 (Nashville, TN) April 15, 2013 – Compass Records is excited to announce that The Bankesters have joined its roster of bluegrass artists. Phil and Dorene Bankester and their three daughters and son-in-law are known for some of the finest harmony singing in bluegrass music. They are currently at work gathering material for a new album to be produced by Alison Brown and tentatively slated for a fall 2013 release. In the meantime, Compass will be re-releasing the band’s latest album Looking Forward on May 28th for international distribution. “This talented family band from Illinois has successfully navigated the most difficult hurdle facing groups of this kind: growing from a ‘cute kid’ act to a serious collection of young adult musicians,” says John Lawless of Bluegrass Today. In a short amount of time they have developed a unique sound that has drawn critical acclaim from across the bluegrass community. In 2012, Emily Bankester was also awarded the first International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year. Their 2012 release Looking Forward, produced by Steven Mougin (Sam Bush Band, Nedski and Mojo), was called one of the best of 2012 by Engine 145, praising the “angelic harmonies of sisters Melissa Triplett, Emily, and Alysha,” and the track “Looking Forward To Look Back” climbed to the #1 spot on the Bluegrass Today airplay chart in February. |
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From the press release announcing the winners:
"The talents of emerging artists and industry professionals are essential to keeping bluegrass alive and growing, and the IBMA board feels these individuals deserve special recognition for the hard work and the contributions they are making to the industry as a whole,’ says IBMA Executive Director Nancy Cardwell. ‘The Momentum Awards are a supplement to the current IBMA Awards structure, created to encourage growth and a wider sense of ownership and pride in the organization.’ Emily Bankester, from Illinois, sings and plays fiddle with The Bankesters. The band’s new album, Looking Forward, includes the song Don’t Try To Be Anyone Else, for which a new video was released this month." |
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"Looking Forward"
The latest CD from The Bankesters is now available! "This new project "Looking Forward" by The Bankesters is an absolute pleasure to listen to from start to finish! The material, picking, and singing are truly inspiring and if you're not already a fan, you WILL be! I first heard this group a few years ago and was impressed by all of their talent, but I believe this new recording will take them to an all new level of recognition. I have the good fortune of getting to hear a lot of wonderful groups and artists all over the country, but I am completely honest when I say that The Bankesters are a cut above. They are a real breath of fresh air and I hope that you will please take my word for it and GET this album. It will inspire and entertain you over and over again." Adam Steffey May 2012 "The Bankesters have been heading in the right direction with their last several releases, and the new one, Looking Forward (Blue Circle Records), hits the mark squarely." Jon Weisberger - The Nashville Scene Click the play arrow at the bottom of the screen to hear "Looking Forward To Looking Back" |
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Looking Forward’s solid musicianship and spot-on harmonies are sure to help the band continue their success. BluegrassToday.com - August 16, 2012
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"This bluegrass family band is back with a strong follow-up to last year’s self-titled album (which, you’ll remember, made our Best of Bluegrass list). Sweetly sung harmonies abound on this collection thanks to daughters Emily, Alysha, and Melissa, who sings lead on what’s arguably the best song on the album, the Battle of Gettysburg story-song “First Minnesota.” Parental units Phil and Dorene deliver another high point with the jaunty “Where I Am,” written by Chris Jones with Tom T. and Dixie Hall."
Juli Thanki - Engine145.com |
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