As one of the most influential figures on the 21st century blues scene, SAMANTHA FISH has established herself as a multi-award-winning festival headlining artist who enthrals audiences around the globe with her ferocious yet graceful guitar play, delivering an unrestrained brand of blues-rock that transcends all limitations of the genre.
JESSE DAYTON has a remarkable past that includes working on the soundtracks for Rob Zombie’s horror flicks, recording with legends like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, touring as the guitarist for landmark punk band X, and producing a number of well-received solo albums.
Produced by the legendary Jon Spencer of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Death Wish Blues blends their divergent perspectives into a set of songs, both old and new, that are incredibly powerful and deeply emotional.
We’ve described material from the album as: “infectiously resilient […] pragmatically buttered [and] filled with sour blue intent…”
We were fortunate to see these far-famed artists, along with their top-notch backing band, playing the sold-out super-iconic intimate surroundings of the 100 Club in London on the last evening of the Death Wish Blues Tour, Monday 30th October 2023.
Every detail, tone, and tint was of the highest calibre, five stars...
Raw Ramp Music Magazine
After a heady dash of MC5 to get things rolling, Deathwish quickly illustrated how easygoing their on-stage partnership would be. The vocals tackled unholy intent while the dual guitar lines traced the arcs of disasterous life-choosing as this eruptively resilient song —with all it’s bumping and funky bounciness— brought joy to a packed-in London audience. Samantha’s verse was zesty, while Dayton’s guitarwork was incredibly rhythmic and full of warmth. Perhaps unsurprisingly, his solo was lalapalooza twangy—but in a very positive way!—while Fish added melodic flourish & rhythmic rhapsody to this hugely successful song.
Feels So Good, a liquid-sandpaper & bear’s grease rockabilly-style Junior Parker number, blasted off with amazing guitar work by Dayton and a rather nostalgic beat laid down by the band.
Their performance of the Barbara Lewis song Hello Stranger was a highlight of our evening, and Samantha’s truly exceptional jazz voice was showcased in the intricate melody. Every detail, tone, and tint was of the highest calibre… five stars. Their guitar work was exquisitely detailed, and the band’s groove was as broad as it was elegant.
Brand New Cadillac (a Vince Taylor and the Playboys cover, video shared below) was one of the chunkier, muddier numbers; it was edgy, strong, brave, and, of course, extremely smooth in their capable hands. We were enthralled with the to-and-fro of their rivalrous performances and the overall exuberant execution of this rendition. Really thrilling!
Lover On The Side roared like a solitary, errant caboose barreling down a rock ‘n’ roll highway. This music was chock-full of nostalgic twang, joyous kitsch, and just enough timelessness to top the cup of any rockin’ blues connoisseur. Starlight doesn’t come any brighter!
Words: Neil Mach
Images: Manuela Langotsch
Album link: https://found.ee/SFJDDeathwish
RAW RAMP 