Rob Ickes (Rounder, 1998)

Rob Ickes, 1997 International Bluegrass Music Association's Dobro (resophonic guitar) Player of the Year and member of Blue Highway, brings an energetic and creative approach to the dobro following in the footsteps of dobro legends Mike Auldridge and Jerry Douglas.

Ickes' phrasing is clear and tasteful. All kinds of musical styles are covered here, straight-ahead bluegrass, including Bill Monroe's, "Ashland Breakdown" and a killer version of "Reuben," (unaccompanied) gospel, "How Great Thou Art" and a rollicking jazz-driven tune, "Look-Ka Py Py." His Blue Highway band-mates are featured on "Tom Dooley," and "A Bad Case of the Blues," featuring Ickes on lead vocals, as well as on the title track.

Ickes ranks right up there with the best of today's young instrumentalists. This album, his first solo effort, is sure to win him new fans.