Samantha Fish / Rock City / Nottingham
A trip to Nottingham’s home of rock for the visit of Samantha Fish on her “Bulletproof” 2024 UK tour.
In support on this tour is the el3ectrifying blues-rock trip The Zac Schuilze Gang, from Gillingham. Formed in 2020 by Zac Schulze (vocals and guitar) with Ant Greenwell (bass) and Ben Schulze (drums) have developed their own unique signature blend of rock and blues with influences from punk, funk, country, jazz, soul, metal and pop.
I had seen Zac and the gang a while ago supporting Eddie 9V and knew what I was in for, and they didn’t disappoint. Zac is a mercurial figure, quiet and unassuming, in his flat cap, but once he has a guitar in his hands…… he changes and becomes a whirlwind of energy delivering some of the best guitar riffs and licks you could want to hear. A visual guitarist too (if you know what I mean) pulling faces and shapes, as he bends the strings giving the instrument a physical energy too.
Not to be outdone, Ant on bass is equally visual, moving freely as he delivers some delightful bass tones. He also takes a turn on the mic delivering a powerful vocal performance that had us in awe. All this backed up by the rock solid drumming of Ben, that pulls the whole thing together perfectly.
Towards the end of the set, the iconic guitar sound of Stairway to Heaven kicks in, and grabs everyone’s attention. Just as we’re settling in to what would likely be a top class cover, Zac takes a sharp left turn, off the highway and into a wild blues number. The tempo is frantic from start to finish and has the crowd on the edge throughout.
Zac and the gang are incredibly talented musicians, and mixed with energy, and a great stage presence they are very much the future of UK blues rock. With a debut album due out in early 2025, watch out for The Zac Schulze Gang…..
There’s no huge, flamboyant stager sets, tonight is all about the music, so there’s a short break and change over as we head to the bar in readiness for Samantha Fish. Born in Kansas City, Missouri Samantha is a singer-songwriter. Often classed as a blues artist, her work is far more than that, drawing on a wide range of influences including rock, country, funk and even some bluegrass. She’s wonb multiple blues awards and has worked with many great musicians and released her latest album with Jesse Dayton “Death Wish Blues” in 2023.
Samantha hit the stage and hit things off with Kick Out the Jams. Initially there seemed to be some technical issues with the mic, so the vocals became lost ion the overall sound, but these were quickly sorted presenting Samantha in her full glory. An outstanding guitarist Sam also delivers some outstanding vocals displaying a wide vocal range and an ability to hold an impressive note.
Having been set up so well by Zan and the Gang, the crowd are eager for more and the energy levels are right off the scale as we whizz through the electrifying Wild Heart and Better Be Lonely and the energy levels reach new hights with some impressive guitar riffs.
The set is a real good mix of tracks, highlights including the likes of the catchy Chills and Fever which the audience sing enthusiastically along to, Kill or Be Kind is a slowed down emotive number with a great organ line under pinning it, while Samantha delivers some outstanding edgy vocals.
Maybe my track of the night goes to the tours title song Bulletproof with it’s iconic bluegrass slide guitar sound and punchy tone, full of power and emotion in equal quantity and an almost gravelly edge to the vocals to compliment the rough and ready guitar tones, it’s a powerhouse, boot tappin’ masterpiece.
Her most recent release also gets a live outing, with a stunning performance of the 1956 song written and recorded by "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins I Put A Spell on You. I LOVE this version of the classic hit. It’s drawn out and slowed down and just oozing emotion from every note. Samantha’s vocals have a luxurious tone to them, giving the track a wonderful blues edge and a new dimension. The subtle Hammond-like organ adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. Its moody and sensual in equal measure. The trac k builds and builds and has a stunning guitar solo in it, before the vocals kick in again and deliver a powerful and intense finale. Sublime stuff !
Some blissfully brilliant blues in the form of Black Wind Howlin’ (from the album of the same name from 2013) which has Samantha harmonising with her own slide playing before cutting loose on guitar on a song that owes something to the likes of Howlin’ Wolf.
As the set draws to a close, she invites the Zac Schulze Gang back up on stage for an incredible version of Goin’ Down South written in 1968 by the legendary Mississippi blues singer, songwriter and guitarist R L Burnside. When I saw Eddie 9V, Zac joined him on stage and they traded guitar riffs in an amazing display of skill and time keeping. Tonight was no different and we listened in awe as Samatha and Zac traded riffs back and forth, playing pass the parcel with the track, throwing it back and forth effortlessly. The skill on display was incredible and had the crowd cheering in approval.
What an end to an incredible night of truly brilliant guitar playing. Samantha Fish and Zac Schulze are an incredible mix and together they delivered a sublime night. This was my first time seeing Samantha Fish, but it certainly won’t be my last. A gifted musician that brings energy, passion and emotion to every note she plays.
