Samantha Fish made her debut in 2009, and since then has not only worked with blues legends, but also blazed a trail that makes her one of the top names in the genre. Her unique guitar style and ethereal vocals set her apart from her peers and makes her a must-see concert attraction. She is winding down her Shake ‘Em Down tour, also featuring Jon Spencer and Cedric Burnside, in support of her Grammy nominated 2025 release Paper Doll and made a stop in Hartford, CT.
Please scroll down for the MisplacedStraws Samantha Fish live photos and review –
Jon Spencer kicked the night off with a trio featuring Kendell Wind on bass and Spider Bowman on drums. Spencer produced the Samantha Fish/Jesse Dayton release Death Wish Blues and recorded an album with Cedric Burnside’s grandfather, R. L. Burnside. Spencer’s interesting style combines blues with heavily distorted guitar and vocals. While unique, the style led to a set where almost every song sounded similar, a blend of Howlin’ Wolf and The Strokes, played on a nearly dark stage. It’s an alternative take on the blues that felt a little out of place on this bill.
Cedric Burnside and his trio came up next with a more traditional take on the blues. Burns has become a master of traditional Mississippi Hill Country blues. His set was delivered with a smooth vocal punctuated by blistering guitar. Burnside has become a regular Grammy nominee, and his live shows blend the history of southern blues with modern sounds.
Samantha Fish burst onto the stage with a cover of the MC5 classic “Kick Out The Jams”, one of two covers in her set, the other being “Poor Black Mattie” from none other than R. L. Burnside. Her playing was, as always, flawless and her vocal was strong. The majority of her set came from her current Paper Doll record. The title track was second in the set and has instantly become a highlight of the show.
A run of 5 new songs, including a great version of “Sweet Southern Sounds” led to the centerpiece of the night, “Bulletproof”, from her 2019 release Kill or Be Kind. Watching this song played live is a true experience. From her stunning work on her signature 4-string cigar box guitar to alternating her vocal between a clean and a distorted mic, this song becomes a masterclass on incendiary blues rock.
As the crowd recovered from “Bulletproof”, Fish did not take her foot off the gas. New songs “Fortuneteller” and “Rusty Razor” sandwiched the previously mentioned “Poor Black Mattie” before ending the set with her classics “Dream Girl” and “Black Wind Howlin'”.
In a short period of time Samantha Fish has become a leader in modern blues music. She creates the perfect blend of traditional southern blues with a fiery, modern approach. Her slide work is second to none and watching her on the cigar box is a true treat. With all she has accomplished in the last 15 years, it would be easy for her to coast a little, but as Paper Doll proves, she gets better with each release. Thanks to Samantha Fish, the future of the blues is in good hands.
