Album Notes

Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS celebrates the release of their new CD on Niwot Records, What The. (NR-2007). Truly a unique band, Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS offers a supercharged blend of bluegrass with classic jazz. Formerly known as the Live Five, the group blazes new trails every time they play. The new album spotlights Joan Wernick on vocals and features several Wernick originals, plus great takes on classics like Snowbird and Blackberry Blossom. The band is the brainchild of Colorado’s own bluegrass legend and Grammy-nominee, Pete "Dr. Banjo" Wernick, renowned worldwide for his contributions to bluegrass music, including numerous albums and world touring with groundbreaking bands he founded, Hot Rize and Country Cooking, as well as bestselling author, songwriter, teacher, and long-term President of the International Bluegrass Music Association. What is "FLEXIGRASS"? It’s Pete’s combination of bluegrass-style banjo, with clarinet, vibraphone, bass, and drums—a mix of both traditional and modern elements of American roots music. The band's captivating sound is woven by all-stars from bluegrass and traditional jazz: Greg Harris (vibraphone), Bill Pontarelli (clarinet), Kris Ditson (drums), Roger Johns (bass), and Joan Wernick (featured vocalist). Surprising rule-based traditionalists is nothing new to Wernick. Based on a thorough knowledge of musical tradition, he has long followed the lead of important innovators by fusing compatible sounds and holding to his long-term motto, "If it sounds good, it must be good." FLEXIGRASS has performed throughout the U.S. from its Colorado home base. Fans from Béla Fleck to George Winston have sung its praises, and the press has described the music with phrases like: "fundamentally futuristic", "an amazing accomplishment", "beguiling and instantly accessible", "fantastic", "wildly enjoyable". Check out the one and only FLEXIGRASS! How to describe "flexigrass"? "Is it bluegrass? Dixieland? Bebop? Who knows? If you've ever felt your body move of its own accord when listening to any of these styles, you’ll like this." (Bluegrass Now) "Exciting, intriguing...Delights at every turn. Superb composing and arranging." (Bluegrass Unlimited) For more information, visit the new web site www.FLEXIGRASS.com