven Arts (Leeds UK)
The Verdict (Brighton UK),
27b Flat (Brugges BE),
Jazzkeller (Frankfurt DE),
Matt & Phreds (Manchester UK),
Paxton Centre (London),
BBC Radio (Cambridge UK)
Accomplishments:
* Music has been featured on hundreds of TV shows internationally
see list (PDF)
* Band has performed over 1000 gigs internationally
* Has released 13 recordings as a leader
* Composer for
Gramoscope Music
* Columnist for
AllAboutJazz.com
* Four time top N. American jazz group on the largest online booking site TheBash.com.
* Endorsed by
Godin Guitars
Photos (click for hi-res):
Audio:
Press:
"...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 read article
Interview with B.D. –
London Jazz New read article
"Bottom Line: Lenz is a real embodiment of a guitar hero...But just like jaguars are born to run, Lenz is born to play...leaving the listener breathless in their musical journey with him. He is a big sound, a big talent...powerfully impressive taken all in all." –
Jazz Inside Magazine read article
"Lenz transitions from fleet and nimble to heavy and funky, maintaining interest throughout with an interesting sonic palette." –
Jazziz Magazine read article
"While doing a live album, with such a diverse repertoire, poses risk, Lenz rises to the occasion, releasing an entertaining and engaging album that is sure to be included on this year’s 'Best of' lists for jazz guitar." –
Guitar International read article
"...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 read article
"...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 read article
Cover story about B.D. Lenz and Apria Records by
JazzImprov NY - read article (PDF)
"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 read article
“…[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 read article (PDF)
...a solid guitarist and composer...["Straight Up"] features a distinctive contemporary style... –
Newark Star-Ledger read article
“
Lenz has mastered his instrument and his confidence overflows everywhere..." –
All About Jazz
