Hot Rize



Group MembersNick Forster
Tim O'Brien
Pete Wernick
Bryan Sutton
Former MembersCharles Sawtelle
Mike Scap
GenreBluegrass
Progressive bluegrass
Genre LinksCountry
OriginColorado, United States
Year(s) Active1978–1990 full-time, 1991-98 and 2002–present very part time
Music StyleProgressive Bluegrass, Traditional Bluegrass, Bluegrass, Contemporary Bluegrass
Music MoodEarthy, Playful, Freewheeling, Energetic, Wistful
LabelsSugar Hill Records
Flying Fish
Associated ActsTim O'Brien
Jerry Douglas
Martha White
  • Hot Rize

Hot Rize is a bluegrass band that rose to prominence in the early 1980s. Established in 1978, the founding members were Mike Scap (guitar), Tim O'Brien on mandolin and fiddle, Pete Wernick on banjo and Charles Sawtelle on bass. Mike Scap was soon replaced by Nick Forster (electric bass), allowing Charles Sawtelle to switch to acoustic guitar. The band played together and issued 6 studio albums until they disbanded in 1990. From 1991-98 the band played several reunion dates each year. Following the death in 1999 of Charles Sawtelle, Hot Rize re-grouped in 2002, adding Bryan Sutton to play the guitar.