B.D. LENZ: Simple Life

B.D. Lenz

Simple Life

© 2003 B.D. Lenz (783707686929)

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Guitar driven jazz/funk/fusion at its melodic best. Mike Stern meets Pat Metheny meets Jaco.

tracks

1 Famous Last Words
2 Juxtaposition
3 Look Around
4 Do You Ever Think About Me?
5 We All Fall Down
6 Along the Way
7 Mumbo Jumbo
8 Mother Mary
9 Smooth Sailing
10 Julia's Song

notes

Simple Life is B.D. Lenz's latest effort. Released in 2003 it represents his 3rd CD to date and his debut on NY jazz label Apria Records. These 10 songs prominently display Lenz's viruosity both as a guitarist and a composer. His music is highly melodic, highly energetic, and supremely groovin'


About B.D. Lenz:
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, noted 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).
He has previously released two independent CD's of his original contemporary jazz beginning with "Tell The World" in 1997 and and the sophomore outing "Lost & Found" in 2000. This high-energy ensemble has performed rigorously throughout the Northeast for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, cafe's, bookstores, etc

Review:
...[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. Lenz seems to have a consistent funk beat to his playing, and this, combined with smooth sounds of the sax and calculated rhythms of the bass, lends some fresh air to contemporary jazz. I must say that the first three tracks were a bit repetitious. As the album progresses, however, the band makes up for this by exposing us to this delightful fusion of sounds and styles.
I recommend this to anyone who savors contemporary jazz, especially that which is eclectic in nature...
[Paul Wright - JazzReview.com]

reviews

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  • Fantastic Jazz Fusion by an accomplished artist.
    author: Frank Friel

    The term Fusion is defined on this outstanding album. B.D. Lenz very capably combines a myriad of rhythms and tempos with Jazz inflections that create a very appealing set of arrangements. The album starts of with “Famous Last Words” a fusion of funk rhythms, Latin beats, and the type of improvisational innuendoes you would expect. “Juxtaposition” combines a Rock and Roll beat with some Swing to give the listener just what the title offers. “Look Around” and “We All Fall Down” present a solid Freestyle Jazz feel with the latter’s tempo verging on manic. “Do You Ever Think About Me?” feels like a Soul inspired piece that sets a nice mellow mood. “Along The Way” is a blues based very folk sounding piece with engaging melodies. “Mumbo Jumbo” is an aptly titled tune that is a fusion of the solid funk sound at which B.D. is very adept and his exceptional improvisational style. “Mother Mary” almost has a lullaby feel to it and is another “mood” piece. “Smooth Sailing” could very likely be the Fusion defining moment on this album. The solid Blues Rock foundation with intelligent and very well performed fills by practically all the players makes this one a gem. “Julia’s Song” is a beautiful tribute that is a bit of a Classical arrangement that is simple yet clever. If you enjoy a wide variety of Fusion sounds in a Jazz album, you’ll love this offering from a very talented Composer/Artist, B.D. Lenz.

  • amazeing cd
    author: dave gaul

    i purchased this cd not to long ago after seeing bd in concert. as a younger jazz drummer and guitarist his music really inspired me to play as much as i can and helped take my music to another level.i highly suggest this cd or any of his cds to anyone.bd is truely a gifted musician.

  • This is GOOD stuff!
    author: Josh Silver

    I bought this CD on a whim and I can't believe how GREAT it is. This is one of the hottest bands I've heard in a while.

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