Kansas City is sharing another rising star in the world of blues, her name is Samantha Fish. Her new album, Belle of the West, finds the young guitarist/vocalist blending hip guitar work with engaging lyrics all done with intense passion and authority. Her music is firmly in the southern blues soundscape, but has influences of rock and western country and may even flirt with Americana at times. Belle of the West is Fish’s sixth full-length release since debuting in 2009. Fish brings us eleven songs that are full of her bluesy vocals, guitar skills, imaginative covers and excellent songwriting. Fish’s powerhouse vocals and guitar unfolds her mostly acoustic set of tunes with a healthy dose of slide guitar and stirring vocal harmonies. The producer’s chair contains Luther Dickinson and the record was made at his Zebra Ranch studios in the North Hills of Mississippi with local musicians such as: Lillie Mae, Jimbo Mathus, Lightnin’ Malcolm and Amy LaVere. Brilliant blues singing and songs, and that’s the short of it!
Positives: Belle of the West has an earthy sound and feel with organic and honest lyrics combined with emotional songwriting and covers. Fish’s vocals are full of all the blues inflections and overflowing with passion, but always under control and full of groove!
Bottom Line: Fish delivers the goods with Belle of the West, her most personal and emotional album to date. The songs are expertly crafted, and this is what makes Fish so special, her songwriting, but make no mistake, her versions of old tractor driving songs like “Poor Black Mattie” have that same special touch too. Pushing the boundaries of southern country blues with western country and Americana, Fish has found a combination that will speak to your heart. Belle of the West further demonstrates Fish’s beautiful voice and outstanding guitar playing all done with heart, soul and true originality.
Positives:
Belle of the West has an earthy sound and feel with organic and honest lyrics combined with emotional songwriting and covers. Fish’s vocals are full of all the blues inflections and overflowing with passion, but always under control and full of groove!
Bottom Line:
Fish delivers the goods with Belle of the West, her most personal and emotional album to date. The songs are expertly crafted, and this is what makes Fish so special, her songwriting, but make no mistake, her versions of old tractor driving songs like “Poor Black Mattie” have that same special touch too. Pushing the boundaries of southern country blues with western country and Americana, Fish has found a combination that will speak to your heart. Belle of the West further demonstrates Fish’s beautiful voice and outstanding guitar playing all done with heart, soul and true originality.