Samantha Fish’s Paper Doll Concert Wowed St. Louis

— by Carrie Zukoski

The slow-moving line to get into Samantha Fish’s St. Louis concert at Atomic by Jamo on Saturday, May 9, wrapped around the building and down the block. As it was still a gorgeous spring evening, and the folks in line were friendly, it made the wait bearable.

The outdoor concert kicked off a little past 8 p.m. with the sun setting behind Ruston, Louisiana-based D.K. Harrell and his backing band. With a glint in his eye and a smile that dazzled, Harrell hinted to the ladies that he’s 28, single, and ready to mingle. With jokes aside, the quintet got down to business, bringing some good ol’ down-home blues, which has already garnered the up-and-coming musician awards, including winning two on May 7 at the 47th Annual Blues Music Awards for Album of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album. His sound swelled and grooved with the inclusion of keys, drums, bass, guitar, trumpet, and sax. Harrell’s smooth, soulful voice, along with those searing blues notes, shone brightly from the catchy, grooving opener “Leave it at the Door” to the more traditional bluesy singing guitar found on “Vibe With Me,” to the jamming, funky “Not Here For a Long Time.”

 

Around 9:10 p.m., Samantha Fish, along with Ron Johnson, Jamie Douglass, and Mickey Finn, strode on stage, got in position, and began 90 or so minutes* of a rollicking good time. Early on, Kansas City-born and bred Fish thanked everyone for being out, supporting music. “It’s been a while, St. Louis,” she said and sent her love to everyone. The night began with the sexy, tingling, blues-based, rocking “Paper Doll,” from her 2025 album of the same name, and the concert just ramped up from there. The night swirled, ebbed, and flowed, with Fish clearly in her element, shining bright on every number. The alt-country-laced “I’m Done Runnin’” highlights Fish’s versatility that she keeps sharpening year after year. At 37, the award-winning Fish is quite possibly having her best tour so far. With her signature black eyeliner and tousled blonde locks, along with a soft dusting of body glitter, Fish donned black leather studded flared pants and a brilliant red halter top and was the epitome of a rock and roll bombshell.    

 

Her introspection, boldness, and vulnerability shone throughout the night, whether through her guitar prowess highlighted on so many guitars, her powerful vocals, or her ability to pause, take in the situation, and acknowledge the crowd on numerous occasions.

Fish and company slowed it down for songs such as “Sweet Southern Sound” and “No Apology” but mostly kept the night amped up with songs such as “Lose You,” “Bulletproof” (have you seen her and her cigar box guitar—that’s worth the price of admission alone), and “Somebody’s Always Trying” (with an impressive, immersive jam).

 

Fish had the crowd wrapped around her finger and took everyone on a journey across blues, rock, and alt-country. She took your emotions from high to low. She created a night that won’t soon be forgotten.

*This concert photographer did leave a bit early when the winds picked up, so we’re unsure if the rain came down before or after the concert was scheduled to end.

See all photos from the night here: https://bit.ly/SFish26cz