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Samantha Fish, born on January 30, 1989, in Kansas City, Missouri, is a prominent American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist. Known for her potent mix of blues, rock, and Americana, Fish’s career began to gain traction following her debut album “Live Bait” in 2009. Her breakthrough came with her album “Runaway” in 2011, which won the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. Fish’s distinctive style, characterized by her fiery guitar playing and soulful vocals, has been a fixture in the contemporary blues scene. She has released several acclaimed albums, such as “Black Wind Howlin'” (2013) and “Chills & Fever” (2017), showcasing her versatility and growth as an artist. Samantha Fish has collaborated with various artists and bands in the blues genre and continues to tour extensively, earning recognition for her dynamic live performances and contributions to modern blues music.
SAMANTHA FISH STUDIO ALBUMS
Live Bait
Released 2009
Live Bait, the debut album by American blues singer and guitarist Samantha Fish, was released in 2009. This album introduced Fish as a promising new talent in the blues genre. It was recorded in Kansas City, showcasing Fish’s raw blues style and her prowess on the guitar. The album features a collection of live tracks, capturing the energy and intensity of her performances. Live Bait was a stepping stone for Fish, setting the stage for her future success in the blues and rock scenes.
CD Track Listings:
1. See You No More 3:57
2. Leavin It All At Home 5:21
3. Breakin Up Somebody’s Home 4:52
4. Darker Side Of Love 4:20
5. I Put A Spell On You 6:57
6. Monkey See, Monkey Do 5:24
7. Stick With Me Baby 3:38
8. Fool For You 4:57
9. Rollin & Tumblin 6:01
10. Shotgun 4:32
11. Something On Your Mind 6:54
12. I’m Burning 5:40
13. One Kiss At A Time 4:59
14. When The Money Runs Out 5:27
Girls with Guitars
With Cassie Taylor and Dani Wilde
Released 2011
Girls with Guitars, released in 2011, is a collaborative album featuring Samantha Fish alongside fellow blues artists Cassie Taylor and Dani Wilde. This project was part of the Ruf Records’ “Blues Caravan” tour initiative, which aimed to showcase emerging talents in the blues genre. The album was recorded live during their tour and captures the raw energy and synergy between these talented musicians.
The trio, each a formidable guitarist and vocalist in her own right, brought together a blend of styles ranging from traditional blues to rock and soul. Girls with Guitars features a mix of original songs by each artist and some covers, all performed with a fresh and dynamic approach. The live nature of the recording adds a vibrant and spontaneous feel to the album, highlighting the artists’ improvisational skills and onstage chemistry.
CD Track Listings:
- “Come on Home” – Dani Wilde
- “We Ain’t Gonna Get Out Alive” – Cassie Taylor
- “Jet Airliner” – Samantha Fish
- “Bitch” – Dani Wilde
- “Satisfy My Soul” – Cassie Taylor
- “Mr. Loving Man” – Samantha Fish
- “Are You Ready” – Dani Wilde
- “Red Blooded Woman” – Cassie Taylor
- “Wait a Minute” – Samantha Fish
- “Leaving Chicago” – Dani Wilde
- “Move on” – Cassie Taylor
- “Down in the Swamp” – Samantha Fish
- “Bitch” (Studio Bonus Track) – Dani Wilde
Runaway
Released August 30, 2011
Runaway, released on August 30, 2011, is Samantha Fish’s second album and her first studio album. This album, produced by Mike Zito, was recorded at Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana. It features Fish’s blend of blues, rock, and soul, showcasing her development as a songwriter and musician. Runaway includes standout tracks like the title track “Runaway” and “Down in the Swamp,” highlighting Fish’s gritty guitar playing and powerful vocals. The album was well-received, earning Fish the 2012 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut.
CD Track Listings:
- “Down in the Swamp” – 4:01
- “Runaway” – 4:43
- “Today’s My Day” – 4:21
- “Money to Burn” – 3:36
- “Leavin’ Kind” – 4:28
- “Otherside of the Bottle” – 3:39
- “Soft and Slow” – 4:44
- “Push Comes to Shove” – 3:05
- “Louisiana Rain” – 4:21
- “Feel It in Your Heart” – 3:46
Black Wind Howlin’
Released September 10, 2013
Black Wind Howlin’, released on September 10, 2013, is Samantha Fish’s third album. Recorded at Dockside Studios and produced by Mike Zito, this album builds on the success of Runaway. Black Wind Howlin’ showcases Fish’s evolution as a blues artist, featuring a mix of original songs and covers. The album includes tracks like “Miles to Go” and “Go to Hell,” highlighting her fiery guitar skills and compelling songwriting. This release solidified Fish’s reputation as a rising star in the blues-rock world.
CD Track Listings:
- “Miles to Go” – 3:39
- “Kick Around” – 4:26
- “Go to Hell” – 4:00
- “Sucker Born” – 4:53
- “Over You” – 4:06
- “Who’s Been Talking” – 3:28
- “Lay It Down” – 4:45
- “Let’s Have Some Fun” – 4:14
- “Heartbreaker” – 4:06
- “Foolin’ Me” – 3:40
- “Black Wind Howlin'” – 4:35
- “Last September” – 4:10
Wild Heart
Released July 10, 2015
Wild Heart, released on July 10, 2015, is the fourth album by Samantha Fish. Produced by Luther Dickinson, this album was recorded at several locations, including the Zebra Ranch Studios in Mississippi. Wild Heart represents a further exploration of Fish’s blues-rock style, incorporating elements of country and Americana. The album features collaborations with artists like Lightnin’ Malcolm and Jimbo Mathus. Standout tracks like “Highway’s Holding Me Now” and “Turn It Up” showcase Fish’s dynamic range as a vocalist and guitarist. Wild Heart received critical acclaim and continued to expand Fish’s growing fanbase.
