In a surprise to no one who has been following the world of dobro playing of late, Blue Highway has announced that Gaven Largent has been chosen to join the band on the heels of original member Rob Ickes’ departure.

Gaven has been turning heads wherever he’s been in the past few years with his remarkable proficiency and musicianship with the slide resonator guitar, including his recent stint on both banjo and dobro with Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. For a young man of 19, he plays with an authority rare in artists twice his age.

He seemed the obvious choice for Blue Highway when it was announced that Rob would be moving on, and lo, here he is with the band.

To say that he is excited to stand where one of his heroes has stood for 21 years would be an understatement.

“I’d first like to say it’s my extreme honor to join a band that has been such a huge influence on the way I think about bluegrass music and the way that I play. Tim, Shawn, Wayne, and Jason are all huge heroes of mine, and as a young dobro player, Rob Ickes has always been one of my idols! He is one of the best, and it’s going to be tough for me to try to follow such a respected and talented musician. But that said, I am very excited for the challenge of learning all these tunes (even though I’ve listened to Blue Highway for years!) and thankful for the opportunity to join the ranks and share the stage with this band. Playing music full time has been a goal and dream for me since I was eight years old when I started, and to do it now seems surreal I hope I can make all the family, friends and fans proud!”

And Tim Stafford, speaking for Blue Highway, shares that sentiment.

“Gaven has really impressed me in the short time I’ve known him, both as a musician and person He’s a natural, and his talent and dedication to his instrument and the music is inspiring. We’re very excited to have him in the group!”

This seems like a match made in heaven, one sure to please all the many fans Blue Highway has found over their two plus decades in bluegrass music.

They’ll be back on the road on January 1 for the New Years Bluegrass Festival in Jekyll Island, GA.