Smoke curls around Christmas decorations still hanging in late January inside the Hide Out, a bar at the end of a Gladstone strip mall.
The high ceiling and exposed beams do little to muffle the din of phlegmy coughs and Miller High Life-flavored chatter on this frigid night. Still, about half the crowd is transfixed by the wholesome-looking young woman tearing into a cover of B.B. King's "Something on Your Mind." A red-faced man in a puffy Mizzou jacket stands and points directly at her, midsong. He yells, "She's good!"
"I don't know if I have necessarily carved out my own niche yet, but I'm starting to get a loyal fanbase," Samantha Fish says on a Thursday afternoon in May at Hannibal's Waldo Bar on Wornall Road, where she plays weekly blues jams. The sessions, which are often standing-room-only, are led by Fish and her bandmates, drummer Danny Montero and bassist Paul Greenlease.
In a genre where legends wail scorching melodies past the age of 80, the 21-year-old Fish is still a kid. But the bubbly, slender blonde, who has been playing guitar for six years, is taking the Kansas City blues scene by the balls. Fish's sultry voice and rootsy, groove-oriented sound aren't quite Delta, Chicago or KC in style but an amalgamation, with room for Tom Waits, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm.
Fish first picked up the guitar at 15, cutting her teeth on Bonnie Raitt covers and cock-rock riffs.
"If I wanted to get my feet wet, I would have to learn some blues songs," she says. "I was like, 'I don't want to play the blues.' But I was a stupid-ass kid. And then I kind of fell in love with it."
Sipping iceless water, she keeps her eyes down as a regular approaches the table. The man looks like he's been taking full advantage of the $2 happy-hour beers. He seems slightly star-struck.
"Samantha Fish? I know you. God, I love your music." He burps.
Fish smiles and nods politely. "Thank you so much," she says. The man wanders off. Fish is genuinely charmed. "There's a closeness that I can really appreciate with the people I see out there. They are like friends," Fish says. "I stand around and talk to them during set breaks. I think the blues just gives back more than other types of music."
Fish and her band have spent the past year playing three to four times a week around Kansas City, promoting her debut CD, Live Bait. It was recorded and produced by Steve McBride, who manages Trampled Under Foot, Kansas City's most toasted blues act of recent years.
"I've been really close to Trampled Under Foot," Fish says of her mentor band. "They were so nice to me, letting me jam. That was how I learned how to play guitar, getting to watch them. A lot of the people in town are like that — they genuinely want to help you. It's kind of refreshing. I don't think there's a lot of that in other cities."
Observing local talent — along with watching countless hours of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan concert DVDs — has helped Fish become a gifted player of her custom-made ax, modeled after a G&L ASATClassic.
"She's a hell of an entertainer, and she's street-savvy. She's got the pipes and is quite capable of tearing the shit out of her guitar," says Brad Mallen, owner of the Blue Springs blues venue Trouser Mouse.
Gigs at Rosa's Lounge in Chicago and at BB's Jazz, Blues and Soups in St. Louis, and a vacation on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise have helped Fish build a regional following. An upcoming spot in this summer's Blues From the Top festival in Winter Park, Colorado, is set to put Fish alongside Mike Zito, Ana Popovic and Trampled Under Foot.
"Sometimes it's kind of a boys club," Fish says of the blues. But few men in town can compete with her voice. Onstage, Fish ditches her giggling youthfulness and belts out the songs, her eyes closed, a finger pointed high as she stamps one foot. "Everyone wants me to do Janis Joplin covers, which I can understand, but I steer clear of that kind of stuff," she says.
There are covers — songs by R.L. Burnside and Bobby Marchan — alongside her originals (seven so far). Fish wants to write more, and she knows there's work ahead of her. But it's about her music, not her looks. "I didn't start playing guitar because I was a young blond girl and I thought it would be a good marketing move. I started playing because I felt a calling."
After all, a marketing ploy doesn't have soul. And Fish has no shortage of that.
