Belle of the (Mid)West in the Scottish East.
Samantha Fish (and Melisa Kelly) – Stramash, Edinburgh, 27th November
Samantha Fish (and Melisa Kelly) – Stramash, Edinburgh, 27th November
The Edinburgh Blues Club brought one hell of a show to the capital’s city centre venue, Stramash, on a cold November evening.
And on a Monday night, no less.
At a time when many club venues are struggling to get people through their doors even on a Friday or Saturday, you’d be forgiven for thinking a Monday night of blues and Americana could be a serious gamble – especially in larger venue that requires quite a few bodies to fill it.
But when you have someone of the calibre of Samantha Fish, an artist who can carry off multiple blues genres with style and a sass than can only be described as a visual and listening delight, then you have little problem no matter what night of the week it may be.
Just as a famous film’s now well-used misquote once said, "Build it and they will come," so did the Stramash provide the foundation for the Edinburgh Blues Club to build a show no blues fan in town, and from further afield, wanted to miss.
Samantha Fish’s entire performance was a show of utter professionalism; the Kansas City native gave a lesson in how to play a mean guitar while shifting through a set of songs lifted primarily from her last two albums, the recently released and Mississippi inspired Belle of the West (including the swampy 'No Angels' and the slower, electrifying blues of 'Don’t Say You Love Me') and previous album Chills & Fever.
The latter is a remarkable collection of R&B covers from opening track 'He Did It,' grabbing you from the word go (as it also does live), right across the rest of the album, which keeps your attention throughout.
And on a Monday night, no less.
At a time when many club venues are struggling to get people through their doors even on a Friday or Saturday, you’d be forgiven for thinking a Monday night of blues and Americana could be a serious gamble – especially in larger venue that requires quite a few bodies to fill it.
But when you have someone of the calibre of Samantha Fish, an artist who can carry off multiple blues genres with style and a sass than can only be described as a visual and listening delight, then you have little problem no matter what night of the week it may be.
Just as a famous film’s now well-used misquote once said, "Build it and they will come," so did the Stramash provide the foundation for the Edinburgh Blues Club to build a show no blues fan in town, and from further afield, wanted to miss.
Samantha Fish’s entire performance was a show of utter professionalism; the Kansas City native gave a lesson in how to play a mean guitar while shifting through a set of songs lifted primarily from her last two albums, the recently released and Mississippi inspired Belle of the West (including the swampy 'No Angels' and the slower, electrifying blues of 'Don’t Say You Love Me') and previous album Chills & Fever.
The latter is a remarkable collection of R&B covers from opening track 'He Did It,' grabbing you from the word go (as it also does live), right across the rest of the album, which keeps your attention throughout.
That Samantha Fish professionalism extends right through to her live band, with the singer-guitarist commenting that Scotland was being treated to one of the best group of musicians she’s shared a stage with. I’m confident there wasn’t anyone in disagreement.
The earlier "visual delight" comment would be easy to read that as a typical male reviewer reacting to the artist in question looking spectacular (in what seemed to be an Olivia Newton-John Grease inspired outfit) but the visual reference relates primarily to how easy it was to see that not only were Samantha Fish and her band putting on quite a show, they were enjoying each and every bit of it.
Their energy positively flowed off the high stage of the Stramash and seeped into the audience members bones (to the degree that you couldn’t help but enjoy it as much as the band did).
This wasn’t just a gig, this was a celebration of various blues styles within a real party atmosphere.
Samantha Fish is an artist I urge everyone to go see live; I count myself fortunate to have been at this gig and look forward to the next time I get the chance to witness this talented performer.
The earlier "visual delight" comment would be easy to read that as a typical male reviewer reacting to the artist in question looking spectacular (in what seemed to be an Olivia Newton-John Grease inspired outfit) but the visual reference relates primarily to how easy it was to see that not only were Samantha Fish and her band putting on quite a show, they were enjoying each and every bit of it.
Their energy positively flowed off the high stage of the Stramash and seeped into the audience members bones (to the degree that you couldn’t help but enjoy it as much as the band did).
This wasn’t just a gig, this was a celebration of various blues styles within a real party atmosphere.
Samantha Fish is an artist I urge everyone to go see live; I count myself fortunate to have been at this gig and look forward to the next time I get the chance to witness this talented performer.
Opening the show in support at the Stramash were Glasgow’s Melisa Kelly & The Smokin' Crows, a band I was keen to hear because a number of people had told me I was in for a treat due to Melisa Kelly’s outstanding vocal talent.
They weren’t joking; this lady has a powerful voice with beautiful tone and belts it out with ease.
Additionally, the two female backing singers who formed part of the band complemented Melisa Kelly’s voice perfectly.
In short, a class act to open for this night’s international star.
Along with original material Melisa Kelly treated the audience to an amazing cover of Stevie Wonder’s 'Higher Ground,' which got the whole place dancing. Just fantastic, and another highly recommended performer.
Samantha Fish on her own would have been worth the admission price, but with Melisa Kelly & The Smokin' Crows added in to the mix… well, all I can say is if you didn't catch this one, kick yourself hard because you missed one amazing gig from the blues Belle of the (Mid)West and, additionally, a fine Glasgow based band.
John McIntyre
for FabricationsHQ
All photos by John McIntyre
They weren’t joking; this lady has a powerful voice with beautiful tone and belts it out with ease.
Additionally, the two female backing singers who formed part of the band complemented Melisa Kelly’s voice perfectly.
In short, a class act to open for this night’s international star.
Along with original material Melisa Kelly treated the audience to an amazing cover of Stevie Wonder’s 'Higher Ground,' which got the whole place dancing. Just fantastic, and another highly recommended performer.
Samantha Fish on her own would have been worth the admission price, but with Melisa Kelly & The Smokin' Crows added in to the mix… well, all I can say is if you didn't catch this one, kick yourself hard because you missed one amazing gig from the blues Belle of the (Mid)West and, additionally, a fine Glasgow based band.
John McIntyre
for FabricationsHQ
All photos by John McIntyre