Dixie Bee-Liners work on theme disc

Susanville

Although they have long been a staple of rock and roll music, concept albums focused on a singular theme or narrative are a rare species in country music and virtually unheard of in the bluegrass genre. That's why "Susanville" from Virginia's The Dixie Bee-Liners is one of the most revolutionary bluegrass releases in recent memory. Based on the premise that "every car on the highway has a story," this album takes listeners on a journey through the roads of America ...

Ripe

The Dixie Bee Liners' sophomore release provides a stellar showcase for lead singer Brandi Hart, whose ability to switch from Appalachian folk to blues and flat-out bluegrass makes each number wring with authenticity. Producer Bill VornDick has sharpened the Bee Liners instrumental focus, subtly mixing Sam Morrow's syncopated banjo runs and Rachel Renee Johnson's Celtic fiddle rides as if they were atmospheric pop interludes. Further, he capitalizes on guitarist-songwriter Buddy ...

Dixie Bee-Liners

Judging only from the name of the band and cover art on thisextended-play CD (8 tracks) that depicts a Kenworth barreling down some unseen highway, it might be easy to assume the Dixie Bee-Liners to be some sort of local honky-tonk band, specializing in a repertoire that's chock-full of Red Sovine and Dave Dudley covers. As it turns out, however, they're a pretty stylish and accomplished bluegrass quartet - based in New York City, of all places - with a knack for sounding both traditional and ...