B.J. Jansen

B.J. Jansen, born January 3rd 1981 in Cincinnati, has only begun to establish himself as a charismatic and dynamic jazz performer, composer and bandleader on and off the stage. Recent performance highlights as leader have included the 55 Bar, Fat Cat, Garage and Knitting Factory in NYC: NY, Blues Alley in Washington, DC, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mann Center For The Performing Arts in Philadelphia. He has also toured internationally with performances in Brazil(2001) and Japan(TOKYO 2007).

Realizing the importance of giving back, B.J. founded the Jazz Development Group in February of 2005. The JDG is a non- profit corporation to provide supplemental jazz education clinics to school-age children at no cost. In the future B.J. hopes to continue his charitable work and form alliances with other organizations improving the lives of people through music.

B.J. Jansen also hosts his own Jazz Show, “The Jazz Life”.

As of 2009, B.J. Jansen is an Endorsing Artist for the Los Angeles based Saxophone Manufacturer, International Woodwind. In February of 2010, B.J. joined Artists Recording Collective (ARC) label.

Press Quotes:

”Rising Jazz Star”
--Andy Hardy, Jazz Host on George Jazz FM, New Zealand

”Up-And-Coming and Soon-To-Be, Jazz Legend”
--Al Lubiejewski, JAZZ HOST on WQLN 91.3 FM

”A Soldier for Jazz.”
--Ty Bailey, WVST

”B. J. Jansen and his articulate baritone sax leads his group Conjura into some immaculate ensemble and solo playing. On Movement Vol. 1, there are all original cuts either written by B.J or Frank Stagnitta, Piano. There is no compromising here just straight ahead Jazz... B.J., originally from Cincinnati now living in the NY area is knowledgeable, bold, aggressive, and determined to make great jazz music and jazz happenings. What an outing for a not only 27-year-old talented musician... but a truly experienced soul.”
--Ty Bailey, Host of “Just Jazz' Radio Show on WVST FM

”This CD is the essence of Hard Bop!” (Referring to Movement Vol. 1) --Disk Union, Tokyo

”B.J. Jansen controls his baritone saxophone, summoning a flawless series of notes for each run in the ensemble's traditional jazz tunes.” --LEO Weekly

”...BJ Jansen & Conjura are just the ticket for a smoking Friday night.” --Philadelphia Weekly

”...shades of Blue Note, indeed.” --Washington Post

B. J. Jansen & Frank Stagnitta - Ballads: Reflections of a New World, JansenMusic - 2009
”This time out, B. J. is at ease playing the entire range of the baritone sax. On “Ballads: Reflections of a New World”, B.J. and pianist Frank Stagnitta tackle compositions written by Ellington, Coltrane, Tadd Dameron, himself and others. These two accomplished musicians use a rather crafty approach as they combine the attractive but relaxing aural effects of Baritone sax paired with the Fender Rhodes... interesting. This approach tends to even out the inherent power of the barisax making for a romantic sensual voyage of Ballads.”
--Ty Bailey, Jazz Radio Host on WVST-FM

Equipment:

B.J. Jansen is an International Woodwind Artist:
International Woodwind IW- 601- BL Model Gold Lacquer Baritone Saxophone.

Bill Street Custom Mouthpieces

Instrument Repairs by Tom Gorczynski and Mike Manning