Biography

Hot on the heels of his chart-topping single, “Arkansas Without You,” and the uplifting message of his “Leave It In The Hands of the Lord,” Darren Nicholson returns to complete a bluegrass trifecta of sorts — murder ballad, gospel song and instrumental — with a sly instrumental, “Dillsboro Blues,” serving up a healthy dose of virtuosity in a package that puts a few neat curves into an otherwise straightforward musical road.

Starting out with Bill Monroe-inspired mandolin trills over a walking bass rhythm, “Dillsboro Blues” quickly re-settles into a steady mid-tempo groove laid down by bassist Zachary Smith (Town Mountain) and guitarist Colby Laney, underpinning Nicholson’s exposition of the tune’s slinky A part and Latin-flavored B section. Solos from fiddle phenom Billy Contreras (Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder), Laney and the Sam Bush Band’s Wes Corbett (banjo) follow — deftly mingling snatches of Nicholson’s melody with inspired flights of improvisational fancy — before Nicholson returns to drive the performance home.

“‘Dillsboro Blues’ is a tune I wrote in honor of my mother,” says Nicholson. “Dillsboro is the little town in Western North Carolina where she was born and raised. It’s known for a train depot as well as the famous Jarrett House Bed and Breakfast. My mom grew up in hard times. The tune, to me, represents struggles — the ups and downs of a hard life and the willingness to keep fighting to persevere. She’s got true grit and is an inspiration to me. It’s a hillbilly, moody blues tune. Love you, Mom!”

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.