Gosh there's some good albums coming out of the Herm Kovak production stable, and Darren Colston's self titled album is no exception. All praise has to go to Darren because he's written the 12 beautiful songs that are brought to life by his lovely voice. Songs such as 'On The Bend By The Willow' relate to his own life, others like 'Fly Away' are optimistic, while the sincerity of songs like 'Curse Your Heart' is intense. Victoria Baillie's voice complements Darren's perfectly on their stunning co-written duet 'Will You Stay'.
The musicianship on this album is also worthy of note; Stuie French on acoustic guitar, Michel Rose on pedal steel, Ian Lees on bass, Tim Crouch on fiddle and mandolin, Glen Hannah on electric guitar, and Mark Punch and Randall Waller with backing vocals, have all contributed to the great quality of this album.
CAPITAL NEWS JUNE 2009
DARREN COLSTON
ROLLERCOASTER - By Mike Smith
For talented singer/songwriter DARREN COLSTON the past four years have been a real rollercoaster ride, and some of it definitely not in the enjoyable category.
Following the 2005 release of his enthusiastically received Come By Chance album, things were definitely on the upward slope for Darren. He had won the 2005 Golden Saddle award, grabbed a 2006 Golden Guitar nomination, won the Male Vocal TIARA, and seen his Boundary Rider single bound on to the national country music charts.
But then disaster struck – Darren began to lose his voice. It was a problem that had been hovering for a few years, but really became debilitating during the 2006 Tamworth Festival.
“It was a muscle tension problem and acid buildup in the larynx,” explains Darren “The muscles in the vocal chords were not working properly, and after Tamworth I basically had to quit for six months. It wasn’t just to rest – I was prescribed anti-acid medication and special exercises to stretch the muscles. I honestly had to learn how to talk again, and concentrate on the basics of making sounds.”
In reality it took Darren until 2008 to complete his vocal rehabilitation, but things were definitely on the improve until the 2007 Mildura Country Music Festival in September.
“Vocally I was traveling OK,” says Darren, “and things were getting back to normal.
“Then I received a phone call to tell me my Dad had died suddenly. The news was shattering – he wasn’t just my Dad - he was my best mate, and the person I admired most. He taught me to be in awe of no-one but inspired by thousands, and he taught me about respect.”
Darren remembers vividly that sad time, but hastens to add that he was probably in the best place possible when he heard the news.
“When I received the call I was talking to (comedian and recording artist) RODNEY VINCENT,” remembers Darren. “My dad had coached his son in cricket – of all the people around he was the one who could really share personally in that shock.
“But the overall support from other artists was amazing – it made me realize was a wonderful fraternity this country music industry is, and how special it is to be a part of it.”
Darren’s vocal recuperation continued, but a marriage breakup in 2008 continued the bumpy ride. And the ever philosophical and optimistic Darren reckoned it was the end of the bad run, and time to get back on the level track.
Through all the tribulations, he emphasises that his kids, Liam, Riley and Jesse, were a constant inspiration to him, and he had another extended family (outside of country music) that also played a major role.
For seven years, Darren has been involved with Country Hope, a support group for children with cancer and their parents.
“They have a yearly camp in Tocumwal (Darren’s then home town) and I was asked to participate. The first time was amazing, and I was hooked,” says Darren. “Now I’m just honoured to be able to be a part it.”
It certainly provided perspective to Darren in his own personal dark times. Two songs on his new album, Regina’s Song and Another Morning Beyond Goodnight, are based on stories from Country Hope, and show a poignant empathy towards these brave kids and their parents.
The last 12 months have been formative ones for Darren Colston – the great vocals have returned, and he hit the recording studio last year with his producer HERM KOVAC and released his new self-titled album.
In many ways it was a catharsis, but also the ride back up from the turbulent rollercoaster ride.
His new songs are powerful and reflective stories, some observations and some very personal, including the autobiographical first single On The Bend By The Willow which traces the life of this real-life river boy who grew up on the Murrumbidgee and the Murray.
With a swag of great offerings including the perceptive Letters From The Frontline and William, Darren is certainly back on the radio playlists, and with the list of gigs and festivals steadily building, the ride is now much smoother.
“Life has its moments,” adds Darren. “I just happened to have mine in a run.
“But there was plenty to keep me going. My kids, my music, and some great friends.”
