Artist description The supercharged "flexigrass" sound of Pete Wernick's Live Five began as a musical experiment by "Dr. Banjo" in 1992. Fresh from 12 years with bluegrass legends Hot Rize, Wernick assembled a unit combining bluegrass with traditional jazz elements- something like a bluegrass band with banjo, bass, and... clarinet, vibraphone, and brushed drums. Originally formed to record several cuts for Wernick's Sugar Hill album On a Roll, the virtuoso combo grew into a performing band. At major festivals from North Carolina's Merlefest to the west coast's Strawberry and Wintergrass events, Wernick's Live Five has wowed audiences with its unparalleled blend of American music forms. Their Sugar Hill release "I Tell You What! reached the top 40 of the national radio Americana chart, and they have been heard on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and E Town. The band entertains with high-energy tradition-based music, and the attitude "We don't know what it is, but we like it!"

Music Style Bluegrass, Jazz

Musical Influences Dr. Banjo

Artist History Pete Wernick ("Dr. Banjo") has been described by Bluegrass Unlimited as "among the most creative and just plain fun musicians in (blue, new, jazz)grass." The Live Five follows two other significant Wernick-organized bands: Country Cooking, known for groundbreaking instrumental albums in the early 70's and the internationally acclaimed Hot Rize. In addition, he's been mentor to thousands with his music camps, bestselling books and videos, and since 1986, first president of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Pete's blazing innovations have crossed back and forth over the borders of bluegrass, but fans can always count on his love of tradition, taste, timing, and tone.

Group Members George Weber's vibraphone, or "vibes", gives a sweet-ringing texture to the Live Five. Both mellow and percussive, George's mallets on brass achieve a rhythmic drive that thrills audiences. His background is in jazz, notably eight years with the Medicine Bow Quartet, but he's also studied bluegrass banjo and guitar. Banjo Newsletter says: "Weber's 'Scruggs-style' playing is worth the price of admission." Bill Pontarelli swings and soars on "flexigrass" clarinet. Not many horn players have studied bluegrass fiddle players along with Benny Goodman, but Bill does it all. His lightning-quick lines and sophisticated ear add many exciting moments to Live Five shows. A veteran of the Denver dixieland and swing music scenes, Bill was a founding member of the Platte River Jazz Band. Kris Ditson is possibly the world's only drummer who thinks "bluegrass". With brushes, a light touch, and a natural feel for the bluegrass beat, Kris has teamed with greats such as Andy Statman and Tony Trischka, and performed with a number of bluegrass bands including Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mt. Boys. Kris' easy smile and that floating pulse help keep the "Live" in the Live Five. Roger Johns, the newest addition to the band, brings formidable bass chops and an uncanny ear to the Live Five blend. A mainstay among Denver's traditional jazz artists, Roger's extensive repertoire includes not just countless old standards, but many fine antique jokes. Unfazed by the band's demanding tempos, he blazes new trails with his solos, and keeps the group locked in with his strong, smooth tones.

Instruments Banjo, drums, vibraphone, clarinet, bass

Albums Pete Wernick's Live Five

Press Reviews The leadership of five-string banjo ace Wernick and his excellent cadre of fellow musicians--Bill Pontarelli on clarinet, George Weber playing vibes, bassist Rich Moore [*current bassist Roger John] and former Breakfast Special member Kris Ditson on drums--marks the Live Five as an innovative ensemble that is carving out some fascinating musical territory of its own. Call it flexigrass, dixiegrass, swingrass, whatever... It's not bluegrass, and it's hard to say what Monroe would have thought of it. But open-minded listeners looking for a lively and original collection of instrumental music drawn from the twin musical heritages of traditional jazz and bluegrass will love what they hear on I TELL YOU WHAT! [Edited by: Shawn Linderman] Copyright by Three Rivers Folklife Society, 1996. -- Shawn Linderman

Location Niwot, CO - USA

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