San Antonio's own Nicky Diamonds, the artist once at the helm of bluesy duo Lonely Horse, is revving up the music scene with more than just heartstrings and guitar strings. Fresh off releasing a trove of solo material accumulated over a decade, Diamonds is set to headline the opening of the Carver Community Cultural Center's Intimate Series this November, according to SA Current. Known for his high-register croon and genre-blending tunes, the musician continues to make waves in Americana circles.
With his latest album resonating deeply in themes of heartache and hope, Diamonds’ trajectory has been anything but predictable. Recently spotlighted, following a tumultuous split from his label and private woes including a divorce and custody battles powered by passion for his music, he found solace in songwriting. Between breakups and breakdowns, a brief, self-imposed exile from music in El Paso, and a return to San Antonio, Diamonds’ comeback culminates in a highly anticipated album described as "good medicine" for himself, as San Antonio Report captures from the artist himself.
The album, hitting all streaming platforms with vinyl to follow, is a reflection of Long's storied past and unwavering spirit. Its title, which translates to "lost in the sauce," aptly reflects Long's journey through the highs and lows of the music industry and personal life. Songs like “Back to Misery (Mizzouri)” and “Broken In Ways” paint a gritty picture of his experiences. Drawing inspiration from his country roots and Southern Baptist upbringing, the album infuses pedal steel guitar with Long's signature tenor to weave a narrative that's as much about redemption as it is about pain.
Nicky Diamonds has snagged the attention of musical icons too; none other than Willie Nelson spotted his raw talent and gave him a spotlight at the 2023 Luck Reunion, as told by Long onstage. This serendipitous moment seems to herald a new chapter, foreshadowing his performance alongside Tami Neilson at this year's reunion. As Long put it in remarks noted by the San Antonio Report, "You just kind of write something that's real to you and you put it out there and you never know who's listening." Now, gearing up for an eastward trip to Nashville to strum up further success, Diamonds is proof that in music, sometimes the next big break is just one heartfelt melody away.
The Carver’s Intimate Series slots Diamonds in among a diverse lineup of artists set to grace the stage in cabaret-style settings - a sincere nod to the kind of raw and personal performances that Diamonds is known for. Alongside his opening act, audiences can expect to see soulful pop group Chavela, composer Nathan Felix, and singer-songwriter 34K in the months to come, reports SA Current. If there were ever a time to keep an eye on Nicky Diamonds, it's now, as the San Antonio troubadour set the bar high - and then some - for what's to come.
