The Bankesters

For (seven) years, The Bankester Family has been quietly producing quality bluegrass music that mixes traditional and contemporary bluegrass in both song choice and style.

Phil and Dorene Bankester both play guitar and, along with their daughters (Alysha on fiddle and mandolin, Emily on fiddle, and Melissa on bass) contribute lead and harmony vocals. Their son-in-law (and Melissa's husband), Kyle Triplett is a multi-instrumentalist who concentrates on the banjo.
For their third CD, self-produced and self-titled, the Illinois-based Bankesters are joined by special guest Jamie Johnson of The Grascals and the result is another down-to-earth, deeply-felt bluegrass CD.

Traditional Bluegrass Songs and Themes
With a lead vocal that's chock-full of heart and soul, "Sure as the Sun," the driving, mid-tempo opening track, compares enduring love to the constancy of the elements and a few other things we count on.

Enduring love is a theme that runs throughout this CD, and the symbol-rich "Blow Out the Candle, Laura" with its lovely, old-timey twin fiddle kickoff; is a prime example. It's one of Tom T. and Dixie Hall's patented story songs, informed by their harrowing experience in a coal mine.
The Gospel provides The Bankesters with more traditional bluegrass themes, and a traditional bluegrass song in the case of The Stanley Brothers classic, "I Am the Man, Thomas".The Bankesters' version, with a bluesy fiddle kickoff and high lonesome trio singing, is a compelling one.

The more recently-composed bluegrass gospel tracks are equally worthwhile. Written by The Grascals' Terry Smith with his brother, Billy Smith, "Get Right or Get Left" is a rousing call to get right with God. Urgent, yet compassionate, Dorene, Emily, and Melissa bring it home with more blues-inflected, high-lonesome singing.

"Watergrave" is a popular, contemporary Sunday worship tune that The Bankesters have transformed into driving, powerful bluegrass gospel. The modal fiddle intro sets a foreboding tone, that the song's first line does nothing to dispel: "Now in my house/There's been a mercy killing." Phil Bankester's matter-of-fact lead vocal makes it all the more haunting -- one of the CD's strongest cuts.

Heartfelt Progressive Bluegrass
Country artist Sylvia Hutton popularized "I Will Not Forget You," which The Bankesters turn into a folk-inflected tune about steadfast love throughout time and life-changing experience. The main thematic element is repeated in "My Love Will Follow You" with yearning vocals from Emily, who's joined by The Grascals' Jamie Johnson.

"When You Put Your Hand In Mine" is a lovely country number about the ecstasy of love, and a perfectly gorgeous way to close yet another solid collection of bluegrass songs from The Bankesters.
- Folk Music @ Suited 101

For (seven) years, The Bankester Family has been quietly producing quality bluegrass music that mixes traditional and contemporary bluegrass in both song choice and style.

Phil and Dorene Bankester both play guitar and, along with their daughters (Alysha on fiddle and mandolin, Emily on fiddle, and Melissa on bass) contribute lead and harmony vocals. Their son-in-law (and Melissa's husband), Kyle Triplett is a multi-instrumentalist who concentrates on the banjo.
For their third CD, self-produced and self-titled, the Illinois-based Bankesters are joined by special guest Jamie Johnson of The Grascals and the result is another down-to-earth, deeply-felt bluegrass CD.

Traditional Bluegrass Songs and Themes
With a lead vocal that's chock-full of heart and soul, "Sure as the Sun," the driving, mid-tempo opening track, compares enduring love to the constancy of the elements and a few other things we count on.

Enduring love is a theme that runs throughout this CD, and the symbol-rich "Blow Out the Candle, Laura" with its lovely, old-timey twin fiddle kickoff; is a prime example. It's one of Tom T. and Dixie Hall's patented story songs, informed by their harrowing experience in a coal mine.
The Gospel provides The Bankesters with more traditional bluegrass themes, and a traditional bluegrass song in the case of The Stanley Brothers classic, "I Am the Man, Thomas".The Bankesters' version, with a bluesy fiddle kickoff and high lonesome trio singing, is a compelling one.

The more recently-composed bluegrass gospel tracks are equally worthwhile. Written by The Grascals' Terry Smith with his brother, Billy Smith, "Get Right or Get Left" is a rousing call to get right with God. Urgent, yet compassionate, Dorene, Emily, and Melissa bring it home with more blues-inflected, high-lonesome singing.

"Watergrave" is a popular, contemporary Sunday worship tune that The Bankesters have transformed into driving, powerful bluegrass gospel. The modal fiddle intro sets a foreboding tone, that the song's first line does nothing to dispel: "Now in my house/There's been a mercy killing." Phil Bankester's matter-of-fact lead vocal makes it all the more haunting -- one of the CD's strongest cuts.

Heartfelt Progressive Bluegrass
Country artist Sylvia Hutton popularized "I Will Not Forget You," which The Bankesters turn into a folk-inflected tune about steadfast love throughout time and life-changing experience. The main thematic element is repeated in "My Love Will Follow You" with yearning vocals from Emily, who's joined by The Grascals' Jamie Johnson.

