Some moron recently made a public comment concerning the abilities of the musicians of The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters. The comment from a so-called music teacher of 30-years’ “experience” indicated the Sisters have only medium talents, and their vocals suck. I can tell you this teacher has exactly NO experience with gifted musicians. The teacher’s comments ought to be fried up and crammed down the foolish, tasteless and ignorant throat of that so-called teacher.
I’ve played banjo, guitar and mandolin for over sixty years. My playing includes flamenco guitar (which ain’t easy in its simplest form), bluegrass banjo and mandolin, and a whole lot of other things musical. I’ve been in several rock bands, and recently played banjo at many bluegrass gatherings. I have LOTS of listening and playing experience.
I can tell you there’s no denying that each and every member of The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters is a BRILLIANT, GIFTED musician! Examples: the bass playing is truly outstanding. The deep, soul-based notes define the songs, set the pattern for them, and include harmonies beyond the average ken of the listener. How Cherylann does it is a mystery. The mandolin playing of Alaniya is SUPERB! Her breaks include more mysteries, hints of echoes, and her exceptional tremolo along with her rapid-fire notes. Her solos remind the listener of the song without plastering it in the listener’s face. They are similar to Akulina’s guitar breaks. Akulina’s guitar is CLEAN, brilliant, and always interesting. She slides up and down the neck in a way that makes it look like she’s been playing it for decades, and those instrumental breaks make the songs come alive. Then there’s her fabulous singing. Her voice commands! It rings! It sets the soul of each song. The harmonies that come from the others are pure, clean, inspiring, and absolutely wonderful. As for Salima’s banjo, the only comparison I can make is she plays her solos as cleanly as Earl Scruggs, and with as much pure God-given talent as Doug Dillard in her accompanying the singers in the background. When I listen to her I am ashamed to say I also play the banjo.
Then there’s the harmonies. Good grief! How anyone can say they’re average is a complete mystery. The harmonies of these girls is God-given. They ring like bells, the notes are perfect, and the combined sound is beautiful, pure music to anyone with ears who can tell Pavarotti from Bob Dylan. That so-called teacher might learn something if he or she pulled its head out of its ass. Yes, you f***ing anus, their talents are indeed AWESOME!! If you can’t hear that, you need a new set of ears. Keep you stupid mouth SHUT!!
