B.D. Lenz

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.



"Contemporary jazz guitarist BD Lenz's quartet lays down a funky, jamming vibe.integrating catchy good time grooves with moodier, blues-inflicted pieces." – JazzTimes



".a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing. ” Curt Yeske – Trenton 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



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



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



“. 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