Hot Rize – 40th Anniversary Bash
To honor their 40 years as a band, Hot Rize had a big party back in the band’s long-time home base of Boulder, three sold-out shows at the famed Boulder Theater, and they invited along some very special friends. As one of the most respected and influential bands in bluegrass music, this brilliantly talented foursome- Pete Wernick (banjo), Tim O’Brien (mandolin, fiddle), Bryan Sutton (guitar), and Nick Forster- captured an incredible weekend of music. Having selected the best of those unforgettable performances, the venerable quartet curated one super-charged, 19-song set for this historic release: Hot Rize 40th Anniversary Bash.
Hot Rize – First (“Biscuit”) Album
“A joy to hear”
— Country Music
“Some of the best bluegrass in recent years.”
–Blueprint
Red Knuckles & The Trailblazers – Shades of the Past
“The best western swing and honky tonk music since Lefty Frizell, Hank Williams and Bob Wills.”
— Albany Metrowest Weekend
Pete Wernick – Dr. Banjo Steps Out
Pete’s groundbreaking pre-Hot Rize album with Tim O’Brien, and Andy Statman, and Pete’s introduction of his phase-shifted banjo sound in “Niwot Music”.
Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS – What The
“An adventurous expression of creative genius. Sleek sextet of ultra-talented, slightly crazy musicians.”
— Bluegrass Now
“A musical tapestry that is new and exciting.”
— Banjo Newsletter
“Intriguing and innovative.”
— Bluegrass Music Profiles
“A five-star gourmet meal, undeniably par excellence.”
— Sing Out!
Pete Wernick’s Live Five – Up All Night
There’s never been a band like Flexigrass. 14 cuts of the band’s exciting and surprising sounds, with seven original tunes, three live cuts, and three vocals, including My Buddy by Joan Wernick. Check out what the band does with two Earl Scruggs instrumental including Foggy Mt. Breakdown and one by Benny Goodman!
“I love how the Live Five (now Flexigrass) blends bluegrass banjo into an early jazz group. Very appealing and interesting.”
— Bela Fleck
Pete Wernick’s Live Five – I Tell You What
Pete’s current band has an exciting sound all its own: “Flatt and Scruggs meets Benny Goodman.” Pete’s driving, inventive bluegrass banjo blends with great players from other American traditional music forms dixieland clarinet as well as vibraphone.
“Exciting, intriguing… Superb composing and arranging.”
— Bluegrass Unlimited
“Fun, entertaining. Top-notch musicians.”
— Sing Out!
Long Road Home – Live from eTown Hall
Recorded May, 2009 in Boulder, CO. Strong and spirited traditional bluegrass by a great new Colorado band. Includes band originals and songs from Porter Wagonner to Moby Grape!
Chris Thile – Leading Off
Chris’s first album, produced by Pete Wernick and with Pete Wernick playing banjo on most cuts. Brilliant playing and composing by Chris Thile (then 13 years old), with Stuart Duncan, Scott Nygaard, Byron Berline, Dennis Caplinger.