New Jersey-based guitarist B.D. Lenz writes tightly arranged charts in a fusion style reminiscent of Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, and Mike Stern. Containing elements of funk, R&B, rock, and Latin, Lenz's music is palatable but not especially distinctive. His solos, however, are fluid and interesting; his tone is clean and full bodied. And his band is on the money. Geoff Mattoon contributes strong tenor and soprano sax work throughout. Keyboardist Daniel Mintseris, electric bassist James Rosocha, and drummer Tom Cottone are the other core players. Making guest appearances are acoustic bassist Ron Velosky, drummers Brendan Buckley and Greg Federico, and percussionist Joe Mekler. Some of the highlights include Rosocha's bass solo on "Lazy Bones," Lenz's ferocious solo on "Grandma Rosocha," and the 5/4 riffs of "Primitive." ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide
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 best been described as "a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing" (Curt Yeske - The Trenton Times). His music is groovin', melodic, and fully showcases his compositional skills as will as improvisational. The writing has often been compared to a cross of Pat Metheny and Mike Stern and yet still sounds his own.
Lenz has released two independent CD's of his original jazz/funk beginning with 'Tell The World' in 1997 and followed up with 'Lost & Found' in 2000. His third release entitled 'Simple Life' was released in April 2003 on Apria Records. This high-energy ensemble has performed rigorously throughout the US for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, cafe's, bookstores, etc. Noteworthy appearances include: Panasonic Village Jazz Festivals (NYC) EAT'M Showcase (Las Vegas), Black Dog Jazz Festival (VA), Central PA Festival of the Arts (PA), NJPAC Summer Concert Series (NJ), House of J&B (IN), and the Westfield Jazz Festivals (NJ) to name a few.
Tracklist
1. Leaving the Ground
2. As If
3. Lazy Bones
4. Wishing You Well
5. Primitive
6. Grandma Rosocha
7. Truth Be Told, The
8. Hot Spot
9. Lost and Found
Lost & Found
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