Review by Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson
Few modern blues-rock artists command a stage quite like Samantha Fish does. The Kansas City guitarist, singer and songwriter has built a formidable reputation over the past decade and a half, blending gritty blues traditions with fiery rock energy and fearless musicianship. With fourteen studio albums to her name and a trophy cabinet packed with awards, Fish continues to prove why she remains one of the most electrifying performers in contemporary blues.
On a buzzing night at The Queen’s Hall, Fish arrived in the Scottish capital as part of her Paper Doll World Tour, bringing with her a band that was clearly ready to deliver a masterclass in blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll. The sold-out venue crackled with anticipation as the lights dimmed and the band took their places on the historic stage. Moments later Fish strolled out to a roaring welcome, greeting the crowd with a cheerful “Hello Edinburgh!” before plugging in her guitar and diving straight into the night’s opening number.
The unmistakable riff of “Paper Doll” instantly ignited the room. Driven by punchy bass and crisp snare hits, the track surged forward with swagger as Fish unleashed her powerful vocals and razor-sharp guitar work. From the first note, the crowd was hooked — fists pumping and voices cheering as the blues-rock powerhouse showed exactly why she’s regarded as one of the finest guitarists of her generation.
Switching guitars, Fish launched into “Can You Handle The Heat”. The rhythm section locked into a tight groove while Fish delivered soulful, melodic vocals that wrapped effortlessly around the track’s infectious rhythm. The bassline pulsed with a dark, mellow tone while shimmering cymbal work kept the momentum rolling. It was a moment that perfectly highlighted the musical maturity Fish has developed throughout her career.
Taking a quick pause to adjust her pedalboard and grab a sip of water, Fish told the crowd how much she loves playing in Edinburgh — a sentiment clearly appreciated by the packed room. The band then eased into “I’m Done Runnin”. A chunky guitar riff and crisp cymbal taps set the tone before keys floated into the arrangement, adding depth and texture. Fish roamed the stage with confidence, her vocals filling every corner of the venue as the audience sang along.
The groove deepened with “Sweet Southern Sounds”, which opened with a thick, blues-soaked guitar lick before the rhythm section kicked in with thunderous cymbal crashes. Fish leaned into the microphone with smouldering vocals, delivering a powerful performance while the band played tightly behind her, shifting gears with effortless precision.
Audience interaction was front and centre during “Lose You”. Encouraging the crowd to raise their hands, Fish delivered dazzling slide-guitar licks while the bassline rolled beneath the song with rich, mellow warmth. The crowd responded enthusiastically, shouting and cheering as the track built into a swirling blues-rock groove.
The mood shifted slightly with “Don’t Say It”. Opening with dark bass tones and delicate guitar picking, the song unfolded slowly before exploding into a gritty blues workout. For a brief moment the venue fell almost silent, the audience transfixed by the intensity of the performance as Fish and the band dug deep into the song’s emotional core.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Fish brought out her cigar box guitar for “Bulletproof”. The raw tone of the instrument gave the song a gritty edge, while slick slide riffs danced across the groove. Fish moved confidently around the stage, locking eyes with fans as she delivered one searing solo after another.
The set continued with the smouldering “Fortune Teller”, a slow-burning blues piece that built gradually before erupting into a powerful groove. Fish’s vocals soared while the band shifted tempos seamlessly, giving the track a dramatic edge that held the audience spellbound.
Energy surged again with “Poor Black Mattie”, a gritty blues number packed with swagger. The rhythm section delivered a pounding groove, while the keyboard flourishes added extra texture. Fish’s guitar licks bounced effortlessly off the bassline, creating a raw and infectious blues-rock atmosphere.
The eerie riff of “Rusty Razor” brought a darker edge to the set. Fish mesmerised the crowd with soulful vocals while the keys shimmered in the background and the rhythm section pounded out a relentless beat. The band looked visibly delighted, clearly enjoying the moment as much as the audience.
That energy carried into “Dream Girl”, where Fish’s soulful voice floated over a deep, funky bassline and smooth keyboard melodies. The track showcased her versatility as both a vocalist and guitarist, highlighting the musical chemistry within the band.
The main set closed with the stomping blues anthem “Black Wind Howlin'”. Driven by heavy bass and pounding drums, the song erupted into a ferocious finale. Fish tore through blistering guitar lines before suddenly encountering a technical hiccup — her amp gave out mid-performance. The crowd responded with cheers and applause while the tech crew rushed to fix the issue, the band temporarily stepping offstage.
After a few minutes, the band returned to a thunderous welcome. Laughing it off, Fish joked that she thought she might not be coming back before launching into the final treat of the evening.
For the encore, Fish was joined by Zac Schulze of The Zac Schulze Gang for a blistering rendition of “Bitch On The Run”. What followed was nothing short of spectacular. The two guitarists traded fiery licks and solos, pushing each other to new heights in a thrilling display of blues-rock virtuosity. The crowd erupted as the pair battled it out on stage, delivering a finale that felt truly special.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Samantha Fish had delivered more than just a concert — she had delivered a full-blown blues-rock spectacle. Packed with powerhouse vocals, masterful guitar playing and a band firing on all cylinders, the show was a reminder that Samantha Fish remains one of the most compelling live performers in modern blues.
Edinburgh certainly won’t forget this night in a hurry.
Samantha Fish Band
Samantha Fish — Vocals / Electric Guitar / Cigar Box Guitar
Ron Johnson — Bass / Backing Vocals
Micky Finn — Keys / Backing Vocals
Jamie Douglas — Drums
Setlist
Paper Doll
Can You Handle The Heat
I’m Done Running
Sweet Southern Sounds
Lose You
Don’t Say It
Bulletproof
Fortune Teller
Poor Black Mattie
Rusty Razor
Dream Girl
Black Wind Howlin’
Bitch On The Run (ft. Zac Schulze)
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