Live musical experiences can vary like options in genres. One can go to a Rammstein or KISS concert and be wowed by dazzling displays of pyro and theatrics. Or, attend a Jelly Roll show and be moved by the artistic emotional honesty he lays out. To experience the blues and its rich history, the S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival put together by Guns N’ Roses legendary Guitarist Slash has what you are looking for. Couldn’t be more appropriate after Slash just got done releasing an album of classic blues covers he put together with some remarkable guest artists such as Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), Brian Johnson (AC/DC), and many more called Orgy of the Damned. While the lineups have varied a bit from city to city, in Denver, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the tour brought Slash’s Blues Ball with Jackie Venson, Samantha Fish, and Keb’ Mo’. Delivering a cast of fresh blood, veteran artists, and tribute to the foundations of Blues.
While not as ‘seasoned’ as others on the tour, the night got off to an unforgettable start with newer artist Jackie Venson. Having graduated from the prestigious Berklee School of Music in 2011, she has since released four albums. Her 2019 album, Joy, even won one of the albums of the year. While her singing and songwriting talents are helping to lead the way, she is also known for her DJ skills going under the name Jackie the Robot. While her set consisted of only her and her drummer, the DJ skills came into play as she added musical samples for a fully immersive experience. This is an artist to keep an eye on, as her blues influences certainly came through but her fresh take on it all, is something that makes her music truly stick out. She had the audience in a total spell, and even though it was a thirty minute set she had them ready for Samantha Fish.
Samantha Fish has been taking the music industry by storm since around 2009, and proving always to be a force. Not only gifted with a commanding set of vocals, her guitar skills are nothing to be dismissed. Hailing from Kansas City, her blues guitar work has become so legendary she was even asked to put it on display for all by none other than Blues legend Buddy Guy. Much to his surprise he verified what Fish’s fans were already familiar with, she is the real deal.
Fish wasted no time getting the party into full swing, starting her set off with a cover of the MC5’s anthem “Kick Out the Jams.” The sheer energy radiating from the band had the whole audience in full swing. That intensity didn’t get turned down, as the next track saw her bring out her classic Cigar Box Guitar to the track “Bulletproof.” Couples were twirling each other, dancing to the infectious rhythms of Fish joined by bombastic Drummer Jamie Douglas, the smooth bass of Ron Johnson, and the mesmerizing keys of Mickey Finn. Another highlight to her set was her song “Black Wind Howlin,” gave her an opportunity to show off her immense vocal skills, while slowing it down, and just when the listener is lulled in Samantha Fish and the band take you on one infectious groove forcing you to get moving.
After getting everyone’s blood coursing and soul in motion, Keb’ Mo’ was up next to take everyone on another unforgettable blues experience. Keb’ Mo’s rich history of musicianship is not one to be forgotten. He was all about 21 years old when hired to join Papa John Creach of Jefferson Airplane on his solo albums. From numerous albums, Grammys, appearance of Sesame Street, and even collaborating with Martin Scorsese on a film on the Blues; it is hard to dispute the accomplishments of Keb’ Mo’. Kicking off his set with that smooth Delta Blues sound, on the track “Somebody Hurt You” from 2014’s Bluesamericana. Hitting the senses like a wave of emotions. Keb’s sound can be calming, his lyrics can vary from those of inflection, dark humor, and witty satire. That was on full display with tracks like his classic “Government Cheese” and “Am I Wrong.” During “Am I Wrong,” Keb brought out a steel guitar which offered a whole different sound. Closing out with “I Remember You,” Keb delivered a truly perfect tribute to his Blues career.
Now it was time to put the proverbial cherry on top of a special night, with a full throttle set from Slash’s Blues Ball. Joined by the incendiary Guitarist/Vocalist Tash Neals, Michael Joermoes’ punctuating drums, Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis with infectious keys and unmistakable vocals, perfectly coupled with Johnny Griparic on bass; Slash wasted no time getting the audience in motion with Bukka White cover, “Parchman Farm Blues.” If you have not had a chance to hear Orgy of the Damned yet, hearing the live version of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor” will surely get your adrenaline surging and your itch to break into some dance moves. From their cover of Freddie King’s “Big Legged Woman” to the hypnotic “The Pusher” by Hoyt Axton; this was a unique setlist guaranteed to either fuel your fire to find new Blues music or rediscover the classics.
This was hands down a special evening of enjoying and celebrating the roots, the future and everything in between of blues music. With the tour set to go through August, this is one you don’t want to miss, and don’t forget to bring those dance shoes.
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