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I just recently discovered Samantha and I am hooked. Actually I was hooked after the first song I heard. I have watched all the youtube videos, listened to her album countless times. She is the real deal folks. I believe she is on the verge of blues super stardom.
You are Gay, dude. Seriously.....and if you said any of this sh*t to my face, you'd be picking up some loose chiclets of the ground.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing Samantha and her band tonight at BB's lawnside.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing Samantha and her band tonight at BB's lawnside.
Just wanting to know where her critics bands are playing so I can find out how much better they are, but alas, no one is listed in the Pitch or ANYWHERE on the web. Google or youtube YOUR names. Probably comes up under EPIC FAIL. GO ahead and hate on her,she'll be laughing all the way to her next gig and the bank. Besides that you might not ever know when you might just run into her uncle, her 225 pound junk yard dog uncle.
Just wanting to know where her critics bands are playing so I can find out how much better they are, but alas, no one is listed in the Pitch or ANYWHERE on the web. Google or youtube YOUR names. Probably comes up under EPIC FAIL. GO ahead and hate on her,she'll be laughing all the way to her next gig and the bank. Besides that you might not ever know when you might just run into her uncle, her 225 pound junk yard dog uncle.
Pitch apparently doesnt interface well with my word processor. Think ' every time it inserted a carot and an 'a'. Who knew. But then I dont make a habit of commenting. Live and learn. :)
Samantha,
First, and foremost, DO NOT let ANYONE steal your dream and don’t allow yourself to be swayed by negativity. The ONLY opinion that matters is YOURS. If you listen to them, you’ll tear yourself down. Ignore them and you will build character. It takes not only talent, but also tenacity. You have both. There are many who believe in you. Listen to them. Disregard the rest. Constructive criticism, from those QUALIFIED to offer it (as opposed to these armchair quarterbacks) is, as you know, a different story. Always seek to improve – at your profession and as a person.
Thank you to those who actually have something positive to say. I want to address you first because your behavior warrants it. Not only does Samantha DESERVE your support, she appreciates it. Bill and Karen, well said.
To the others, I offer this. “Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Guess which category you fall into. The cockroaches HAVE come out to play, now haven’t they? Ah but it’s easy to crawl out from dark, dirty places and anonymously write on the digital version of the bathroom wall, now isn’t it? Here’s a novel idea, how about YOU get off your ass and do something… ANYTHING. OR I suppose you could do as you have done and sit around dissin and trolling those who actually have. I mean it IS easier than actually WORKING, isn’t it… you can excuse your petty behavior and lackluster lives on the fact that she’s getting UNDESERVED attention. An excuse is, just that, an excuse… and Karma is a b**ch – you DO get what you give. A few things… Kacey, and YOU are? I haven’t seen YOUR name around town on a marquee. You must be the unknown critic I’ve heard tell of. Mitch, it sounds like YOU are in need of a BJ or at least an expert in the matter. Big Daddy, bitter much? And what do WE weigh, hmmm? By the way, to what “dues” are you referring? Do YOU play 3-5 nights a week? Have YOU worked 2 jobs to support your dream until it could support itself as she did? Have you exponentially improved and practiced until you had blisters or burned the candle at both ends so long you couldn’t see straight? She can no more help the fact that she is young and attractive than you can help YOUR looks or apparently your ugly-ass attitude. Is she supposed to lurk in the shadows until YOU decide that she has “paid” her dues? Better, more qualified people than you have determined that she is worthy. Larry, copying huh? Apparently, you don’t understand music history and the progression of same. If you are implying that she sounds like Danielle, well I dunno. I kind of thought she sounded like her mother from whom she inherited her pipes. Perhaps it’s her guitar playing… funny thing is, she learned a lot of THAT at her father’s knee and from the many talented players she’s been blessed to have jammed with. I thought that’s how it worked. But, HEY – that’s just ME… what do I know? I'm no perfesshunal, lak you. I’m SURE you know her and her influences and motivations MUCH better than I. Morgan, I refer you to Mitch. I think you could help each other. Artemis FOUL, thank GOD we have you to enlighten us of small mind (and talent) with your musical genius. THANK YOU so very much for sharing. In conclusion, I have to say I feel in need of a shower after reading the above referenced fecally resplendent comments. What did or have any of you accomplished at the tender age of 21? Hmmm, thought so. Now go crawl back under the rocks or refrigerators from whence you came and tell it to someone who actually WANTS and/or respects your opinions. Somehow, I think they are few and far… otherwise you wouldn’t anonymously post “for a good time, call” commentary on the internet.
