Samantha Fish, the American blues-rock sensation, brought her electrifying live show to the Arts Club Liverpool, UK, as part of her mini 2025 UK tour.
The Kansas City-based artist is promoting her new album Paper Doll (Rounder Records), produced by Detroit garage-rock legend Bobby Harlow. Featuring nine meticulously crafted songs, the album is receiving glowing reviews worldwide.
As the crowd gathered in Liverpool’s intimate venue, slowly filling every corner of the space, British bluesman Troy Redfern took the stage. Famous for his slide guitar prowess, Redfern delivered a high-energy set alongside his drummer bandmate. The audience was left breathless—it was the perfect way to start a Friday evening. Right on cue at 8 p.m., the first notes of the headliner rang out.
Fish kicked things off with a powerhouse cover of Kick Out the Jams by legendary rockers MC5. Next came Paper Doll, a phenomenal showcase of her artistry. As the night unfolded, I realized there wasn’t a single weak song in her set. Her guitar work was nothing short of remarkable—bold, textured, and emotionally charged. Touring bandmates Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums), and Mickey Finn (keys) were in top form, creating a rich sonic backdrop for Fish’s stunning performance.
The setlist included the majority of tracks from Paper Doll, along with fan favorites from her earlier work, including Bulletproof and Dream Girl. The crowd reached peak excitement during I Put a Spell on You, the Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic, and I’m Done Running, a testament to Fish’s ability to craft high-energy blues-rock anthems.
For me, Fortune Teller—my personal favorite from the new album—was absolutely mesmerizing. I hadn’t expected it to sound even more powerful live than on the record. The perfectly synchronized guitar solo sent shivers through me for the entire performance.
The night concluded with Black Wind Howlin’, a haunting song that showcased Fish’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Its poignant lyrics—exploring themes of redemption, retribution, and turmoil—combined with the raw intensity of her guitar solo, left the audience spellbound.
As the final notes faded into the night, echoes of an unforgettable performance lingered—proof that live music still holds the power to move, unite, and electrify.
SAMANTHA FISH
TROY REDFERN
Photos + Review by Tomas Adam | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!