Hot Rize is approaching its 30th year in the bluegrass history book. After not performing for three years following the death of original member Charles Sawtelle, the band regrouped in 2002 with Bryan Sutton added on guitar. Hot Rize has done five years of shows with its current lineup and has been delivering its high-energy, soulful, and unique sound to fans old and new. Though many years from its full-time touring period of 1978-1990, Hot Rize has kept its legend growing by delivering first-class music and entertainment as only it can.
The eclectic Colorado progressive band came together in 1978 and were named after the secret ingredient of Martha White Self-Rising Flour, the product Flatt & Scruggs promoted early in the 50's amd 60's. The band members were Tim O'Brien on lead and harmony vocals, mandolin and fiddle; Pete Wernick on banjo and harmony vocals; Charles Sawtelle on guitar, harmonies and lead vocals. Mike Scap, the group's original guitarist, departed after three months and was replaced by Nick Forster on bass, with Sawtelle switching from bass to guitar, Forster also became the group's emcee and main harmony singer. Hot Rize recorded its self-titled debut album, a blend of traditional and new material, in 1979. Their second album, Radio Boogie, came out in 1981.
On the strength of their first records and national touring, Hot Rize rose to prominence in the early 80's, appearing frequently on such national broadcasts as NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion" and The Nashville Network's "Ralph Emery Show", Their stage show gained renown, featuring their strong and soulful bluegrass combined with their wacky but musically deft "alter-ego" country swing band, Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers. The group performed in almost every state, as well as Europe, Japan, and Australia.
In 1984, Hot Rize released a concert album featuring the Trailblazers and in 1985 released Traditional Ties. Untold Stories and Take It Home, came out in 1987 and1990 respectively. Many songs from these records, such as "Walk the Way the Wind Blows", "Colleen Malone" and "Just Like You" reached #1 positions on national bluegrass airplay charts. After 12 years of full-time year-round performing and recording, the group disbanded amicably, all members subsequently pursuing solo careers.
The 1990's saw Hot Rize reunite several times each year, mostly at bluegrass festivals, with occasional short tours. Live recorded cuts appeared on various festival albums. In 1994 Sawtelle was diagnosed with leukemia, eventually dying in 1999 from complications of a bone marrow transplant. The classic group's span as the same four musicians had lasted 21 years. Its performing commitments in 1999 were fulfilled as Charles Sawtelle memorials, with Peter Rowan or Jeff White filling the guitar slot.
A live concert recording from 1996, "So Long of a Journey", was issued in 2002, the first new Hot Rize album in over a decade. Also in 2002, the group started performing again on an occasional basis. Bryan Sutton, one of Nashville's leading session players, and guitar superpicker, was added on guitar. Hot Rize performed six times in the summer of 2002, and will perform seven times in 2003.
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