For a dozen years beginning in 1978, the band Hot Rize was arguably the most influential bluegrass band of its time. While their name was a knowing nod to Flatt & Scruggs’s long-time flour mill sponsor, Hot Rize’s music was and is equally informed by a taste for the music of Leadbelly and Freddie King, swing, old-time Appalachia and more in ways that mirror the broad sweep of Bill Monroe’s influences. So when Hot Rize retired in 1990, it was natural for members to go on to distinguished careers of their own, although there was an occasional group reunion. Now, 24 years after their last studio album, this incredible foursome brings an even deeper strength to bear with a new recording and tour. Multi-instrumentalist and singer Tim O’Brien, who closed out SMF 2014 with Darrell Scott at the Acoustic Music Seminar finale, performs alongside early members Pete Wernick and Nick Forster. Renowned flatpicker Bryan Sutton, in place of the late Charles Sawtelle, says “Nobody’s been a bigger Hot Rize fan than me, and that’s a perspective I’ve tried to maintain as a member of the band. I’m excited about this new record, and I can’t wait to introduce new fans to the Hot Rize experience.”