Pete Wernick – On a Roll

Bluegrass Now
May/June 1994

Pete Wernick is definitely on a roll with this solo release for Sugar Hill. It is eclectic, imaginative, tranquilizing, and above all else, entertaining.

But is it bluegrass? Yes! It contains some of the best bluegrass you are going hear on any release this year. “Spring Break,” the opening cut, was the first song written by Wernick after the disbanding of Hot Rize and the disbanding must have conjured up remembrances of his collegiate days as the song has all the fun and fury usually associated with students’ annual spring break. The fun and fury in this case comes from Wernick’s hard-driving banjo and Stuart Duncan’s fabulous fiddle. The bluegrass enthusiast will appreciate Tim O’Brien’s vocals on “Cindy” and Joan Wernick’s rendition of Dave Evan’s “When The Snow Falls On My Foggy Mountain Home” is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any bluegrass traditionalist. I’m sure Dave Evans will give her high marks for her style and performance of his song.

Wernick’s genius as an arranger shines through on his instrumental arrangement of the acapella hymn, “Down In The Valley To Pray,” which is pure bluegrass, and the keepers of the bluegrass musical canons will also greatly appreciate the twin banjo work on “June Apple.” There are also songs that deal with themes held near and dear to the heart of all bluegrassers. “Ruthie,” one of the eleven Wernick originals on the CD, is a moving tribute to Pete’s mother, which Alan O’Bryant sings with great feeling, “An Old Box of Memories,” another Wernick creation, will fire your nostalgic emotions and the song is perfect for its vocalist, Jeff White.

Yes, On A Roll is saturated with bluegrass music, but it is also an eclectic and imaginative production. There are actually two bands with two repertoires on this recording, and Wernick serves as the “tie that binds.” The stellar group of bluegrass musicians includes Wernick on banjo, Jeff White on guitar and vocals, Tim O’Brien on mandolin and vocals, Stuart Duncan on fiddle and Gene Libbea on bass. In addition to those already mentioned, there are also guest appearances by Jerry Douglas, Russ Barenberg, and Edgar Meyer. The second band, The Live Five, consisting of Wernick on the banjo, George Weber on vibes, Joe Lukasik on clarinet, Rich Moore on bass and Kris Ditson on drums contribute five selections to the product.

Don’t let the non-bluegrass instruments on this recording poison your thoughts and deprive you of some fantastic acoustic music. Like an old friend who has taken on a new, but pleasing look, “Farewell Blues,” and old bluegrass favorite takes on a unique but pleasing Dixieland sound in the hands of The Live Five. Wernick demonstrates very ingeniously that the banjo, vibes and clarinet are quite compatible instruments. What results on such songs as “Farewell Blues:,” Boulevard Strut,” and “On A Roll” is a sort of dixie-jazz-grass that is both creative and captivating.

A final observation regarding what for this reviewer is the highlight of the album. If, like myself, you believe that music’s ultimate purpose is to improve the quality of life, then there are four songs on this recording that are a listening must: “Birdsong Creek,” “Haystack Rock,” ”Man Of The Mountain” and “Lost At Sea.” All four of these songs are nature related and could very well be prescribed as a non-medicinal cure for daily stress. Especially noteworthy is the blending of Russ Barenberg’s unique guitar style with Wernick’s melodic banjo on “Birdsong Creek” and Jerry Douglas’s dobro work on the hauntingly beautiful, “Lost At Sea.”

Pete Wernick is to be recommended for his selection of personnel on this recording as each individual fits the role perfectly they have been asked to assume. Producer Jerry Douglas and engineer Bil VornDick are to be commended as well for the excellent technical quality.