Darren Nicholson’s “Big Sky,” a Story About an American Explorer

Darren Nicholson has released a new single titled “Big Sky” (Mountain Home Music Company), about a famous American explorer. “This is one of my favorite cuts of my entire recording career,” says Darren Nicholson.

“‘Big Sky’ is based on the true story of early American explorer, John Colter,” explains Nicholson. “He was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and became the first known person of European descent to enter the region which became Yellowstone National Park. There are several fascinating periods of his life and career. I became aware of him through a fabulous book about his survival and harrowing adventures called Colter’s Run. He was one of the first true mountain men. This was the inspiration for the song when Charles Humphrey III and myself set out to write it — and I also think it would make a great film!”

Although it is not certain if Colter was truly the first explorer of European descent to visit the area, as Spanish explorers traversed all the way to current day Montana two centuries earlier, it makes a good story. The cinematic feel of the track is evident from its outset, as a moody opening leads to a free form statement of Colter’s identity that will reappear in the soaring chorus:

Big sky caught my eye
Until the day I die

The theme established, mandolinist Nicholson and a talented studio cast, award winners Kristin Scott Benson (banjo) and Deanie Richardson (fiddle); Town Mountain bassist Zach Smith; legendary multi-instrumentalist David Johnson on dobro and frequent collaborator Colby Laney on guitar, together with harmony vocals by Jennifer Nicholson and another long-time colleague Kevin Sluder — unfurl Colter’s tale, punctuated by solos from Johnson and Laney.

Adds Nicholson, “I feel there’s a special spirit in the song and the way it turned out — the musicians knocked it out of the park in regard to capturing the mood and old-time essence. Hope you enjoy!”