"When You Put Your Hand In Mine" is a lovely country number about the ecstasy of love, and a perfectly gorgeous way to close yet another solid collection of bluegrass songs from The Bankesters.
- Folk Music @ Suited 101

This latest CD from the Bankester Family is primarily a gospel collection featuring material from Becky Buller (“Carolina Rain” and “Master’s Garden”), Ron Block (“He’s Holding Onto Me” and “Shield Of Faith”) and Wil Maring (“Bottomlands” and “Reminds Me Of Missouri”). The outstanding element throughout is the Bankesters’ precise harmonies which shine on “Gospel Plow,” “Is Not This The Land Of Beulah?,” and the a cappella “Long Time Traveler.” This is a striking collection of bluegrass music that showcases the group’s vast musical talents. - Bluegrass Unlimited

Everybody's heard the term "Family Harmonies" and there's no doubt everybody's heard good Family harmony over the years, but once you listen to The Bankester Family I think you'll agree that the term will take on a whole new meaning.

I recently received the CD "Somewhere In Between" from the band and when I had a moment or two I sat down to "Sample" each track like I normally do when I listen to a new submission, well, there was no "Sampling" this CD... from the first song to the last I listened to every note and word this family sang. I was drawn into the music from the start and could not let go... Heck I didn't want tolet go!
"Goosebump Harmony" is what my wife calls it when she also heard this soulful band.... and I’ll tell ya SHE'S not easily impressed!

The Bankester Family consists of Phil and Doreen Bankester (both playing guitar), their 4 daughters, Melissa (bass), Lindsey (mandolin), Emily (fiddle) and Alysha (fiddle) and Melissa's husband Kyle (banjo). Mix all 7 of these talented individuals together and you have one AWESOME sound that will make you smile.

The first cut on the CD "Amen, There's A Higher Power" features Emily singing lead with dad and mom ringing in with harmony. This song commanded my attention and immediately everything else I was going to do that evening was put on the back burner. I then sat down for a ride through the sweet melodies and vocals of "Carolina Rain", a Becky Buller song which the family just completed shooting a video for. Melissa takes the lead on this one with sister Emily and mother Doreen rounding it out. Can't wait to see the video!

Some of the other cuts include "He's Holding onto Me", "Shield Of Faith" and "In The Morning Light" all written by Ron Block, "Reminds Me Of Missouri" and "Bottomlands" by Wil Maring along with some traditional tunes like "Gospel Plow" and "Long Time Traveler"

Don't take my word for it, go to www.bankesterfamily.com and get this CD today, tell 'em Roger from The Bluegrass Mix sent ya (no you won't get a discount but you won't be concerned with any discount after hearing this band)

This family was put on this earth to do one thing.. SING!!.. and they do it with the best of them.

Thank You Bankester Family for the sweet music to my ears that you provide with this CD.


~Roger Randolph - Apr 2009

Host of “The Bluegrass Express”
The Bluegrass Mix - The Bluegrass Mix

This latest CD from the Bankester Family is primarily a gospel collection featuring material from Becky Buller (“Carolina Rain” and “Master’s Garden”), Ron Block (“He’s Holding Onto Me” and “Shield Of Faith”) and Wil Maring (“Bottomlands” and “Reminds Me Of Missouri”). The outstanding element throughout is the Bankesters’ precise harmonies which shine on “Gospel Plow,” “Is Not This The Land Of Beulah?,” and the a cappella “Long Time Traveler.” This is a striking collection of bluegrass music that showcases the group’s vast musical talents. - Bluegrass Unlimited

Anyone who has followed The Bankester Family from its very beginnings will appreciate the title of the family band’s new CD, “Somewhere In Between.”

Family patriarch Phil Bankester gives a good insight in the liner notes where he mentions “‘Somewhere in Between‘ is indicative of where we find ourselves at the present time. We have no idea where we’re headed, or even how we got here …”

Phil Bankester wrote those notes long before his wife, daughters and family band were announced last week as making a list of 13 acts that will be official Showcase bands at the 2009 International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass. That prestigious selection could prove to be a strong directional marker to help the family see where it may be headed. At the least, one might expect a major label or two to be making a sales pitch to this talented group.

Although “Somewhere In Between” is not on a major label, it certainly sounds like it could be. Although seldom dazzling, the musicianship here is certainly rock solid and many notches above adequate. And the vocals? Well, they do dazzle. But what would you expect from a family of four daughters who’ve been singing together all of their young lives?

The Bankester sisters range in age from 14 to 21. The oldest is now married; she’s Melissa Triplett, the group’s bass player. Her hubby Kyle plays banjo with the band and is also a pretty fair country picker on mandolin and guitar.

The other sisters are Lindsey on mandolin, Emily on fiddle and Alysha, also on fiddle. Mom and dad — Phil and Dorene — play guitar and add vocals to the already powerful sibling voices.

As far as groups go, The Bankesters of Carbondale, Ill., are still fresh, having started performing as a band in late 2004. But they already have compiled some miles, and according to the performance schedule posted on The Bankesters’ Web site are staring at many miles ahead in the coming year. That bit of info leads back to the significance of the “Somewhere In Between” title.

