From 1978 until 1990, Tim O'Brien, Pete Wernick, Nick Forster, and the late Charles Sawtelle blazed trails as one of the hardest working bluegrass bands. While always maintaining their sincere respect for the traditions of Flatt, Scruggs, and Monroe that inspired them, they were one of those rare bands that could also forge progressive sounds and innovations, which acts like Nickel Creek and fellow Coloradans The String Cheese Incident proudly attest to. In 2002, guitarist (and Candler/Asheville native) Bryan Sutton stepped in to fill Sawtelle's huge shoes for live shows, and this year, we finally have Hot Rize's first studio album in 22 years. In this collection of mostly originals mixed with surprising, unconventional covers (Los Lobos, Mark Knopfler), with O'Brien handling most of the lead vocals, a jaw-dropping instrumental from "Dr. Banjo", and obviously tight camaraderie among all four members, there's no mistaking this is yet another favorite from one of our favorite bands. Join us as we spotlight the IBMA's first ever Entertainers of the Year.
Thursday Night the 13th between 9pm and Midnight: HOT RIZE - When I'm Free
