Asheville, NC (1/29/23) – On a cold Sunday night fans lined up early, in the misting rain, outside of the Salvage Station. Tonight’s show would feature Samantha Fish and guest opener Eric Johanson. Many people spoke of having seen Fish at prior shows and some were in attendance for the first time. The pre show excitement seemed to warm the spirits of all eager for a great night of entertainment.
Opener, Eric Johanson, was a name I had not been familiar with but her gained a new fan in me as well as the whole crowd. Bringing his New Orleans infused style of bluesy rock he wowed the crowd with an energetic set and guitar prowess. His years of experience, having played since he was 5yrs, shown through in songs such as “Nowhere To Go,” “Down To The Bottom” and “Burn It Down.” Eric’s talents have given him the opportunity to work with artists like Tab Benoit, JJ Grey, The Neville Brothers and more as well as take the stage at such event as the Chicago Blues Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Edmonton Blues Festival to name a few. Eric Johanson is definitely a name to keep in mind and add to your playlist.
Samantha Fish has been on my radar for quite awhile now but until now I’ve not been able to catch a live show. Currently touring in support of her latest album, “Faster,” Fish shows no signs of slowing as an influential artist in the blues scene. Consistently putting out great albums and showcasing her skills live have garnered her a loyal fan base that continues to grow. Citing influences like Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan there’s no surprise to her rock infused blues sound. However, Fish delves into mixtures of Funk, Country, Bluegrass and Ballads at times providing a mixture of sounds and skills throughout her show.
Tonight’s show would open with the cigar box guitar driven song “Bulletproof” before powering through an arsenal of multiple Gibson and Fender axes. Other songs such as “Twisted Ambition,” “Kill or Be Kind” and “Either Way I Lose” held fans attention throughout the evening as they sang and danced along. “Black Wind Howlin’” would close out the set.
Samantha currently has dates listed through the end of October taking her all across the United States, Australia and Europe.
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Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
