Article Contributed by Mountain Home Music Company
Published on 2026-07-04
Darren Nicholson has shared “Leaving Lonesome in the Rearview,” his first new music since the release of his full-length collection, Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales.
“I’m very proud of ‘Leaving Lonesome in the Rearview,’” confesses Nicholson. “It’s another leaving song from the minds of Charles Humphrey III and myself — a great midtempo Bluegrass song with Kristin and Deanie leading the charge musically, and my band mates, Kevin Sluder and Avery Welter, blistering the harmony vocals as always.”
Indeed, “Leaving Lonesome In The Rearview” has the relaxed yet insistent lope of a classic tale, and a classic theme to boot, laid out in the opening chorus that follows a supple fiddle and banjo opening from Deanie Richardson and Kristin Scott Benson, respectively:
I’m leaving lonesome in the rearview
It’s high time to go and start anew
Got a friend in California, might go give that a try
Gonna bid these old mountains goodbye
Ably supported by a rhythm section of studio aces David Johnson on guitar and Mark Fain on upright bass, Nicholson serves up the song’s archetypal tale in a perfectly suited baritone:
My hands they shake as I take off my ring
There’s a fever in my head as I try to pack my things
It ain’t easy starting over when you can’t trust a soul
I don’t know what to do, but I know I’ve got to go
“How do you know it’s time to leave?” asks Nicholson. “I’ve always heard when respect is no longer being served, it’s time to get up from the table. That’s the story in this breakup song. Hope you all enjoy this ‘down in the middle’ Bluegrass offering!!”
“Leaving Lonesome In The Rearview” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL.
About Darren Nicholson:
If you’re looking to be impressed, you will be — if you’re looking to make a friend, you already have. Darren Nicholson, who has played mountain music since his youth in Western North Carolina, is a high-caliber musician with substantial contributions to such acts as Alecia Nugent and Balsam Range.
Yes, he’s a punchy mandolinist with instrumentation nods to Bill Monroe and Marty Stuart, but he’s also an introspective songwriter, technical harmony singer, convincing lead vocalist, and a man on a mission.
His latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles, and he’s also co-written hit songs for other artists, such as The Grascals’ “I Go” and “Just Let Me Know.” Darren’s more interested in sharing raw, honest-to-goodness, quality music with his audience — music that’s good for his soul and theirs too.
He may not be focused on commercial success, but his accomplishments have certainly earned recognition. Darren is the recipient of 11 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina's governor.
For more information, visit https://www.darrennicholson.net.
