REVIEW: SAMANTHA FISH & JESSE DAYTON – MEMO MUSIC HALL, ST.KILDA

Review: Greg Phillips  Photos: Jason Rosewarne

Ever since we experienced Kansas City-bred guitarist, singer, songwriter Samantha Fish on stage at Bluesfest in 2019, we’ve been huge fans of her dynamic brand of soulful, blues rock. On her 3rd trip to Australia, Samantha has teamed up with guitar-slinging friend Jesse Dayton for a double shot of amplified rock n’ roll.

Fish and Dayton initially got together via an innocent co-writing session which resulted in an EP of covers in late 2022. The experience went down so well with the pair and their fans that the project extended to a full length album, Death Wish Blues, which in 2024 was nominated for a Grammy Award.

On the first night of Fish and Dayton’s Melbourne leg of the Death Wish Blues tour at Memo Music Hall, a packed house awaited them, warmed up perfectly by Melbourne swamp rock trio Opelousas, playing tracks from their newly released second album Opelousafried. Opening with ‘Train To Brunswick’ and an extra-grungy ‘Haircut’, Alison Ferrier, Kerri Simpson and Anthony Short proceeded to jam their way into the hearts and minds of the St. Kilda crowd.

Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton wasted no time in firing up their engine, ripping straight into the iconic MC5 song, Kick Out The Jams (RIP Wayne Kramer), followed by Deathwish, the opening track of their fabulous album.

Feelin’ Good, a Little Junior’s Blue Flames cover, gave the pair their first opportunity to exchange lead licks, with Jesse on his custom built King guitar and Samatha on a Fender Vintera Jag. Fish then brought the tone down a notch with a gorgeous rendition of  Hello Stranger, a Barbara Lewis soul cover from her 2017 album Chills & Fever.

A short, sharp Brand New Cadillac switched the amps back into the gain zone. While Sam, armed with her SG and Fender Jag eternally delivered slick licks, it wasn’t until she slung on her cigar box guitar that her pick-up output truly matched the levels of Jesse’s Jason Burns-built King guitar. Thankfully, the guitar mix from that moment on was faultless. Taking turns on lead vocals, Jesse performed his track Down In The Mud from Death Wish Blues, followed by Sam offering a heartfelt version of No Apology.

An acoustic section of the night showcased the versatility of the pair, with the Townes Van Zandt country tune I’ll Be Here In The Morning going down a treat with the attentive crowd.

A frantic and fun Supadupabad, extended from it’s 2:06 album duration had the audience on their feet and  set the scene for the night’s highlight, Samantha’s smokin’ version of Screaming’ Jay Hawkins’ classic I Put A Spell On You.

“How ya doin’ St.Kilda?” Samantha shouted during an impressive interpretation of Riders, ensuring a good slab of tracks from Death Wish Blue were represented this evening.

Samantha’s mix of soulful, blues-infused riffs and Jesse’s punk-tinged Texas style rock make for a spirited blend of entertainment. Their individual skills and collaborative flair merged together for a perfect show closer in RL Burnside’s Goin’ Down South, allowing each musician a chance to rip up their fretboard one more time. A rockin’ good time was had by all, just like they used to make ‘em!