The Dixie Bee-Liners

You might not be familiar with this band yet, but if you like bluegrass in the style of Alison Krauss and Union Station you will need to check this one out. Lead singer Brandi Hart has all the range and soul of Krauss, with perhaps even more versatility.

Hart teams up with band mate Buddy Woodward to pen all twelve songs on their new CD titled Ripe. The Dixie Bee-Liners draw their sound from traditional bluegrass, but add a twist all their own. Much of this is perhaps influenced by Woodward’s past pop and rock experience. The blend works well here throughout the CD.

The songs lead the listener on a backwoods tour of Virginia.  The opening song titled “Down On The Crooked Road” is an upbeat number with many references to the musical heritage of the area, including the Stanley Brothers and the Cinch Mountain Boys. The band has some fun with this lively song.

Not all songs are as upbeat, however. “Lord, Lay Down My Ball & Chain,” enhanced by the deep soulful singing of Hart and driven by the upright bass of Mark Fain, has more of a blues approach. “Yellow-Haired Girl” is a touching love gone-wrong-song. Rachel Renee Johnson on fiddle, along with Sam Morrow on banjo, do an excellent job setting the somber mood here.

A nostalgic musical trip through Virginia would not be complete without some Civil War material. “Dixie Grey to Black” is a poignant song based on a true story of a mother’s tragic loss of her son during the war. Hart’s striking vocals shine on this touching song. “Grumble Jones” is a song about Confederate General W.E. Jones. Woodward handles the lead vocals on this one. Helped by Blue Highway’s historical buff Tim Stafford, this song draws from the life of a noted soldier during a time of war.

Produced by Bil VornDick, the Dixie Bee Liners may be a band on the rise. Ripe displays a genuine love of pure music that is quite enjoyable. Hart and Woodward have written some true gems, and with the help of some great musicians, do an outstanding job.