When Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Samantha Fish recently graced the stage at The Jefferson in Charlottesville, Virginia, the venue lit up with an electrifying blend of rock and blues.
Known for her dynamic guitar prowess and raw, emotive vocals, Fish delivered a performance that seamlessly bridged the gap between soulful blues and high-octane rock for a date on her Bulletproof Tour at The Jefferson on August 30.
As the crowd settled in, their anticipation was palpable — and the moment Fish took the stage, the room erupted in applause. With a swagger that was both commanding and effortless, she launched into the first track of the evening, a cover of the MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams”. From the outset, it was clear that Fish’s guitar tone was going to be a highlight of the night. Her Gibson Les Paul SG wailed and growled with a sonic clarity that showcased her exceptional skill.
Each note she played was a testament to her mastery of the instrument, from her bluesy bends and slides to her scorching rock riffs. Her tone was impeccably sharp and rich, blending the traditional warmth of blues with the punch of rock, creating a sound that was both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Her setlist was a mix of fan favorites and new material, each song revealing different facets of Fish’s artistry. “Better Be Lonely,” “Kill or Be Kind,” and “Miles to Go” were mixed in with covers of traditional blues like “Somebody’s Always Trying” and “Poor Black Mattie.”
Watch Samantha Fish perform “Better Be Lonely” live on YouTube:
Her rendition of “Chills & Fever” was a standout with its sultry groove and Fish’s gritty, soulful vocals perfectly complementing her fierce guitar licks.
Throughout the show, Samantha played a variety of guitars, from a cigar box during a ripping “Bulletproof” to a white Gibson SG and a mint green Fender Jaguar and proved she was a master of the slide as well.
One of the evening’s highlights was her performance of “Watch It Die,” a track that showcased her impressive ability to weave complex, emotionally charged solos into the fabric of her songs. The interplay between Samantha’s guitar and her band was nothing short of electric, with each member contributing to a tight, cohesive sound that filled The Jefferson with their energy. Fish’s stage presence was magnetic as well. In her black leather and platform boots, she effortlessly moved between her guitar and the mic, her charisma and intensity drawing the audience into her world.
As the night drew to a close, Fish delivered a powerful encore; the final song, a blistering rendition of “Black Wind Howlin’,” showcased her guitar tone at its peak — crisp, powerful, and full of attitude.
Samantha Fish’s performance at The Jefferson was an expressive showcase of her exceptional talent and her ability to push the boundaries of blues and rock. With her impeccable guitar tone, charismatic stage presence, and the sheer intensity of her performance, she made the evening a memorable celebration of blues and rock.
Band
Samantha Fish – guitars and vocals
Ron Johnson – bass
Jamie Douglas – drums
Mickey Finn – keyboards
Setlist
1. Kick Out the Jams (MC5 cover)
2. Better Be Lonely
3. Chills and Fever
4. Bulletproof
5. Miles to Go
6. Kill or Be Kind
7. Watch It Die
8. Jim Lee Blues, Part 1 (acoustic solo)
9. Need You More
10. Somebody’s Always Trying
11. Poor Black Mattie
12. Dream Girl
Encore
13. Black Wind Howlin’
Here are some photos of Samantha Fish performing at The Jefferson on August 30, 2024. All picture copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/Odd Rocker Photography.
