Pinecastle Records (2007)

Southwest Virginia, as we all know, is full of great musicians. Of course, a lot of mountain music is so ingrained in the culture of this area that many never even think about recording songs, it’s just something in their blood. But The Dixie Bee-Liners from down in Washington County have produced a CD, which is newly released. 

The album is called Ripe and it certainly seems ready for the pickin’. Folks around these parts will enjoy the first song on the CD, “Down on the Crooked Road.” Yes, it’s talking about that Crooked Road, Virginia’s Music Heritage Trail. Interestingly, the first time I heard this CD was in the car on my way back from the Carter Fold down in Hiltons, which is one of many Southwest Virginia musical references mentioned in the tune.

And like the places they sing about—Hiltons, Ferrum, Floyd, Galax, Bristol—the Bee-Liners are filled with mountain soul. Most of the 12 tunes on the CD were written by band members Brandi Hart and Buddy Woodward. It always bumps up the cred of any artists if they write their own songs, especially if they write ’em well.

With a warm familiar style reminiscent of Alison Krauss and Union Station, the Bee-Liners lay down tunes bluegrass quick and ballad slow. “Bugs in the Basement,” for instance is sure to get your toes tappin’ and your head bobbin’. “She’s My Angel,” on the other hand, is a slower tune and a tender tale in which Hart talks about her mother watching Hart grow up, sure to be of interest to mothers and daughters everywhere.

The inspirations for the songs vary from a scowling portrait of a Confederate general (“Grumble Jones”) to a story read in Kentucky Explorer magazine (“Dixie Grey to Black”), to a letter found in a box of family mementos (“Jefferson Railroad Line”), making the CD varied and fresh and not simply a collection of retreads of the same old storylines often found in songs.

With pleasing musicianship, vocals pure and sweet, and songs that are melodic and have lyrics worth listening to, the Dixie Bee-Liners are one Southwest Virginia group that seems destined for great things if their CD Ripe is any indication of their musical talents. Pluck this disc for yourself and take a big bite.

Tim W. Jackson appreciates local music and has spent time in many stops along the Crooked Road.