The astute reader will recall that on several occasions I’ve mentioned the ability of Salima Shamanov, banjo player for The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, to play superbly behind the singer and other musicians in a manner similar to that of Doug Dillard, banjo player for the Dillards back in the 1960s. NO OTHER banjo player has done this skillfully. Earl Scruggs seldom did it. Mostly Earl just played chords when the other soloists and Lester were playing and singing. That was their style.
Doug Dillard surely did, setting a lively style for the Dillards. This is what Salima does. Her talent, to the trained banjo-picker’s ear, is phenomenal. Give a listen to the Dillards here (below), and pay attention to Doug’s work going on behind the other instruments. Then when you hear Salima again, listen for her brilliance in setting a similar style for the band. I just wish The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters would play some more of the early Dillards’ tunes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Salima Shamanov excels in banjo playing, reminiscent of Doug Dillard.
