Hot Rize - Hot Rize (1979/2019)

Hot Rize's debut album demonstrated that traditional bluegrass bands could bring the music into the modern era without turning totally progressive or losing the music's roots. Over the album's 14 tracks, Hot Rize turns in consistently engaging and exciting performances, particularly from vocalist/fiddler/mandolinist Tim O' Brien and banjoist Pete Wernick. It's a terrific debut.