CD Track Listings:
- “Road Runner” – 3:25
- “Place to Fall” – 5:59
- “Blame It on the Moon” – 3:35
- “Highway’s Holding Me Now” – 4:25
- “Go Home” – 6:01
- “Jim Lee Blues Pt. 1” – 3:49
- “Turn It Up” – 3:39
- “Show Me” – 4:54
- “Lost Myself” – 6:29
- “Wild Heart” – 5:20
- “Bitch on the Run” – 3:08
- “I’m in Love With You” – 3:49
Chills & Fever
Released 2017
Chills & Fever, released in 2017 by Ruf Records, marks a distinctive turn in Samantha Fish’s musical journey. Produced by Bobby Harlow, this album was recorded in Detroit and showcases Fish’s exploration into retro-soul and R&B, infused with her blues-rock foundation. The album features Fish’s powerful vocals backed by a full horn section and rhythmic beats, presenting a fresh take on classic covers and original songs. Tracks like “Chills & Fever” and “Crow Jane” exhibit Fish’s ability to reinterpret and invigorate old blues and soul numbers with her unique style.
CD Track Listings:
- “He Did It” – 3:07
- “Chills & Fever” – 3:22
- “Hello Stranger” – 4:23
- “It’s Your Voodoo Working” – 3:37
- “Hurt’s All Gone” – 3:57
- “You Can’t Go” – 4:03
- “Either Way I Lose” – 4:04
- “Never Gonna Cry” – 4:10
- “Little Baby” – 2:59
- “Nearer to You” – 3:27
- “You’ll Never Change” – 2:43
- “Crow Jane” – 4:03
- “Somebody’s Always Trying” – 6:01
- “I’ll Come Running Over” – 3:28
Belle of the West
Released 2017
Belle of the West, another 2017 release by Ruf Records, and produced by Luther Dickinson, presents Samantha Fish diving deeper into Americana and roots music. Recorded in the hills of North Mississippi, this album reflects a more acoustic and introspective side of Fish, highlighting her songwriting skills. Belle of the West features collaborations with artists from the region, blending Fish’s blues sensibilities with folk and country influences. The album includes tracks like “American Dream” and “Daughters,” offering stories that resonate with emotional depth and authenticity.
CD Track Listings:
- “American Dream” – 4:31
- “Blood in the Water” – 4:54
- “Need You More” – 4:01
- “Cowtown” – 5:09
- “Daughters” – 4:36
- “Don’t Say You Love Me” – 5:30
- “Belle of the West” – 3:49
- “Poor Black Mattie” (feat. Lightnin’ Malcolm) – 4:56
- “No Angels” – 4:13
- “Nearing Home” (feat. Lillie Mae) – 3:16
- “Gone for Good” – 3:39
Kill or Be Kind
Released 2019
Kill or Be Kind, released in 2019 by Rounder Records and produced by Scott Billington, represents a blend of Fish’s blues-rock style with elements of pop and soul. Recorded in various locations, including the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, the album features Fish’s evolution as a versatile artist. Kill or Be Kind comprises original compositions that showcase Fish’s captivating storytelling, emotional vocal delivery, and guitar prowess. Standout tracks like “Bulletproof” and “Watch It Die” highlight her ability to craft songs that are both powerful and poignant.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bulletproof” – 4:00
- “Kill or Be Kind” – 4:05
- “Love Letters” – 3:27
- “Watch It Die” – 4:04
- “Try Not to Fall in Love with You” – 4:02
- “Fair-Weather” – 4:15
- “Love Your Lies” – 3:57
- “Dream Girl” – 3:41
- “She Don’t Live Around Here” – 5:45
- “Dirty” – 4:07
Faster
Released 2021
Faster, released in 2021 by Rounder Records and produced by Martin Kierszenbaum, is an album that sees Samantha Fish pushing the boundaries of her blues-rock origins into the realms of rock and pop. Recorded primarily in Los Angeles, the album features Fish experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. Faster presents a dynamic mix of high-energy tracks and reflective ballads, showcasing Fish’s versatility and range. The album includes songs like “Twisted Ambition” and “All Ice No Whiskey,” highlighting her continued growth as an artist and her ability to blend various genres seamlessly.
CD Track Listings:
- “Faster” – 3:19
- “All Ice No Whiskey” – 3:14
- “Twisted Ambition” – 3:21
- “Hypnotic” – 3:50
- “Forever Together” – 3:58
- “Crowd Control” – 3:30
- “Imaginary War” – 3:53
- “Loud” – 3:29
- “Better Be Lonely” – 3:15
- “So-Called Lover” – 3:12
- “Like a Classic” – 3:30
- “All the Words” – 3:53
Death Wish Blues -with Jon Spencer
Released 2023
The most recent Samantha Fish album was a collaboration between Samantha Fish and Jon Spencer of the Spencer Blues Explosion. This one smokes just like every other blazing hot Samantha Fish album.
Disc: 1
1. Deathwish
2. Down in the Mud
3. Riders
4. Settle for Less
5. Trauma
6. No Apology
7. Flooded Love
8. Lover on the Side
9. Rippin’ and Runnin’
10. Dangerous People
11. Supadupabad
12. Know My Heart
Complete List Of Samantha Fish Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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