Pitch apparently doesnt interface well with my word processor. Think ' every time it inserted a carot and an 'a'. Who knew. But then I dont make a habit of commenting. Live and learn. :)
Samantha, First, and foremost, DO NOT let ANYONE steal your dream and don’t allow yourself to be swayed by negativity. The ONLY opinion that matters is YOURS. If you listen to them, you’ll tear yourself down. Ignore them and you will build character. It takes not only talent, but also tenacity. You have both. There are many who believe in you. Listen to them. Disregard the rest. Constructive criticism, from those QUALIFIED to offer it (as opposed to these armchair quarterbacks) is, as you know, a different story. Always seek to improve – at your profession and as a person. Thank you to those who actually have something positive to say. I want to address you first because your behavior warrants it. Not only does Samantha DESERVE your support, she appreciates it. Bill and Karen, well said. To the others, I offer this. “Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.†-Eleanor Roosevelt Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Guess which category you fall into. The cockroaches HAVE come out to play, now haven’t they? Ah but it’s easy to crawl out from dark, dirty places and anonymously write on the digital version of the bathroom wall, now isn’t it? Here’s a novel idea, how about YOU get off your ass and do something… ANYTHING. OR I suppose you could do as you have done and sit around dissin and trolling those who actually have. I mean it IS easier than actually WORKING, isn’t it… you can excuse your petty behavior and lackluster lives on the fact that she’s getting UNDESERVED attention. An excuse is, just that, an excuse… and Karma is a b**ch – you DO get what you give. A few things… Kacey, and YOU are? I haven’t seen YOUR name around town on a marquee. You must be the unknown critic I’ve heard tell of. Mitch, it sounds like YOU are in need of a BJ or at least an expert in the matter. Big Daddy, bitter much? And what do WE weigh, hmmm? By the way, to what “dues†are you referring? Do YOU play 3-5 nights a week? Have YOU worked 2 jobs to support your dream until it could support itself as she did? Have you exponentially improved and practiced until you had blisters or burned the candle at both ends so long you couldn’t see straight? She can no more help the fact that she is young and attractive than you can help YOUR looks or apparently your ugly-ass attitude. Is she supposed to lurk in the shadows until YOU decide that she has “paid†her dues? Better, more qualified people than you have determined that she is worthy. Larry, copying huh? Apparently, you don’t understand music history and the progression of same. If you are implying that she sounds like Danielle, well I dunno. I kind of thought she sounded like her mother from whom she inherited her pipes. Perhaps it’s her guitar playing… funny thing is, she learned a lot of THAT at her father’s knee and from the many talented players she’s been blessed to have jammed with. I thought that’s how it worked. But, HEY – that’s just ME… what do I know? I'm no perfesshunal, lak you. I’m SURE you know her and her influences and motivations MUCH better than I. Morgan, I refer you to Mitch. I think you could help each other. Artemis FOUL, thank GOD we have you to enlighten us of small mind (and talent) with your musical genius. THANK YOU so very much for sharing. In conclusion, I have to say I feel in need of a shower after reading the above referenced fecally resplendent comments. What did or have any of you accomplished at the tender age of 21? Hmmm, thought so. Now go crawl back under the rocks or refrigerators from whence you came and tell it to someone who actually WANTS and/or respects your opinions. Somehow, I think they are few and far… otherwise you wouldn’t anonymously post “for a good time, call†commentary on the internet.
