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Hot Rize

Members:

Nick Forster
Tim O'Brien
Pete Wernick
Bryan Sutton

Born:

 

Origin:

Colorado

Years active:

1978-1990

Labels:

Sugar Hill Records, Flying Fish                         

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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[1] on mandolin and fiddle, Pete Wernick [2] on banjo and Charles Sawtelle[3] on bass. Mike Scap was soon replaced by Nick Forster [4] (electric bass), allowing Charles Sawtelle to switch to acoustic guitar. [5] 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[6] to play the guitar.[7]

Early history

Hot Rize started performing in January, 1978. They soon established the main line-up consisting of Tim O'Brien on mandolin, fiddle and lead vocals, Nick Forster on electric bass, harmony vocals, and emcee work, Charles Sawtelle, on guitar and occasional lead vocals, and Pete Wernick, "Dr. Banjo". The first, self-titled album was recorded in 1979 with follow-up "Radio Boogie", released in 1981. Hot Rize has appeared on national radio and TV shows, and has toured most of the United States, as well as Japan, Europe and Australia. [8]
[edit]Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers


Often touring with Hot Rize is a Western swing band called Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers. Featuring Red Knuckles (guitar), Waldo Otto (steel guitar), Wendell Mercantile (archtop lead guitar), and Slade (bass). Some say this band is actually an alter-ego band of Hot Rize. As to the band's origins, rumor has it they hail from Wyoming, Montana (except for one member, who comes from the nearby town of Montana, Wyoming.)
[edit]Origin of the band name


The band takes its name from the leavening ingredient found in Martha White flour and cornmeal products. Hot Rize often performs the theme song to the now defunct Martha White Biscuit and Cornbread Time. Flatt and Scruggs performed the theme song when they appeared on WSM's Martha White Biscuit and Cornbread Time radio show in the late 1950s and early 1960s.