B.D. Lenz
B.D. Lenz
B.D. Lenz 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) . He has released two independent CD's of his original contemporary jazz: Tell the World (1997), and Lost and Found (2000) and three recordings on New York jazz label Apria Records; 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 for 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. for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, cafes, bookstores, etc. Noteworthy appearances include: PBS TV/Radio (national), BBC Radio (London), 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, and Oswego Harborfest (NY) among many others. His regular band is made up of B.D. Lenz (gtr.), Geoff Mattoon (sax/wind controller), James Rosocha (bass), Tom Cottone (drums), and Joe Mekler (percussion)

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

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 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