MARY COUGHLAN showcased her marvelous and versatile voice at Foundry616 with an eclectic mix of original songs and cover versions. She explained that sometimes she is called a jazz singer, a blues singer and even a folk singer. She used some strong vernacular to express her feelings about being described as a folk singer, albeit delivered with her Irish charm and humour. Opening with Meet Me Where They Play the Blues, a slow and sultry original, followed with the folksy Double Cross, and later a slow version of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart and a mellow rendition of Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind should give some idea of her versatility.
Her gloriously husky voice ranges from very powerful to heartfelt tender and is consistently redolent with emotion. She talked about her formative years of abuse, addiction and reckless behavior and the restrictive life in oppressive Catholic Ireland. Some stories were very funny but others were truly horrific. It would make a good narrative to say this struggle is reflected in the depth of raw emotion apparent in her singing. Maybe this is the case but possibly she was fortunate to have been born with a great voice that was nurtured by the Irish culture and its love of singing. This struggle has definitely influenced the songs she sings.
Mary was accompanied by two excellent musicians Matt McMahon (piano) and Brett Hirst (double bass). McMahon and Hirst’s playing added a jazz sensibility to the performance. Their solos were impressive and their engaged accompaniments consistently entertained.
Mary has performed her own Billie Holiday tribute show and released an album of songs performed by Billie Holiday. She included two of these songs: a bluesy rendition of I Love My Man and an understated version of All of Me. Other highlights included an a cappella version of Delaney’s Gone Back On The Wine and a cover of the song made famous by Bonnie Raitt: I Can’t Make You Love Me.
MARY COUGHLAN performed at Foundry616 22nd February, 2019, and is highly recommended. Her final Sydney show is 23rd February.