Samantha Fish On Favorite Live Albums And Recording First Live Record

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentSamantha Fish On Favorite Live Albums And Recording First Live RecordByJim Ryan,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about the business of musicFollow AuthorJun 11, 2026, 07:18pm EDTSamantha Fish poses prior to a performance at Park West. Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in Chicago, IllinoisPhoto by Barry BrecheisenFor blues guitarist Samantha Fish, capturing the spirit of her incendiary live sets was a priority heading into the recording of her ninth studio album, last year’s Paper Doll. Working with drummer Jamie Douglass, bassist Ron Johnson and keyboard player Mickey Finn on the record and on the road, the songs began to take on new life as the group continued to gel during a lengthy tour in support of the album. On the new Paper Doll Live (available on CD, vinyl or for online streaming via Rounder Records), Fish’s first live album, the Paper Doll cuts are paired alongside tracks from throughout her fiery blues canon. Recorded at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, Fish is joined on the new live project by Nashville-based Gospel group the McCrary Sisters, who’ve worked with artists like Carrie Underwood and Margo Price and add a layer of lush backing vocals to a record ripping with energy (as evidenced on performances like a rousing rendition of the MC5 punk anthem “Kick Out the Jams").(Left to right) Mickey Finn, Samantha Fish, Jamie Douglass and Ron Johnson perform on stage at Park West. Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in Chicago, IllinoisPhoto by Barry BrecheisenMORE FOR YOU “This is just something for the fans,” explained Fish prior to a recent performance alongside Tab Benoit at Chicago’s Park West. “People are like, ‘Why are you doing it?’ Because it’s for the fans. And we can,” she continued. “I think it’ll be a nice move into what comes next.” I spoke with Samantha Fish, who launches a European tour June 19, 2026 before returning to America in July, about her favorite li...