Biography

Though he’s released plenty of solo recordings over the years, western North Carolina singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Darren Nicholson is taking a big new step forward with “Arkansas Without You,” his first release after concluding a 15-year tenure as a founding member of award-winning bluegrass quintet, Balsam Range.

Written by Nicholson and favorite collaborator Charles Humphrey III (Songs From The Road Band), “Arkansas Without You” hits hard right out of the gate with a fresh new sound, signified by the driving banjo of progressive maestro, Wes Corbett (Sam Bush Band). Over propulsive backing from Corbett, bassist Zack Smith (Town Mountain), Colby Laney on guitar, fiddler Billy Contreras and his own signature mandolin, Nicholson lays out a classic tale of spurned love, jealousy, murder and regret revealed through oblique sketches rather than direct narrative, as he and harmony singers Jennifer Nicholson and Derek Vaden (Larry Stephenson Band), serve up a memorable chorus:

Last night I had a dream
One worth fighting for
I was in your loving arms
I wasn’t lonesome any more
’Til I awoke cold and blue
In Arkansas without you

Notes Nicholson, “‘Arkansas Without You’ is our bluegrass romp with a twisted story of romance, deception and homicide. It’s our modern day bluegrass murder ballad. I watch a lot of forensic files and true crime shows, and there are many tales like this — the darker side of the human condition. But I will say these fabulous musicians really provide an incredible stage for the story.”

With its traditionally direct vocal performance offset by modern touches, including split solos that feature Corbett, Contreras and Nicholson trading dazzling chromatic lines and rippling arpeggios — all recapped in an extended instrumental ending — “Arkansas WIthout You” serves to showcase an acclaimed artist ready to be seen in a new light.

About Darren Nicholson
Darren Nicholson is a bluegrass and Americana musician based in Haywood County in the mountains of western North Carolina. A GRAMMY-nominee and recipient of multiple International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, Darren has appeared countless times on WSM's Grand Ole Opry, at the Ryman Auditorium, CMT, GAC, and many of the world's most famous venues and networks. Darren is also renowned as a solo artist, session musician, and songwriter. After concluding a 15-year tenure as a founding member of award-winning bluegrass quintet, Balsam Range, Darren is taking the next step forward and releasing music of his own.