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B.D. Lenz
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Contemporary jazz guitarist B.D. Lenz and his group will be celebrating their 500th gig at the legendary Stanhope House in Stanhope, NJ on Thursday, April 22. Since they began actively gigging in 1996 the band has been rigorously spreading their funk/jazz gospel throughout the Northeast for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, bookstores, coffeehouses, etc. Notable performances include News12 (TV), Panasonic Village Jazz Festivals (NYC), EAT'M Showcase (Las Vegas), Central PA Festival of the Arts (PA), NJPAC Sounds of the City, (NJ), Black Dog Jazz Festival (VA), 55 Bar, Morristown Community Theater, Trumpets, Conduit, and the former Wetlands.
The band is not just looking back, however. They are set to begin recording their fourth CD in mid-April, their second on New York jazz label Apria Records. They also have a full itinerary of gigs that include the Black Potato and Westfield Jazz festivals.
Lenz says, "The secret to our longevity has been our common vision and absolute passion for this music." He adds, "I hope the next 500 are just as fun!" Joining the New Jersey native on this special occasion will be his regular band mates James Rosocha (bass) and Tom Cottone (drums), as well as special guest Eric Berhends on sax.
Hailed as one of the top 20 "up and coming jazz musicians of New Jersey" by the Newark Star-Ledger and featured in the New York Times (3/4/01), guitarist B.D. Lenz has steadily been making a name for himself for years. He has previously released three CDs of his original jazz/funk/rock fusion: Tell the World (1997), Lost and Found (2000), and Simple Life (2003). He has also performed with, co-produced, and played on albums by several local artists including Kathy Phillips, Greg Federico, John Virag, and singer/songwriter Jeff Callahan. More info about band members, schedule, and press reviews can be found at BDLenz.com.
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