Press Release by: Katherine Baker
Place: London, UK
April 22-26, 2008 - New York, USA – March 28, 2008 – Riding high on the success of his latest CD Straight Up, B.D. Lenz is a musician on the move. He has been performing relentlessly throughout the U.S. and promoting the new recording with many local radio & television appearances. In continuation of these efforts the guitarist is bringing his highly acclaimed ensemble to London for his first ever UK gigs.
As Lenz’s third project with the New York based Apria Record label, the music on Straight Up is conceived with an organic spirit behind it. The title track typifies the album as a groove based tune written around the bass line, yet is still melodic enough for the band to open up and achieve an edgy jam; much like a straight-ahead jazz album. “I agonize over every tune and am always modifying each song,” said Lenz. A prolific writer, ten of the eleven songs are written entirely by Lenz who continues to fuse jazz and rock with chords of funk, soul and R&B. “I work really hard to write well thought out melodies,” he admits. Listeners will enjoy this guitar oriented, genre-bending collection -- a reflection of his eclectic tastes as a multi-dimensional musician.
London Appearances
B.D. will perform 4 nights at Jazz After Dark located at 9 Greek St. in SOHO. His band will be joined by vocalist Justin Wade for a mixture of Lenz originals as well as classic funk/Motown covers. He will be appearing April 22 & 23 beginning at 9:00pm and April 25 & 26 starting at 10:30pm. More information can be found at www.JazzAfterDark.co.uk or by calling 0207 734 0545.
Lenz will also be performing one night completely instrumental at Halo Bar located at 317 Battersea Park Rd. He will be joined by bassist James Rosocha and drummer Joe Falcey for a mixture of funky Lenz originals mixed with lush jazz standards. First set starts at 8:00pm. More information can be found at www.myspace.com/thehalobar or by calling 0871 971 7398.
For more information about either of these concerts, visit www.BDLenz.com.
About the Artist
Mix together the styles of Pat Metheny, Mike Stern and Stevie Ray Vaughn and you have the recipe for the hottest new contemporary jazz guitarist to hit the streets in a long time. B.D. Lenz has played guitar since the age of 14, and studied with such jazz greats as Mike Stern, Vic Juris and Charlie Banacos. His 2005 release, “Tomorrow’s Too Late” features Grammy-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker and legendary bassist Mark Egan and his latest release “Straight Up” was the top added jazz record on American radio for the week of September 10, 2007. B.D.’s music has been licensed to over 50 television programs internationally on such networks as MTV, VH1 and USA. His band easily keeps the audience on their feet whether B.D. plays jazz, fusion, jam or straight ahead cover tunes. B.D. Lenz records for Apria Records (www.apriarecords.com) and endorses Godin guitars (www.godinguitars.com) located in Quebec, Canada.
For more information: B.D. Lenz Homepage
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