The Bankesters truly are at a junction in several different aspects, most notably their fairly fast rise in the bluegrass industry and the unchartered water that lies ahead. As far as their sound goes, it’s also Somewhere In Between — at times the young girls’ voices sound mature, at times they sound sweet and child-like, and overall, really just somewhere between youth and adulthood. That “in between” factor makes for a truly pleasant CD.

The song selection is a mix of traditional and new material. Personal favorites include a Becky Buller-written tune, “Carolina Rain,” “Reminds Me of Missouri” by Wil Maring and the opening track, the traditional, “Amen, There’s a Higher Power.”

But there’s not a bad cut on the CD. The Bankesters picked three songs from Ron Block’s song catalog and another Buller tune. The material is heavily weighted with gospel songs, but that’s a reflection of who this family is and what values they possess.

Apt as the title is at this point in time, I suspect it won’t be long before The Bankester Family moves in an upward direction from that somewhere-in-between groove.

By Dan Tackett
April 21, 2009 - Bluegrass Journal

"Somewhere near Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana and Missiouri is The Bankester Family. In a fitting release title, their new CD, Somewhere In Between seems to fit. It also fits in other ways. The Bankester Family does traditional and contemporary bluegrass music and gospel tossed in for good measure. Thus, their music fits somewhere in between also. But don't let that hold you back! Here is a group that has been together for a few years now and is at least one notch above most family bands. Popular artists in the region, it is surprising that they haven't been give more publicity. The girl's dynamic harmonies have certainly evolved into a wonderful blend that supports their music extremely well. Musically, they are just as well talented. There is a good balance with their sound. Smooth, tight and emotional.

This album is basically a bluegrass-gospel album. The a capella "Long Time Traveler" showcases their vocal strength and range. "Gospel Plow" goes one step further and complements the album's overall flavor and really demonstrates the power of the girl's harmonies. All the songs on this release are full of life and full of soul. The essence of the family band comes together somewhere in between all of this.

The album has already received good press and reviews. Jamie Dailey (Dailey & Vincent), Mike Kear (BluegrassCountry.org, Jamie Johnson (The Grascals) have all added their praise to this fine release. If this band keeps doing music like this, we are all going to hear more from them. Hearing more is what you'll want after hearing this album." Bob Cherry, Cybergrass.com
- Bob Cherry, Cybergrass

Anyone who has followed The Bankester Family from its very beginnings will appreciate the title of the family band’s new CD, “Somewhere In Between.”

Family patriarch Phil Bankester gives a good insight in the liner notes where he mentions “‘Somewhere in Between‘ is indicative of where we find ourselves at the present time. We have no idea where we’re headed, or even how we got here …”

Phil Bankester wrote those notes long before his wife, daughters and family band were announced last week as making a list of 13 acts that will be official Showcase bands at the 2009 International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass. That prestigious selection could prove to be a strong directional marker to help the family see where it may be headed. At the least, one might expect a major label or two to be making a sales pitch to this talented group.

Although “Somewhere In Between” is not on a major label, it certainly sounds like it could be. Although seldom dazzling, the musicianship here is certainly rock solid and many notches above adequate. And the vocals? Well, they do dazzle. But what would you expect from a family of four daughters who’ve been singing together all of their young lives?

The Bankester sisters range in age from 14 to 21. The oldest is now married; she’s Melissa Triplett, the group’s bass player. Her hubby Kyle plays banjo with the band and is also a pretty fair country picker on mandolin and guitar.

The other sisters are Lindsey on mandolin, Emily on fiddle and Alysha, also on fiddle. Mom and dad — Phil and Dorene — play guitar and add vocals to the already powerful sibling voices.

As far as groups go, The Bankesters of Carbondale, Ill., are still fresh, having started performing as a band in late 2004. But they already have compiled some miles, and according to the performance schedule posted on The Bankesters’ Web site are staring at many miles ahead in the coming year. That bit of info leads back to the significance of the “Somewhere In Between” title.

The Bankesters truly are at a junction in several different aspects, most notably their fairly fast rise in the bluegrass industry and the unchartered water that lies ahead. As far as their sound goes, it’s also Somewhere In Between — at times the young girls’ voices sound mature, at times they sound sweet and child-like, and overall, really just somewhere between youth and adulthood. That “in between” factor makes for a truly pleasant CD.

The song selection is a mix of traditional and new material. Personal favorites include a Becky Buller-written tune, “Carolina Rain,” “Reminds Me of Missouri” by Wil Maring and the opening track, the traditional, “Amen, There’s a Higher Power.”

But there’s not a bad cut on the CD. The Bankesters picked three songs from Ron Block’s song catalog and another Buller tune. The material is heavily weighted with gospel songs, but that’s a reflection of who this family is and what values they possess.

Apt as the title is at this point in time, I suspect it won’t be long before The Bankester Family moves in an upward direction from that somewhere-in-between groove.

By Dan Tackett
April 21, 2009 - Bluegrass Journal