Author: CharliesTrail

Originally from Indianapolis, Denison is a writer and musician who has picked up culture and influences from eccentrics all over the U.S. and overseas. He is a University of Kentucky Journalism School grad and an award-winning Montana journalist. Through the years he's had work published in "Chicken Soup From the Soul," Netflix, Montana Quarterly, NUVO, Americana Highways and Distinctly Montana. He has a solo album, "Whispers of the Lonely," and continues to write new songs and perform. Currently Denison is the editor of Stillwater County, Montana's weekly newspaper.

REVIEW: Matisyahu “Hold the Fire” EP

January 31, 2024January 30, 2024CharliesTrail0

Matisyahu Hold the Fire There’s being inspired, and then there’s being called. Matisyahu’s latest EP Hold the Fire is more the latter, as much of the album came from dreams, and a desire to deliver a message of hope and encouragement, sharing with listeners to keep their own fires burning. That’s what the first track […]

REVIEW: Uncle Lucius “Like It’s the Last One Left”

December 7, 2023December 7, 2023CharliesTrail0

Uncle Lucius – Like It’s the Last One Left Uncle Lucius returns from its five-year-hiatus with the highly anticipated Like It’s the Last One Left, and fans new and old will not be disappointed in this magical journey of soulful, mindful, mesmerizing Americana music. The Austin band is reinvigorated, celebrating a resurgence brought by 2012’s […]

REVIEW: Robert Connely Farr “Pandora Sessions”

December 4, 2023December 4, 2023CharliesTrail0

Robert Connely Farr – Pandora Sessions Robert Connely Farr is back, and he is dirtier, darker and better than ever. The first track, “How Am I?” spells out what to expect from this gritty blues album, one that I strongly recommend listening to in its entirety, not once, but many times. It hits right, whether […]

REVIEW: Honey Island Swamp Band “Custom Deluxe”

October 23, 2023October 21, 2023CharliesTrail0

Honey Island Swamp Band – Custom Deluxe Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Wilkinson and his fellow Honey Island Swamp bandmates feel right at home on their eclectic new album, Custom Deluxe. These songs are like entrees of the tastiest New Orleans sounds, fusing roots, blues, Southern rock and beyond. It’s gumbo with gusto. “High River Rag” […]

REVIEW: Jason Hawk Harris “Thin Places”

October 3, 2023October 3, 2023CharliesTrail0

Jason Hawk Harris, Thin Places “She died on Good Friday just like the Lord, but she didn’t rise up like a King on this bright Easter morning.” Those are the first lines of “Bring Out the Lillies,” the second track on Jason Hawk Harris’ second LP, Thin Places, a modern concept album that cuts to […]

REVIEW: Little Jane and the Pistol Whips “Long Road Ahead”

September 14, 2023CharliesTrail0

Little Jane and the Pistol Whips – Long Road Ahead Ashly Holland – best known as Little Jane from Little Jane and the Pistol Whips — didn’t expect it to take 12 years for her group to make Long Road Ahead. But as indicated in the songs life is more about the journey than the […]

REVIEW: Devon Allman and Donavon Frankenreiter “Rollers” EP

August 29, 2023August 27, 2023CharliesTrail0

Devon Allman and Donavon Frankenreiter have embarked on an epic quest, attempting to set a world record with 50 shows in 50 states, which started on Aug. 5 in Annapolis, Maryland. Rollers, the duo’s EP that was released in June, serves as an invitation to find Allman and Frankenreiter on their ambitious journey to “See […]

SHOW REVIEW: Everclear Live in Butte, Montana, Aug. 5

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023CharliesTrail0

Everclear — Butte, Montana Everclear’s show in Butte, Montana on Saturday, Aug. 5 wasn’t exactly what the band expected. Stormy weather rerouted the “Brawls and Kickstart Day” event to the Butte Civic Center, where a large crowd gathered to hear the famous ‘90s rock back, best known for “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will […]

Show review: The Wood Brothers, The War and Treaty at Red Ants Pants Festival, Montana

August 4, 2023August 3, 2023CharliesTrail0

The Wood Brothers and The War and Treaty at Red Ants Pants Festival, Montana The Wood Brothers “Do you know how good you have it?” Oliver Wood asked the crowd of thousands at the 12th Annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, overlooking the stars of Big Sky country, surrounded by […]

REVIEW: Gabe Lee “Drink the River”

July 25, 2023July 22, 2023CharliesTrail0

Gabe Lee – Drink the River Even Jesus got the blues. That’s one hell of a timely tag Gabe Lee has on the second track of his mesmerizing, relistenable album Drink the River, which features a wholesome folk sound reminiscent of Nickel Creek, Jason Isbell and especially the late John Prine. With those kinds of […]