Previously Appearing at Wickham was...
Mary Coughlan
A lot has been written and a lot has been said, whispered, recounted, alleged, supposed and presumed. Itโs all quite forgotten now and the songs remain the same, they remain a testament to Mary Coughlanโs seemingly timeless and endless talent. Her smoky, bluesy, boozy drawl has always been a seduction, no matter what the subject. The vocal marrying of sardonic wit, visceral rage, orgiastic between the sheets passion, the tenderest of sorrowful regrets; this is Maryโs talent. Regardless of the elements she chooses to manipulate with flawless ease, Maryโs voice has always been an unforeseen, sudden seduction. This is why she is so loved.
Throughout over 25 years of her quite extraordinary recording career Mary has drawn heavily from her legendary heroes; Billie Holidayโs grievous, teary outpourings, the husky flirtations of Peggy Lee, Van Morrisonโs soulful wails, the defiant chanteusery of Edith Piaf. All are present and correct in her delivery. Even so, Mary, with her naked honesty makes every song her own; they belong to her and nobody else. Who else could possibly present โThe Double Crossโ or โMagdalen Laundryโ or โThe Ice Cream Manโ with such dedication and effortless zeal?