Having been privileged to have worked with some of the finest folk and bluegrass musicians that Utah has produced, I know that the emotional attachments that develop between band members can be very strong. I can honestly say that I feel as close to many of the musicians I have worked with as I do with my own brothers and sisters.

When I first formed Blue Sage, I was able to draw upon the incredible talents of Ryan Shupe to fill the instrumentalist position in the trio. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. When Ryan eventually left Blue Sage to form the Rubber Band, I couldn't imagine ever finding someone who could fill his shoes, either as friend or musician. I couldn't have been more wrong.

When Rob Ricks agreed to take over as the Blue Sage fiddler, I knew he was one of the hottest improvising violinists I had heard. What I didn't know was that Rob would be equally as talented backing me up, both instrumentally and vocally, on my slower pieces! If you listen to our CD, you will be amazed by the fiddle pyro-techniques on our fast numbers. I believe that Rob's tasteful playing on the slower tunes, such as "When You And I Were Young Maggie", is even more amazing. I often joked on stage about a 'Rob Ricks Fan Club', but if one is ever formed I'll be it's first member!

- Mike Iverson

Rob has recently left the band to pursue his MBA at Yale. Ryan's band was signed to a major recording contract with Capital Records. We wish them our best and will continue to look forward to working with each on special shows.