Samantha Fish / The Barbican / York
A nightmare trip up the A1 (aren’t all A1 journeys?) to York to catch US blues rock guitarist Samantha Fish on the opening night of her 2026 “Paper Doll” UK tour at the Barbican.
In support tonight is a real treat, a set from the brilliant Zac Schulze Gang. Formed in Gillingham in 2020, they are an electrifying blues-rock trio built on the exceptional guitar playing of front man Zac Schulze, joined by bassist Ant Greenwell and drummer Ben Schulze. The gang create their signature sound by blending rock and blues with influences from punk, funk, country, jazz, soul, metal and pop. Having seen them a couple of times before supporting Eddie 9V, we knew what was in store !
They play a more muscular, robust brand of blues rock than maybe traditional Blues, and the trio rip through a strong set. The influence of the likes of Rory Gallagher and Fleetwood Mac are evident. It’s fast paced and powerful, Zac is a ball of energy darting round the stage, never missing a beat.
Not to be outshone, Ant on bass is equally visual, moving freely as he delivers some delightful bass tones. All this backed up by the rock solid drumming of Ben, that pulls the whole thing together perfectly.
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.
The York audience gave them a standing ovation, pretty special for a support band, and tells you all you need to know about how good they are.
The stage is prepared ready for the arrival of Samantha Fish, an American guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. While often seen primarily as a blues artist, her work features and draws from multiple genres, including rock, country, funk, bluegrass, and ballads. She released her debut album “Live Bait” in 2009 and her wonderful new album “Paper Doll” last year.
Tonight’s venue is all seated but everyone warmly clapped and cheered as Samantha steps out with her band. Dressed dramatically in all black leather a contrast to her fifties style blonde hair, she is a striking figure at the mic stand. What makes her stand out as a blues guitarist is she builds a variety of sounds and styles into her music.
They hit things off with MC5’s legendary track Kick Out the Jams. An outstanding guitarist Sam also delivers some outstanding vocals displaying a wide vocal range and an ability to hold an impressive note, giving the track her own particular style.
Paperdoll from the latest album slots in nicely to the set and gets a great reception from the York crowd.
The hip-shaking Better Be Lonely with Samantha conjuring up some gorgeous tones out of her guitar as she teases, “I won’t bend all the rules for you…” while Ron Johnson alongside her brings the groove.
Maybe my track of the night goes to Bulletproof with it’s iconic cigar box, 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. Jaws drop around the hall as Fish conjures up something magical as she alternates between her traditional mic and her old-time fuzz-filled mic.
With such a presence, its easy to forget Samantha is supported by such a great band. Drummer Jamie Douglass pummels his kit into submission as he kicks out some killer jams, joined by the incredible Mickey Finn on keyboards, and Ron Johnson on bass they do a stellar job creating the depth of sound. The Barbican has some fantastic acoustics and the songs ring round the walls.
As the set draws to a close, Rusty Razor from ”Paper Doll” slots in perfectly to the mix, high tempo, and bristling with energy and emotion. Finally, we end on Black Wind Howlin’ the title track from the 2013 album, as Zac Schulze walks back onto the stage. With some classic Howlin’ Wolf like drawn out vocals (n Sam’s own unique style) ring round the hall the track builds and 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.
It’s perhaps the perfect way to end the night with two masters of the guitar, trading riffs. Samantha Fish and Zac Schulze compliment each other so well and the crowd stand in adulation for what they just witnessed.
Samantha Fish, a gifted musician that brings energy, passion and emotion to every note she plays.
Setlist
Kick Out the Jams
Paperdoll
I’m Done Runnin’
Better Be Lonely
Sweet Southern Sounds
Lose You
Don’t Say It
Bulletproof
Miles to Go
Fortune Teller
Somebody’s Always Tryin’
Rusty Razor
Dream Girl
Black Wind Howlin’
