|
Jazz Inside - 12.13 NEW!
"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." read more
Jazz Inside - 4.11
"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." read more
Daily Record - 1.19.11
"Guitarist B.D. Lenz knows how to electrify a crowd. Whether he's performing edgy contemporary jazz with longtime bandmates or accompanying soulful singers who turn up the funk..." read more
Guitar International - 12.15.10
"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." read more
AllAboutJazz.com - 12.15.09
"...Lenz's music portrays his deep attachment to groove and rhythm as well as an uncanny ability to craft interesting and memorable melodies..." read more
BMI.com - 12.1.09
"...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..." read more
SmoothJazzNow.com - 11.28.09
"The overall performance of the band on the album is solid and consistent; the musical and rhythmic arrangements are well crafted. Furthermore, Lenz’s compositions are attention-grabbing..." read more
Sun Gazette - 9.17.09
"An accomplished musician, Lenz blends a unique style of funky soul, rhythm and blues and jazz music" read more
Daily Record - 6.14.09
"Six albums. TV exposure. A 2008 Rising Star Award for Best Jazz Band from Gigmasters. United States and European tours — with another planned for this fall. How did this self-proclaimed "North Jersey Boy," hailing from West Milford and now Hackettstown, journey into jazz?" read more
RichardKolp.com - 7.1.08
"When building the honor roll of lesser knowns, BD Lenz quickly scores his spot at the top of the short list. As the specs will show, he is one talented shredder. Everything he produces is cross-cut with razor-sharp finesse..." read more
JazzImprov NY - 3.1.08
Cover story about B.D. and Apria Records by Eric Neyemer - read more
JazzReview.com - 3.1.08
"There are many tunes to like...This album has shape and character. All of its elements are quite visible and totally brave." read more
Jazz Times - 3.1.08
"Contemporary jazz guitarist BD Lenz's quartet lays down a funky, jamming vibe...integrating catchy good time grooves with moodier, blues-inflicted pieces." read more
JazzImprov - 2.1.08
"["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..." Bob Gish - read more
Newark Star Ledger - 8.17.07
"...a solid guitarist and composer...["Straight Up"] features a distinctive contemporary style..." Zan Stewart - read more
The Daily Record - 6.14.07
"The recording ["Straight Up"] departs from his more fully arranged earlier efforts. The sound is stripped down with the aim of providing music that can easily transfer from the recording studio to a live stage performance..." Robert Hicks - read more
The Princeton Packet - 5.31.07
"There's a live vibe that 'Straight Up' embodies, an uninhibited loose style that allows the musicians to jam, much like a straigh-ahead jazz album..." Susan Van Dongen - read more
U.S. 1 - 5.30.07
"The new record ["Straight Up"] of Lenz's original tunes sounds full and crackles with exuberance..." Kevin L. Carter - read more
The NJ Herald - 3.31.06
"...With a heart for jazz and the abiity to diversify his musicianship Lenz may someday be an icon [too]..." Robert Price - read more
ContemporaryJazz.Com - 11.1.05
"...It’s a rare commodity to find a musician whose songwriting ability can match his technical skill..." Joshua Turner - read more
The Princeton Packet - 6.26.03
"...On Simple Life, Mr. 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..." Susan Van Dongen - read more
JazzReview.com - 6.1.03
"[B.D.'s]...wide range of music experience pays off on Simple Life, a hodgepodge collection of different beats which is surely to treat any lover of the eclectic..." read more
New York Times - 3.4.01
"...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..." Robbie Woliver - read more
The Newark Star-Ledger - 1.11.01
"Here are New Jersey musicians - 40 and under- who should be a big part of that state's future...Lenz is more into a contemporary, electric jazz-fusion style." George Kanzler - read more
The Daily Record - 5.20.01
"...Today, Lenz brings together his interests in funk, soul, R&B, rock, and jazz together in his music, which is clearly indebted to the influences of (Mike) Stern and (Pat) Metheny..." Robert Hicks - read more
All About Jazz - 5.1.00
"...The slower, quieter movements, the lightning-swift runs, and the overdriven wailings of explosive legatos and string bends all flow together as one thought. Lenz has mastered his instrument and his confidence overflows everywhere..." John W. Patterson - read more
The Trenton Times - 10.29.99
"...the recording is made captivating by arrangements fleshed out with layering and textures to match the dynamics. The arrangements go far in separating this production from those of other contemporary groups..." Curt Yeske - read more
U.S. 1 - 10.27.99
"...The tunes on the new CD, "Lost & Found", are fusion in the best sense of the genre; they not only fuse jazz and rock, but they incorporate elements of funk, blues and r&b..." Richard J. Skelly - read more
Suburban Life - 9.1.99
"...The music, all written by Lenz, features a melodic mixture of jazz, funk, Latin, and rock..." Hannah Rowan - read more
|