Tune In Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Atlantic City may not have had an outdoor concert or airshow scheduled in 2024, but on Wednesday, Aug. 28, South Jersey music fans will get the opportunity to see and hear one of pop music’s most exciting blues-rock performers when guitarist-vocalist Samantha Fish performs at Tony Mart’s ‘Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk’ concert series.
Musically, and career-wise, Fish has experienced a summer of the highest highs: first being asked to perform on tour with Guns ‘N Roses guitarist Slash on his highly-anticipated S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour, then being asked to open for the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, The Rolling Stones, on their Hackney Diamonds Tour.
“For me, it’s a dream come true. I’ve been listening to these artists all my life,” the Kansas City-raised musician who now calls New Orleans home, told us in an interview from the road. “It was an honor to be a part of Slash’s tour as he was celebrating blues music and his new album. He’s a rock ‘n’ roll icon. For him to be collaborating with, and showcasing, different artists is truly special.
“The Stones’ gig was massive. Every time I’ve ever had an interviewer ask, ‘what band would you love to open for,’ historically it has always been them.
“Their music has been the soundtrack to a lot of our lives… It’s the biggest rock band in the world. I just feel incredibly lucky. I know it’s a rare opportunity, so I’m just trying to do what I’ve always done. Take no prisoners and play my heart out.”
Asked how she finds a balance between constant touring and recording, Fish replied, “We tour relentlessly, and this summer has been no different. So, I’m trying to find holes in the schedule to sneak off and record. I wrote a lot earlier this summer. Now we’re just getting them down when we can.”
Asked whom she’s been listening to music-wise, Fish showed her eclectic taste
“I’m listening to a lot of rock ‘n’ roll right now: The Stooges, (Rolling) Stones, (Led) Zeppelin, Blondie, The Cramps.”
Seemingly everything Fish has been involved with turns to gold. Her 2023 collaboration (and subsequent tour) with country roots-rocker Jesse Dayton, Death Wish Blues (Rounder), earned the duo a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
At present, four albums by Fish, released by her previous label, Germany-based Ruf Records, are charting: “Chills & Fever,” “Black Wind Howlin,” “Wild Heart,” and “Belle of the West.”
“Samantha is one of the hardest-working women in the blues-rock business, and she has a heart of gold,” said Ruf Records President Thomas Ruf. “She has earned every bit of the success she’s enjoying now with hard work, ambition and kindness. Her music talent and human qualities make her a star in my book.”
Since her time with Ruf, the 35-year-old performer has released three albums on Rounder: 2019’s “Kill Or Be Kind,” “Faster,” in 2021, and the aforementioned “Death Wish Blues.”
“Samantha and I match each other’s work ethic, and it works,” said Rueben Williams, whose Thunderbird Management agency manages not only Samantha Fish, but also such high-profile artists as Devon Allman, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux.
“I ask her occasionally, especially after long tours, if she wants to stop to smell the roses; but she says that she would rather continue planting seeds. Now that only works if it is matched with an undenying talent, and Samantha has proven to be a multiple threat when it comes to blues rock ‘n’ roll. Samantha doesn’t want to be the same or even similar. She takes risks. You can’t find your originality until you put on the blinders and focus on yourself and your art, and that creates an interesting journey for the artist and the fans,” said Williams.
The true sign of a star is how you draw on the road, and what’s the buzz among blues promoters? Fish drew high praise here.
“Samantha’s constantly-upward trajectory has been truly remarkable to watch,” said Jimmy Carpenter, long-time respected blues musician, plus Big Blues Bender talent buyer and musical director (with BBB head honcho AJ Gross).
“Nobody works harder in all aspects of this business – but the most impressive part is her always-evolving, always forward-looking musical approach. From wrangling her band at age 19 to opening for The Rolling Stones this year, she has been amazing to watch.”
John “Bug” Woodard, promoter of the Woodystock Blues Festival in Lake Havasu, Ariz., who’s booked many national blues acts, said, “It has been a great pleasure to watch Samantha rise through the ranks to become one of the hottest women in the blues today.”
Asked what the rest of 2024 holds in store for her, Fish said, “lots of touring. The ‘Experience Hendrix’ Tour. (The) U.K. and Europe in the fall. Shake Em On Down Part 2 in December 2025. I know there will be another album, at least it’s what I’m working towards now. Things have a tendency to change every now and then, but I’m dead set on this coming to be. I can’t wait for that.”
See Samantha Fish in concert with special guest Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and The Nighthawks at Kennedy Plaza, 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28. See tonymart.com.
