Miller Sessions // The Poet & The Trail – Songs Of Joaquin Miller

About the show

Judge, cook, horsethief, editor—and poet.

Joaquin Miller (1841–1913) was a true original of the American West, and now, his wild, untamed poetry is brought to life through music.

In this intimate concert, Espen Langbråten sets Miller’s poetry to music in a raw, modern Americana style—staying true to the spirit and honesty of the original texts. With a selection of handpicked poems and stories from Miller’s life, Langbråten paints a vivid picture of a man who lived a dozen lifetimes in one.

From the Oregon Trail to the California Gold Rush, the Pony Express to London’s literary salons, Miller’s journey is as dramatic as his verse. You’ll hear songs that capture the sweeping landscapes, the danger, the adventure—and the deep emotional undercurrents—of 19th-century America.

Blending music, imagery, and storytelling, this concert offers a powerful, heartfelt tribute to a forgotten voice of the frontier.
When you listen, you’ll almost feel the wind on Mount Shasta—or the spray from the deck of the Santa Maria.