Danny Burns Unveils Haunting New Single “Brother Wind” Featuring Bluegrass Icon Dan Tyminski
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Irish-born bluegrass artist Danny Burns has just released his captivating new single, “Brother Wind,” featuring the unmistakable vocal talents of Dan Tyminski. This track serves as the highly anticipated second glimpse into Burns’ upcoming album, Southern Sky, which is slated to drop on August 22nd. If “Brother Wind” is any indication, Southern Sky is shaping up to be a profound and essential listen in the world of roots music.
Written by the prolific Tim O’Brien, “Brother Wind” is a masterclass in evocative storytelling. It’s a ballad that lingers long after its final notes, delving deep into themes of wandering, resilience, and the relentless human quest for inner peace. From the very first listen, it’s clear this isn’t just another bluegrass tune; it’s a journey.
What truly elevates “Brother Wind” is the seamless collaboration between Burns and Tyminski. Burns’ earthy, resonant vocals are perfectly complemented by Tyminski’s signature harmonies, creating a vocal tapestry that feels both weathered and profoundly honest. Their voices blend with a natural ease, each bringing a depth and experience that enriches O’Brien’s already poignant lyrics. It’s a pairing that just makes sense, evoking images of dusty roads and quiet contemplation.
Musically, the track is equally compelling. The instrumentation is a carefully crafted blend of warm acoustic guitar, a steady and propulsive banjo, and a driving beat that anchors the entire piece. This combination creates an evocative soundscape that pays homage to the rich traditions of both Appalachian and Celtic music—a hallmark of Burns’ unique artistry. The band is stellar, featuring the talents of Cody Kilby on guitar, Billy Contreras on fiddle, Matt Menefee on banjo, Ethan Burkhardt on upright bass, and Jerry Roe on drums. Each musician contributes to the track’s rich texture without ever overshadowing the central narrative.
“Brother Wind” follows on the heels of Burns’ incredibly successful lead single, “Blue Ridge Blue,” which featured guest appearances from bluegrass luminaries Sam Bush and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. That track soared to #1 on both the Bluegrass Today Airplay Chart and the Grassicana Chart, enjoying consistent rotation on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction and becoming Burns’ biggest single on bluegrass radio to date. This consistent success signals a strong momentum leading into the full album release.
Southern Sky promises to be a true genre-blending journey, bringing together an impressive roster of roots music giants, including Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Tim O’Brien, Mike Rogers, Cecelia Castleman, and more. The 9-track collection is designed to traverse a wide range of emotional landscapes, all while showcasing Burns’ remarkable ability to weave his innate Irish musicality with the classic storytelling spirit of American roots music.
Born and raised in Donegal, Ireland, Danny Burns’ musical DNA is deeply steeped in bluegrass, folk, country, and traditional Celtic sounds. His earliest influences were shaped by the vibrant fiddle tunes and banjo rhythms that echoed through Irish pubs. For years, he honed his craft as a tireless traveling troubadour across the United States. His 2019 debut album, North Country, was met with widespread critical acclaim from major outlets like Rolling Stone, CMT, and Billboard. He continued to build on this foundation with the Hurricane EP in 2021, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Sarah Jarosz, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush. In 2022, he released Promised Land, an innovative project that reimagined mainstream songs in his signature bluegrass/folk style, earning multiple #1 charting hits in the process.
With a cinematic approach to songwriting and a clear passion for merging diverse cultural sounds, Danny Burns isn’t just making music; he’s charting a unique and compelling course within the Americana landscape. “Brother Wind” is another testament to his artistry, offering a poignant preview of what promises to be a landmark album.