By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Venue: Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa, Florida-February 15, 2020
Samantha Fish is one of those rising stars that is becoming a household name in the blues world—and there is a good reason for that—sheer talent. Fish released her sixth solo album Kill Or Be Kind in September 2019 through Rounder Records, and has been receiving rave revues. You can read Rock At Night’s album review HERE. Rock At Night caught up with her in Tampa, Florida, on February 15th. She will be playing one last gig in Florida tonight and before heading across the pond to the UK at the end of February.
Skipper’s Smokehouse is an institution in Tampa Bay, a dive outdoor venue that is famous for its Grouper Reuben and its canopy of large trees that shade the stage area. With wooden benches and tables, a sandy floor, and plenty of stringed lights, the venue has featured world class acts since 1980. The post-Valentine’s Day concert began with a local blues fav Kid Royal Band, who played a 90-minute set since T.C. Carr canceled due to illness. Since the evening’s concert was sold-out, many Baby Boomer patrons were standing near the stage, many dancing on the wooden deck dance floor. Kid Royal Band performed songs from their new EP I Just Wanna Live but the real favorite of the evening was their rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”.
At 10 p.m. the lady the crowd had been patiently waiting for, Samantha Fish, hit the ground running with her single “Bulletproof.” Looking very retro sporting a cleavage-baring shirt with spikes and wearing five-inch stiletto pumps, the blonde bombshell kicked ass and took names as she shredded on her trademark electric cigar box guitar. Her nimble fingers slid up and down the neck, while belting…Turn it on you, I’d turn this on you, Turn it on you, but you’re bulletproof using a vintage effect microphone. Very cool and hip!
Fish was supported by a full band during the evening, which included brass, bass, keys, and drums, however, she was clearly in command of the show with her skillful guitar playing and powerful, soulful voice. The crowd pushed forward to be close to the stage, many dancing, and others holding up their cell phones to record the show. She switched out various electric guitars, stepped on effect pedals, and soon the show became full rock ‘n’ roll as she played “Watch It Die” and “Love Letters”, often breaking into crunchy lead guitar solos.
Fish was sizzling all evening, as she sang more songs from her recent album like “Kill Or Be Kind”, “Dream Girl”, and “Fair Weather.” Many in the audience were mouthing the lyrics and dancing, even though the space was standing room only at the stage. Fish said, “It’s good to be back here! It’s been three years, right?”
Well, Ms. Fish, please do not wait that long to come back to Tampa Bay, because you clearly have a huge fan-base here! After working her butt off the last decade doing heavy touring, she is finally getting her well-deserved “day in the sun.”
PHOTO GALLERY
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 UK TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST FÉLIX RABIN
TICKETS: www.alttickets.com, www.gigantic.com
| St Lukes, Glasgow | Friday 28 February |
| Brudenell Social Club, Leeds | Saturday 29 February |
| Rescue Rooms, Nottingham | Sunday 1 March |
| Gorilla, Manchester | Tuesday 3 March |
| The Globe, Cardiff | Wednesday 4 March |
| Islington Assembly Hall, London | Thursday 5 March |
| The Waterfront, Norwich | Friday 6 March |
| Trinity, Bristol | Saturday 7 March |
| Concorde, Brighton | Sunday 8 March |
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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