1. Silent Singer The Matney Sisters 2. Amazing Grace / God Loves You The Matney Sisters

Pam Ostapoff: vocals
Jaimee Haugen: vocals
Chris Ramsey: vocals and guitar
Shelly Matney Bell: vocals and guitar

Family bands — comprised of members of two or three generations or ensembles of siblings — have sung and played rich harmonies since long before country music was recognized as a distinctive musical genre. Many groups in today's country music reflect the strong presence of family bands in early recordings and radio shows, but ultimately the significance of family involvement in country music stems from the tradition of holding informal music-making sessions in the parlor, kitchen, or front porch. Sioux City's Matney Sisters exemplify how this tradition of music making within the family continues to be an important aspect of country and gospel music in Iowa.

The Matney Sisters began singing country and gospel music under the tutelage of their father, Harley Matney. Jaimee and Pam recall learning to harmonize at ages seven and eight, as they learned to sing different parts by gaining a feel for the music rather than through rigorous vocal coaching. Today they continue to maintain this spontaneous approach. They never designate parts when they work out their tunes; instead they develop their harmonies by taking cues from each other's phrasing, pauses, and tone qualities.

The Matney Sisters perform early country tunes, gospel music, and original compositions. They enjoy singing for a variety of audiences, performing at churches, retirement centers, festivals, fairs, and other milieus in western Iowa and Nebraska. They have recorded two family-produced cassettes, "You Must Know Him" and "Our Kind of Love," and they foresee the family tradition continuing through their children.

Although Chris plays guitar and Jaimee plays both guitar and autoharp, the Matney Sisters particularly enjoy singing a cappella, as showcased in the "Silent Singer" and the medely of "Amazing Grace" and "God Loves You." Their poigant interpretation of John Newton's old hymn, "Amazing Grace," expresses sentiments about both his conversion and his repugnance at his former life as a broker of slaves. It is especially touching that their rendition concludes with the positive affirmation of the second song, and the Matney Sisters consider their version of the song to be one of hope. The Matney Sisters also enjoy performing with instrumental accompaniment, and they are sometimes backed up by their father on guitar or mandolin.

Additional recordings:

• The Matney Sisters - You Must Know Him
• H & V Matney Productions; The Matney Sisters - Our Kind of Love

H & V Matney Productions
P.O. Box 472
So. Sioux CIty, NE
Phone: 404-494-2858