Samantha Fish electrified the stage with her signature blend of blues, rock, and soul during her Detroit stop with JD Simo at Saint Andrew’s Hall.
Amidst the dimly lit ambiance of Saint Andrew’s Hall, JD Simo ignited a fiery passion that reverberated through the crowd. With his guitar slung over his shoulder like a trusted companion, Simo commanded attention from the moment he stepped into the spotlight. His impeccable skills on the guitar were nothing short of mesmerizing, each riff and solo executed with precision and passion. His fingers danced effortlessly across the fretboard, producing soul-stirring melodies that seemed to emanate from the depths of his being.
A huge highlight of the set was when Simo delved into an anecdote about playing with the late and great John Lee Hooker, and the many times the legend spoke to him about the wonders of Viagra. With a thundering laugh from the crowd, Simo said the next song was for him, and he hopes it’s working out all right up there, before starting a cover of Hooker’s “Never Get Out of These Blues Alive.”
Accompanied by Adam Abrashoff’s driving beat on drums that provided a solid foundation for his improvisations, Simo showcased his ability to seamlessly blend elements of blues, rock, and funk into a sound that was uniquely his own. Whether he was delving into a blistering guitar solo or crooning a heartfelt ballad, every note was imbued with emotion and authenticity.
From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Samantha Fish commanded the audience’s attention with her raw talent and captivating energy. Opening the show with a tremendous performance of signature tracks “Bulletproof” and “Wild Heart,” Fish wasted no time in showcasing her mesmerizing guitar skills. Her fingers danced effortlessly across the fretboard, turning out soulful licks and searing solos that seemed to pour straight from the depths of her being.
She effortlessly crooned through a cover of Johnny Love & His Orchestra’s “Chills and Fever” and “Don’t Say That You Love Me.” Throughout the night, Fish showcased her versatility as a musician, seamlessly transitioning between blues, rock, and even touches of Americana. Tracks like “Kill or Be Kind,” “Watch It Die,” and “Dream Girl” demonstrated her ability to blend genres while maintaining her distinctive sound. Each song was a journey, with Fish pouring her heart and soul into every note.
But it wasn’t just Fish’s musical prowess that left a lasting impression. Her band, consisting of seasoned musicians, provided a solid foundation for her to shine. The chemistry between them was palpable, creating a dynamic and strong performance that kept the crowd captivated from start to finish.
A highlight was when Fish brought out her acoustic guitar to treat the crowd to a toned-down rendition of Charley Patton’s “Jim Lee Blues, Part 1” which blended perfectly into (Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “If I Were Your Woman,” followed by the soulful “Need You More.” It was a perfect softer part of the high-energy night.
She also paid tribute to many musicians with amazing renditions, including Teri Thornton’s “Either Way I Lose,” Ted Taylor’s “Somebody’s Always Trying,” and The Cineemas’ “Never Gonna Cry.”
As the night drew to a close, Fish treated the audience to an encore performance that left them cheering for more. With her guitar wailing and her voice soaring, she brought the house down with a fiery production of “Bitch on the Run.” With the Detroit stop of The Bulletproof Tour coming to a thunderous close, Fish proved once again why she is a true powerhouse in the world of blues and rock music.
