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It’s hard to beat the sweet sound of family harmonies, and the Bankester family has got some of the sweetest harmonies around. The Bankester sisters have grown up in a musical home. Ranging in age from fourteen to twenty-one, the girls are always singing around the house. Melissa is the oldest of the sisters, singing and playing the upright bass. Her husband Kyle, is an extraordinarily gifted multi-instrumentalist, playing mostly banjo. Lindsey plays the mandolin and adds some of the lower vocal harmonies. Emily charms audiences with her beautiful, sweet sounding lead voice and fiddle playing. Alysha adds a constant sparkle to the family with her fiddle, sweet voice, and infectious smile. Dorene (mom) and Phil (dad) both play guitar and sing with the girls.
The Bankester Family began entertaining audiences in the fall of 2004 featuring a mix of gospel, traditional, and contemporary bluegrass. Travels have taken them from New Mexico to the North Carolina coast, and from Alabama to northern Wisconsin, sharing the stage with many of bluegrass music's top acts.
Their debut CD project "In the Beginning" was well received and is still being heard on the air as well as the internet. Their newest CD "Somewhere In Between" is already garnering considerable attention.
"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
"... a fine CD from a band that's not yet signed by a label but ought to be" bluegrasscountry.org
"They've come a long way in the last year or two . . . Amazing Stuff!" Mike Kear, Music From Foggy Hollow
". . . 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 given more publicity. The girl's dynamic harmonies have certainly evolved into a wonderful blend that supports their music extremely well . . . There is a good balance with their sound. Smooth, tight and emotional . . . All the songs on this release are full of life and full of soul . . . 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
“I’ve known the Bankester Family for 3 years now and it’s such a blessing to watch the girls grow - but even more of a treat to watch the music develop and come together like a fine piece of art. “Somewhere in Between” showcases the great lead vocals from all of the family and staggering harmonies that only a family can create. I love the entire album, but if I have to choose a few great tunes I’d gravitate to “Carolina Rain” and “Long Time Traveler”, but take my word you’ll enjoy the entire project!!” Jamie Johnson, The Grascals
"We as Dailey and VIncent have had the chance to work with this fine band a couple of times now. Not only are they good people, they are real. Their music will touch you and we are happy to fly the banner for The Bankester Familly." Jamie Dailey, Dailey & Vincent
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. 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, Host, bluegrassmix.com