Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2002, born from a shared love of bluegrass and high-altitude hiking. The founding members - Aaron Redner, Nat Keefe, and Erik Yates - established a sound often labeled 'progressive bluegrass' or 'newgrass,' characterized by a willingness to incorporate percussion and rock-influenced structures into a traditional string band lineup.

Their career is defined by a heavy presence on the national festival circuit, performing at prestigious venues like Telluride and Bonnaroo. Culturally, they represent the 'California' branch of bluegrass, which tends to be more eclectic and jam-oriented than its Appalachian roots. They have collaborated with icons like Phil Lesh and Chris Thile, further cementing their status in the jam-grass pantheon. Critical consensus highlights their exceptional three-part harmonies and the 'athletic' bass playing of Bryan Horne. Their music reached a broader audience when 'Right Between Your Eyes' became the theme for the TV show 'Cook's Country.' They remain a vital part of the acoustic music scene, bridging the gap between traditional pickers and modern indie-folk fans.