Hey there. With an album cover that gives the term “guitar lick” a whole new meaning, this week Samantha Fish dropped her new album, “Faster.”
And this isn’t your typical Blues-Rock album either.
Oh no. It’s Samantha, Blues-Rocking her way into a whole new, genre-bending, musical space. I was impressed. And, at the same time, not the least bit surprised. (I’ve seen her live and she’s a huge talent.)
Her vocals and songwriting drive this album – reminding us that she’s much more than just a guitar shredder.
And the personal point-of-view she spotlights with these songs is so … demonstrative, you have to pay attention.
This is a gutsy and completely inevitable album from a real artist. Because real artists evolve and take chances – exactly what Samantha’s done here. She’s laying claim to a wider musical landscape and promising there’s more to come.
“Faster” just might accelerate her into a whole new level of stardom.
Online Corner
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
My surfing the Web for the good stuff has gone to a whole new level. And you can bet your little Speedo I stay in the pocket and won’t kick out until I get it all. Here’s some of the best from this week.
Samantha Fish leads off some nice videos this week with the title track to her new album. My interest has gotten piqued for an upcoming B.B. King book. And Gov’t Mule talks about the making of their new (Blues) album.
Videos
- Samantha Fish: Hmmm. Samantha Fish, leather outfits, and some Detroit muscle. (I know my heart’s beating “Faster.”)
- Eric Bibb: Another powerful track, “Dear America,” from Eric’s brand new album which will no doubt turn some heads.
- Eric Clapton: A “trailer” for Eric’s new album coming in November. (So are album “trailers” gonna be a thing now?)
Articles
- B.B. King: Great interview with the author of a new B.B. King book, King of the Blues: The Rise and Reign of B.B.King.
- Blues Guitar: Two simple and useful exercises to bring out the best in your Blues solos. (Even I can do them.)
Podcasts/Livestreams
- Gov’t Mule: A little behind-the-scenes tease for their upcoming (all Blues) album, Heavy Load Blues. (Nice studio!)
- The Blues Rock Review: Asks the question “is the Blues Dead?” (Well, I’m obviously a little biased here.)
New Blues Albums
A big bunch of Blues albums debuted this week. Here are the ones I think deserve a spin.
Samantha Fish pulled off a big musical stretch. Eric Bibb wrote a very personal letter to all of us. Seth Lee Jones took some time away from guitar-making and did some guitar-playing. Hot ‘N’ Nasty laid down some tracks and proved their band is aptly named. And Fabrizio Grossi & Soul Garage Experience pushed the Contemporary Blues envelope.
Out Now
- Samantha Fish: Faster …Always trying to evolve musically, Ms. Fish proves she’s got the talent to do just that.
- Eric Bibb: Dear America …Highly personal, Bluesy Americana album. Quality songwriting with a strong point-of-view.
- Seth Lee Jones: Flathead … Groovin’ Blues Rock from this musician & luthier. Tasty guitar too. (Probably one of his own.)
- Hot ‘N’ Nasty: Burn …Here’s some gritty and growly Blues Rock. Executed with German precision.
- Fabrizio Grossi & Soul Garage Experience: Counterfeit Soulstice Vol.1 …Contemporary Blues. (Stretch your ears.)
Coming Soon
- Ronnie Wood: Mr. Luck – A Tribute To Jimmy Reed: Live At The Royal Albert Hall (Sep 17th)
- Larkin Poe & Nu Deco Ensemble: Paint The Roses (Live In Concert) (Sep 17th)
- Joanne Shaw Taylor: The Blues Album (Sep 24th)
ATWB: New Blues Playlist
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
The updates to the ATWB: New Blues Playlist are in – another solid set of new additions if I do say so myself.
Running the gamut from Eric Bibb to Strange Majik. So I’ve got some Traditional Blues, some Contemporary Blues, and of course a whole bunch of Blues Rock in between.
Listen to them straight or shuffle them up to your little heart’s content.
You’ll find them on Spotify, — and remember to please Follow or Share.
I’ll Leave You With: Some Alvin Lee
This is Alvin Lee appearing on Rockpalast in 1978. The German TV show that’s been broadcasting music performances since 1974. (And still going strong.)
They’ve showcased just about anyone you could think of, and on this night, it was Alvin Lee and Ten Years Later.
Alvin, of course, punched his guitar-star ticket at Woodstock in ’69 where he more or less introduced guitar “shredding” to the world.
Here, Alvin’s at his growling, screaming best with “Help Me.” And he’s making a complete meal out of it too. Watch him use his harmonica, a pipe, and even a drumstick on his guitar.
And just in case you’re wondering, Ten Years Later came after Ten Years After.
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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