New CD from The Bankesters

The Bankester Family has released their third self-produced album, The Bankesters.

Phil Bankester, who manages and performs with his wife, three daughters, and one son-in-law, tells us that this new project represents a couple of major milestones for the group. Not only does this CD mark the first one tracked without any outside players, but it also boasts of a vocal collaboration between Emily Bankester and Jamie Johnson of The Grascals.

The two of them duet on My Love Will Follow You, by Dennis Duff, which is featured in this just-released promotional video.

Emily plays fiddle and sings lead, her older sister Mellisa Tripplet is on bass and lead vocals, with younger sister Alysha on mandolin and vocals. Mom (Dorene) and dad both play guitar, with Mellisa’s husband Kyle Tripplet on banjo.

Sister Lindsey has recently stepped aside from her role in the band to focus on other interests. She still travels with the family to shows, running their CD table, babysitting Kyle and Mellisa’s son Jude, and offering her personal jewelry creations for sale. Phil quipped that sometimes she makes more at festivals than the band does.

The Bankesters have agreed to share another track with readers of The Bluegrass Blog, a new song from Anna Owens and Sarah Rogers. This one also features Emily singing lead, with Melissa and Alysha providing harmony vocals.

Sure As the Sun: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/sure_as_the_sun.mp3]

Like so many other bluegrass artists, The Bankesters are appearing this weekend at the Red, White and Bluegrass festival in North Carolina. Perhaps Dennis Jones will catch them on stage in his ongoing photo coverage of the event.

Then next week, they have a show at Nashville’s Station Inn on July 6 where Jamie Johnson and a number of other special guests will be on hand to help them officially celebrate the release of the new CD.

They are also offering a free download of My Love Will Follow You in exchange for your email address on their web site, where the new album is available for sale and download purchase.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.