B.D. Lenz

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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. He says of his music, “ I work really hard on my writing. It’s important that the virtuosic musicianship of my band members have a context in which to show it off.” His latest studio recording, Manifesto, was a crowd funded effort that broke into both the Jazz and Jam radio charts.

His music has also been featured in hundreds of TV shows globally including Breaking Bad (AMC), Catfish (MTV), Pawn Stars (History), Chicago Fire (NBC), Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo), and Young Sheldon (CBS) to name just a few.

Lenz and crew have played thousands of gigs internationally. Select venues include Jazz at Lincoln Center (NYC), Iridium (NYC), Birmingham Jazz Festival (UK), Rochester Jazz Festival (NY), Swansea Jazz (Wales), Hull Jazz Festival (UK), Musikfest (Pa), Pizza Express (London UK), Scott’s Jazz (Belfast NI), Café Miles (Amersfoort NL), Deer Head Inn (Pa), The Verdict (UK), 27b Flat (Brugge BE), Jazzkeller (Frankfurt DE), PBS TV, and BBC Cambridge.

"...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

"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

"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

"...Lenz's music portrays his deep attachment to groove and rhythm as well as an uncanny ability to craft interesting and memorable melodies..." – All About Jazz

"...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

"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

“...a solid guitarist and composer...["Straight Up"] features a distinctive contemporary style... – Newark Star-Ledger

“Lenz has mastered his instrument and his confidence overflows everywhere..." – All About Jazz

"The fact that Lenz is capable of being forceful one minute and gently introspective the next demonstrates that he is far from a one trick pony. Lenz keeps things unpredictable: he can
be edgy and assertive , or he can be vulnerable." – Jazz Inside Magazine

“...B.D. Lenz is the kind of artist that you really can’t describe in a few words. His style flows in the genres of Latin & rock, with nuances of jazz & funk, but even so, it’s all his
own." – Trenton Times

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