Darren Nicholson - Wanderer (2023)

Melissa Clarke
Americana Highways brings you this premiere of Darren Nicholson’s song “Second Wind,” from his forthcoming album Wanderer, which is scheduled for release on June 23. Wanderer was produced by Darren Nicholson and Colby Laney; engineered by Scott Barnett and Wayne Redden, with additional post production by Wayne Redden and Jeff Collins. It was mixed and mastered by Scott Barnett.

“Second Wind” is Darren Nicholson on mandolin, lead and baritone vocals; Colby Laney on guitar and tenor vocals; Zachary Smith on acoustic bass; Marc Pruett on banjo; and Billy Contreras on fiddle. Bluegrass music and the lyrics that are universally relatable to us all — “I know when darkness comes, I get my second wind … there’s something about a summer night that gets you through the day.” This is an optimistic breath of fresh air.

“Second Wind’ is a straight down the middle bluegrass song written by Eric Gibson and myself. I love writing with Eric because he knows how to speak to the common person in all of us. This is a great gift. The song simply tells the story of a young man who is working hard all week and even though he’s exhausted, when the sun goes down, he is ready to cut loose! ‘Second Wind’ speaks to youthful energy. Marc Pruett’s banjo really sparkles and dances in this bouncy tune. It’s reminiscent of some of the Mr. Good N’ Country Jimmy Martin tunes. We hope you have as much fun listening to the track as we did recording it! — Darren Nicholson