Everybody's a critic aren't they? It turns my stomach to see such petty jeaslosies hurled at such a talented, kind, modest and beautiful person. Probably not even one of you negative Nancies could go toe to toe with her. Accept it and move on. Stop making the world miserable for the rest of us. We should be proud of our future generations and their accomplishments, not berate them because we do not posess the same abilities. Sheesh!
Everybody's a critic aren't they? It turns my stomach to see such petty jeaslosies hurled at such a talented, kind, modest and beautiful person. Probably not even one of you negative Nancies could go toe to toe with her. Accept it and move on. Stop making the world miserable for the rest of us. We should be proud of our future generations and their accomplishments, not berate them because we do not posess the same abilities. Sheesh!
I have seen Samantha perform hundreds of times over the last few years. I've also seen HUNDREDS of other band perform over the same period. I have had face to face conversations with top echelon national talents and local businessmen who MAKE THEIR MONEY putting on shows. I have seen her go toe to toe with some of the hottest guitar players in blues today. These afformentioned ALL are in unison about Samantha's talent and her future. Some of the readers comments are really quite humorous. I didn't realize we had so many qualified music critics here in KC. I have a few comments as well. Let's see-Artemis. I almost feel bad when responding to your comments because I'm afraid you might not have the mental capacity to realize what you're seeing and hearing. You do know that most music is built around repeating riffs and rhythms, don't you? Samantha's "mediocre" band consists of drummer Danny Montero and bassist Paul Greenlease. Your comment about them is without merit. Samantha looked high and low for these guys and was fortunate to have found them. They are the cream of the crop. She got lucky. To say that she has no "focus or purpose" is laughable. In one short year samantha has played three to five shows a week, put out a cd,(on which she wrote half the songs) and has written another which will be recorded shortly. What did YOU do last year? I think James comments kinda summed it all up. I appreciate all of the positive feedback and I know Samantha does too. Thank you ALL for supporting Samantha.
I have seen Samantha perform hundreds of times over the last few years. I've also seen HUNDREDS of other band perform over the same period. I have had face to face conversations with top echelon national talents and local businessmen who MAKE THEIR MONEY putting on shows. I have seen her go toe to toe with some of the hottest guitar players in blues today. These afformentioned ALL are in unison about Samantha's talent and her future. Some of the readers comments are really quite humorous. I didn't realize we had so many qualified music critics here in KC. I have a few comments as well. Let's see-Artemis. I almost feel bad when responding to your comments because I'm afraid you might not have the mental capacity to realize what you're seeing and hearing. You do know that most music is built around repeating riffs and rhythms, don't you? Samantha's "mediocre" band consists of drummer Danny Montero and bassist Paul Greenlease. Your comment about them is without merit. Samantha looked high and low for these guys and was fortunate to have found them. They are the cream of the crop. She got lucky. To say that she has no "focus or purpose" is laughable. In one short year samantha has played three to five shows a week, put out a cd,(on which she wrote half the songs) and has written another which will be recorded shortly. What did YOU do last year? I think James comments kinda summed it all up. I appreciate all of the positive feedback and I know Samantha does too. Thank you ALL for supporting Samantha.
Fish sounds like a 20 year old girl with average guitar skills that lack dimension. She repeats the same riffs and rhythms constantly. Clearly this girl is talented, but is backed by a mediocre band and really doesn't have a focus or purpose when performing. Hopefully, she will receive some professional guidance with her voice, guitar and stage presence.
Fish sounds like a 20 year old girl with average guitar skills that lack dimension. She repeats the same riffs and rhythms constantly. Clearly this girl is talented, but is backed by a mediocre band and really doesn't have a focus or purpose when performing. Hopefully, she will receive some professional guidance with her voice, guitar and stage presence.
We were at Lee's Summit Friday night -----Really knocked out by Samantha and her band..MORE !!!!rrty
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