Samantha Fish made her Asbury Park debut at the legendary Stone Pony on Saturday night. Sam and her band are on a nationwide tour supporting her seventh album, "Faster", which is currently the #1 Blues Album on the Billboard Charts. It is no wonder why, with her rock star swagger stage presence, incendiary guitar skills, a sexy sultry style, and a voice made to sing the blues that just hits your soul!

Hailing from Kansas City, Sam has the blues running through her veins and contributes her native city and all the influences of the blues to her career and success. This multiple award-winning blues phenom actually started out playing drums and switched to the guitar at age 15. She made her first album Live Bait in 2009. Since then, she has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with, and the blues scene has taken notice. She uses many different guitars and styles throughout her show, including a cigar box guitar, Fenders, and her trusty white Gibson SG. Her influence of the SG comes from Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock N Roll.

Sam recently played with 85-year-old blues legend Buddy Guy. Buddy is a true living legend and for her or anyone to have the chance to share the stage with this man, knows what an honor it is to play alongside him. She has also worked with and played with blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Devon Allman, Luther Dickinson, and Anders Osborne. Her blues chops and out-of-this-world guitar playing have risen her in the ranks and is becoming a blues icon herself. After last night seeing her and her band play for the first time, I can honestly report it is well deserved, she blew the roof of the joint to a Sold Out Stone Pony! Here is a quote from Sam discussing playing live; "I fell in love with music from going to shows. And, I know how cathartic it can be. It heals your heart. Anytime I play live, I just want to make people forget about everything else in the world, and feel the same joy I feel on stage."

Sam has assembled a band of exquisite musicians that blend a mixture of blues, pop, and rock and roll. The current lineup includes Ron Johnson on Bass, Sarah Tomek on Drums, and Matt Wade on the Keys. Each one brings to the table their own unique blend of influences and style of play. Ron Johnson is as smooth as they come. He knows how to get the audience movin' and groovin'. He has played with rock legends Gregg Allman, Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir, and the Warren Haynes Band. Ron is from New Orleans, he linked up with Sam in the NOLA music scene. He brings that funky, groovy, thunderous bass licks which are exactly what the doctor ordered.

Sarah Tomek and I have known each other since grade school. She has become a legend herself here in NJ. Starting off in many different local acts including Days Awake, making it all around the world playing with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Maggie Rose, and now absolutely destroying the kit with Samantha Fish. Sarah got a call one day from a drummer friend in Nashville asking her if she knew anyone that would want to play with Sam, and that is how she scored the gig. Her style is unique blending so many different vibes of playing, light little rolls and fills, along with heavy and hard, she is the epitome of a rock drummer. Here is a quote from Sarah on returning home to the Stone Pony.  Sarah notes;  "I haven't played the pony in over ten years, so coming back to a sold-out night was complete fire. The road for any musician is humbling. Right now I am where I'm supposed to be and I'm happy to see where this ride takes Samantha and us."  On a personal note, to see one of my old friends I have known since we were kids, make it, and live her dream is magnificent. I am so proud of Sarah, and it was an honor to live my dream, documenting her living hers.

Last but not least is Matt Wade. He is another NJ local legend from Point Pleasant. Matt has been playing since he was 5 years old and started writing music at age 10. He is a 2015 Asbury Park Music Award Top Keyboard player recipient. He has played with many local artists and bands and has his own band, the Matt Wade Band. He got linked to Sam's manager via John Ginty from The Allman Betts Band. His skills on the keys are hard to beat. He is a perfect fit for Sam, bringing a bluesy gritty organ sound, along with melodic tones and riffs, that goes amazing with some of her pop tunes as well. All four of these incredible musicians deserve all the respect and props they are getting on the national and world stage. Blues music and Rock N Roll are not dead, they are thriving, bringing new fans of young and old the genre that started it all.

Samantha Fish is well on her way to becoming one of the all-time blues greats. Her unique blend of blues, rock, pop, and funk, and live stage presence is what concerts and music are all about. Music has no right or wrongs, it's just creative freedom of expression. We all know how hard it is to make it in the music industry, but artists like Sam show all of us that with hard work, dedication and a passion for music anyone can make their dreams come true. Sam's infectious personality and style come out in her music and leave everyone in the audience wanting more. She blew me away, and I highly recommend you check her out if she is coming into your city. She has been on a nationwide tour all summer and fall but has many more stops upcoming on her tour. The link her website is noted below and has all the info you need on this blues legend in the making. Samantha Fish is melting faces and hearts, do yourself a solid and go see her live. Be prepared, she will knock your socks off!

Setlist:  11/13/21

The Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ Setlist: LOUD ALL ICE NO WHISKEY TWISTED AMBITION HELLO STRANGER FOREVER TOGETHER NO ANGELS BETTER BE LONELY KILL OR BE KIND WATCH IT DIE GONE FOR GOOD LOVE LETTERS SO CALLED LOVER BLACK WIND HOWLIN EITHER WAY I LOSE BULLETPROOF ENCORE w RIVER KITTENS DREAMGIRL BITCH ON THE RUN

samanthafish.com