Louisville Kentucky

Samantha Fish: A Modern Blues Sensation

/ Benn Bell / Leave a comment

The Journey and Achievements of a Contemporary Blues Artist

Introduction

Samantha Fish, a name that has become synonymous with modern blues, is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has taken the music world by storm with her electrifying performances and soul-stirring compositions. Born on January 30, 1989, in Kansas City, Missouri, Fish has carved out a niche for herself in the blues genre, blending traditional sounds with a contemporary twist.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Fish grew up in a musical family, with her mother playing piano and her father occasionally strumming the guitar. Her passion for music was ignited at a young age, and by the time she was 15, she had started playing the guitar seriously. Inspired by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, and Sheryl Crow, Fish immersed herself in the blues and honed her craft through relentless practice and performances.

Career Breakthrough

Fish’s big break came in 2009 when she recorded her debut album, “Live Bait,” which showcased her raw talent and potential. Her follow-up album, “Runaway,” released in 2011, earned her the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 2012. This accolade was a testament to her prowess and marked the beginning of her rise to fame.

Signature Style and Musical Evolution

Fish’s music is characterized by her powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and a unique blend of blues, rock, and Americana. She is known for her ability to convey deep emotions through her music, whether it’s the heartache of a slow blues ballad or the fierce energy of a rock-infused anthem. Over the years, Fish has continued to evolve her sound, experimenting with different genres and pushing the boundaries of traditional blues.

Notable Albums and Collaborations

Throughout her career, Fish has released several critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing her growth as an artist. Some of her notable works include:

  • Black Wind Howlin’ (2013)
  • Wild Heart (2015)
  • Chills & Fever (2017)
  • Belle of the West (2017)
  • Kill or Be Kind (2019)
  • Faster (2021)

Fish has also collaborated with various artists and bands, further enriching her musical repertoire. Her collaborations include working with Mike Zito, Ruf Records, and Buddy Guy, to name a few.

Live Performances and Tours

One of Fish’s defining aspects is her dynamic live performances. Known for her electrifying stage presence, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her energy and passion. Fish has toured extensively, performing at renowned venues and festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Her live shows are a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with her audience.

Awards and Recognition

Fish’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and she has garnered several awards and recognitions throughout her career. In addition to the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist, she has received nominations and awards for her albums and performances, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the blues genre.

Influence and Legacy

Samantha Fish’s influence extends beyond her music. She has become a role model for aspiring musicians, particularly women in the blues and rock genres. Fish’s determination, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to many. Her legacy is one of innovation and passion, and she continues to shape the future of blues music.

Conclusion

Samantha Fish is a modern blues sensation whose journey from a young aspiring musician to a celebrated artist is a testament to her talent and hard work. Her contributions to the blues genre, characterized by her distinctive style and emotional depth, have earned her a special place in the hearts of music lovers. As Fish continues to evolve and create, her impact on the music world remains profound, and her future shines brightly with promise.

All pictures were taken by Benn Bell at the Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, Kentucky May 6, 2025.

Camp Hope

/ Benn Bell / 6 Comments

Jefferson Square, Louisville, Kentucky

Thirteen homeless individuals had taken up living in Camp Hope. This camp was cleared out Monday as part of Greg Mayor Fisher’s new revitalization program. The team is comprised of 67 business and community leaders. Their main topics pf concern are litter, safety, graffiti, and homelessness.

The hotel and tourist industry has been in freefall since the pandemic struck. About two thirds of the city’s 65,000 hospitality workers are out of a job, much of which was concentrated in downtown Louisville.

The city has committed to increasing police presence and adding $1,000,000 to the effort to dealing with homelessness.

This is all that is left of Camp Hope

The Coral Ridge Trail

/ Benn Bell / 4 Comments

Hiking in the Jefferson Memorial Forest

My favorite trail in the Jefferson Memorial Forest is the Coral Ridge Trail. It’s a little more challenging, a little longer, and a little rougher than some of the other trails. I only try it when I’m feeling my oats, and today I was feeling my oats.

View from the top of the ridge. In the winter you can see for miles.
It’s kind of hard to see the trail in some places but in other places like this one, there is a light dusting of snow on the trail that creates a bright white line through the woods you can follow.
I had to crawl through this mess to get to the other side to the trail.
A tree falls in the forest. Does it make a sound?
Snow accumulating on the fungus on a fallen log.

Here the trail opened up. The walking was much easier. The temperature went from 15 degrees to a glorious 25 degrees. I was trying out a new article of clothing that my daughter gave me for Christmas. it was a shirt that wicks the moisture away from your skin. Worked like a charm

THE BRIDGES OF JEFFERSON COUNTY

/ Benn Bell / 32 Comments

Photo Essay

In the days of Coronavirus, during the lock down, my travel, like everyone else, was restricted. So, I stayed within the environs of my hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is a pretty little town located along the banks of the Ohio River. It has been described by some as the gateway to the south. Mainly known for Churchill Downs and bourbon it has more than its fair share of pretty women and all the children are above average. In the mornings I would sometimes go down to the river and walk across the Big 4 Bridge and take pictures. This is what I saw.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

/ Benn Bell / 18 Comments

No Justice No Peace

Black Lives Matter. All lives matter is frequently clapped back. All lives most certainly do matter. Emphatically, unquestionably, indubitably. But right now, we are focused on the Black Lives lost and the injustice that has been visited upon the black community for 400 years. We are focused on the lives lost by George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arberry, and many more. There have been protests in the street for weeks across the nation against police brutality and the extrajudicious killings of black folk and white folk alike. Here, in a photo essay are some of the expressions of the protests and the outrage. All pictures were taken by me in Louisville, Kentucky where Breonna Taylor was gunned down in her own apartment by police who executed a “no knock warrant.” One of the officers who participated in the raid has been fired. No one has been charged. There still is no justice for Breonna.

Summer Wine

/ Benn Bell / 2 Comments

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This is Colonial Gardens. I used to come her when I was a teenager to drink and listen to the music. One summer I fell in love with  the the lead singer who used to sing the song, Summer Wine. Whenever I hear that song I think back to that summer…

 

It Was a Very Good Year

/ Benn Bell / 6 Comments

When I was 17

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This is Cox’s park down on the Ohio River. I used to come here as a teenager in a battered old 1959 Chevy Bel Air. I had installed a radio I got from a junk yard and put in speakers in the rear window. We would open up the trunk turn the radio on and dance to the music in the parking lot. Later we would watch the submarine races.

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Ohio River from Cox’s Park

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Old Man River

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Keeps Rolling Along

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In the Autumn of my years

The Killer of Hope

/ Benn Bell / 2 Comments

The continuing saga…

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So, I was on a photo shoot with Candide in the old neighborhood. Here’s what happened.

Candide: Where should I stand?

Benn: How about over here with that building behind you in the background? Or, over there with the fountain behind you? Or, over there in front of that tree?

Candide keeps walking….

Benn: Or, hey! I have an idea! Why don’t you pick a spot?

Candide: Is that another smart-ass remark? More of your sarcasm?

Benn: What me? Sarcastic? You obviously have me confused with someone else!

Candide: No I don’t! It’s you all right! You with your sarcasm, your cynicism, and your skepticism. You a hope killer!

Benn: Hope kills…