B.D. Lenz Packs New Album with Firsts

[DeBlaze & Associates]

"New York City Applauds Hit It and Quit"


"2008 Rising Star Award: Best Jazz Band (B.D. Lenz)" - GigMasters

"...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


Hackettstown, NJ, USA , July 30 - With the wrap of a successful album showcase in New York's Time Square last month, rising star B.D. Lenz continues his quest to be revered amongst jazz royalty. He "was amazing and held court with the room," said bassist Will Lee, a long-time musician of 'The Late Show' hosted by David Letterman.

Lenz released his sixth CD featuring an award-winning rhythm section at the Iridiuim Jazz Club. Taking a departure from past recordings, Lenz plays only one song with his working band, while recording the rest of the album with The Late Show's bassist Will Lee, world-renowned drummer Joel Rosenblatt, and musician/actor Nick Rolfe.

His fourth project with Apria Records, Lenz said the record was originally started with drummer, Joel Rosenblatt in mind, "making me write in a different way." Never playing with Lee and Rosenblatt until they met at world-class recording studio, Cove City Sound Studios, was a first for B.D. Of their sessions he says, "They were total pros ... absolutely inspiring ... and after a few takes completely nailed it."

The track, H-Town, brings another first to the composer side of Lenz making his initial attempt at writing for and featuring a horn section. "It adds a different color to my music ... something I haven't done before," says Lenz. Lenz also plays his first-ever solo guitar tune in Truth is a Temple, calling it, "Impressionistic."

Something for Everyone
From novice listener to jazz aficionado, this record calls out to every listener in fresh, vibrant and colorful ways. Creating rich emotional textures using smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, funk and fusion, rock and blues, Hit It and Quit strikes an ideal balance between straight ahead to heavily-arranged jazz. Lenz' layering of sound also allows you to discover something new each time you listen. The title track, Hit It and Quit, is a "good barometer" of where the CD is at -- "melodic, funky and fun."

About B.D. Lenz
Mix together the styles of Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, and Stevie Ray Vaughn and you have the recipe for one of the hottest new contempo-jazz guitarists on the scene today. Since his early teens, B.D. Lenz has played guitar and studied with such greats as Mike Stern, Vic Juris, and Charlie Banacos. With music featured in over 100 TV shows internationally, the Godin-endorsed guitarist has performed 1,000 shows throughout the U.S. and U.K., keeping the audience on their feet whether playing jazz, fusion, or jam.

Personnel
B.D. Lenz (guitar / programming), Nick Rolfe (piano), Will Lee (bass), Joel Rosenblatt (drums), Geoff Mattoon (tenor/soprano sax), James Rosocha (bass on "No Regrets"), Tom Cottone (drums on "No Regrets"), Ed Alstrom (piano on "No Regrets").

Horn Section on "H-Town"
Woody Witt (tenor saxophone), Thomas Hulten (trombone), Eddie Lewis (trumpet and flugelhorn).

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To book B.D. Lenz or arrange an interview, please contact Dawn DeBlaze of DeBlaze & Associates at 314.766.JAZZ (5299) or email deblazeassoc@centurytel.net.

[gonzo]

its really commercial and kinda trite. not to my liking.