Jessie Baker (Photo: Michael G. Stewart)

Banjo player Jessie Baker, formerly part of Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, has joined bluegrass band Sierra Hull & Highway 111. “I’m really excited to be playing with such a talented group of musicians and singers,” said Baker in a prepared statement. “I’ve been a fan of Sierra’s since I saw her onstage with Ricky Skaggs playing “Boston Boy” at my first IBMA FanFest in Louisville, KY. I’m looking forward to being part of Highway 111.”

The 19-year-old Indiana native, who started playing music at the age of 11, has performed with such bands as Wildfire The Wildwood Valley Boys, The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, and with his own family band – The Baker Boys.

“This is the first time that we’ve hired a new band member,” notes Hull, a young mandolinist who has been working with Highway 111 for just over two years. “We held auditions in Nashville and were really excited when Jessie expressed interest in joining. We’ve all been big fans of his playing and singing for a long time…. The guys and I are thrilled to have Jessie with us and look forward to getting on the road.”

Rounder Records is slated to release Sierra Hull and High 111’s new album on March 8, and the band has a busy touring schedule this year. Hull, who was among the 2010 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) nominees for emerging artist and mandolin player of the year, will graduate from Berklee College of Music this spring.