Samantha Fish may seem angelic at first glance, but she’s actually a scrappy rock ‘n’ roll vixen. Raised by a musical family in Kansas City, Missouri, Fish switched from drums to guitar around age 15, and self-released her first album by the time she was 20. She has since released five studio albums. Fish went for a vintage R&B vibe on her March 2017 album, “Chills & Fever,” and then quickly switched it up with more soulful, roots-y songwriting on “Belle of the West,” released in November. She has a gritty voice, with the fiery passion of Janis Joplin and a warm, melismatic lower range, shining brightest when it opens up into its higher register as each song builds. Supported by horns, drums, and bass, Fish’s music is a romp-stomping party that fans of contemporary blues, Americana, garage rock, and roots music can all equally enjoy.
Samantha Fish plays Saturday, June 2, at Flour City Station, 170 East Avenue. 7 p.m. $15-$35. flourcitystation.com; samanthafish.com.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2018.
Defiantly the most talented artist to come along in the last 30 years.. She’s got the voice, song writing, and guitar chops of a superstar. If you don’t see her perform, It would be like not seeing Janis or zeppelin or Stevie ray perform when they were around. I did get to see them and there’s no doubt in my mind, she’s got it.
Melismatic indeed. She is most definitely Scrappy, she’s been a road warrior for the past few years. She’s paying her dues, and it’s wonderful watching her grow. If you have a chance to see her, do so.