There are two big names in bluegrass banjo pickers. They are Earl Scruggs and Doug Dillard. Of all the bluegrass banjo pickers in the world these two were the absolute Number One and Number Two. Scruggs invented the three-finger style, or so I’ve heard, and was brilliant at it. All else followed. Doug Dillard was at least as good, and maybe even better in pickin’ in the background during someone else’s singing. But no one can bump Mr. Scruggs off the number one spot. Get Back Porch Bluegrass and Dillards Live…Almost! if you want to hear the Dillards with Doug, at their very best. Those recordings were made quite a few years ago.
Today we have this queen of the banjo, Salima Shamanov:
She is the banjo player in THE ALASKAN SUNNYSIDE SISTERS, which is not a group of ‘little kids’ as some moron said, but a band of superb professional musicians. They’ve been on Grand Ole Opry, for goodness sake. No “little kids” can do that.
Just like the late Doug Dillard, Salima plays background banjo to her sisters singing in a style that is very similar to what Doug did for his gang. Her banjo notes mesh with the singing, and dance around it in a style not often heard, and I’ve been listening to banjo pickers–and pickin’ on my own banjers–for a mighty long time.
Salima has a constant grin on her face, just like Doug Dillard did. Doug’s brother Rodney noted that Doug was always: “…grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ bumblebees.” That’s clearly a sign Salima and her talent come from the same magical place that Doug came from. And I hope she’s not eatin’ bumblebees.
Please note: The other three members of the group are just as talented as Salima is, on mandolin, bass, and guitar. And don’t overlook the really beautiful singing and the harmonies one hears from them. These guys make great music.
So the next time you hear Salima call out, “One, two, three, GO!” prepare yourself for a lively and brilliant musical treat from The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters. And give thanks to Doug Dillard!
