Even with little promotion for this tour stop, the buzz around Chicagoland was that the "Death Wish Blues" tour with Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton were headlining Rock N Wheels Blues night. The crowd steadily poured into the festival after the rains subsided for the Queen of the Blues was in town. Loyal fans of this young artist attest that she takes each successive tour to a higher level; her following continues to grow with intensity as this immensely-talented, award-winning musician performs.
Opening the evening was Chicago based ZZ Top Tribute band "Eliminator" with a solid performance that kept amping up the audience in anticipation of the headliner. The organizers of the event were ecstatic to secure Samantha Fish to play the annual summer concert series and it showed.
As the giddy announcer finished his enthusiastic presentation of the band, openly asking for a hug from her before she took the stage, everyone knew this was going to be an evening to remember. Looking the part of the Rock Star shes become Ms.Fish took the stage in her Marilyn Monroe glamor slinging her now famous White Gibson SG. Fish and Jesse Dayton opened the night with a powerful punch, reaching back to the MC5 "Kick Out the Jams" with everyone immediately on their feet in the passionate frenzy she generated the second the spotlights hit her.
The flow of the show was a brilliant progression of highs and more highs. Her veteran tour manager kept the guitars tuned on a very humid night, not missing a beat as Sam and Jesse ran the gauntlet of tunes including the latest "Death Wish," "Feels So Good" by Junior Parker, "Hello Stranger" by Barbara Lewis, "Settle For Less," "Bulletproof," and "Down In The Mud." The tight band closed out the evening pounding out "Lover on the Side," "Dangerous People" and "Ripping And Running." The crowd was in awe of the chemistry Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton had on stage the way the band absolutely kicked ass.
This incarnation of her band is hard hitting, funky and dangerously good. They flow seamlessly through songs and genres. Jesses hollow body guitar sound, vocals and songwriting just enhance the incredible Samantha Fish in a way comparable to Neal Giraldo and Pat Benatar, there is something exceptional happening with this rendition of the band.
On a personal note, Jesse Dayton from Texas had me in his fandom after talking to him as the first guitarist he mentioned listening to while growing up was none other than Mr Bugs Henderson. New and old fans will agree this is one of the hottest bands touring right now and is an absolute must see show.
Blues/Rock in general and Death Wish Blues in particular is alive and well in 2023. Mr Bugs Henderson would be proud!