- Music
- 24 May 24
Track of the Day: Mary Coughlan, ‘More Like Brigid’
Her first release since 2021, the new track sees Coughlan pay tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest women: St. Brigid of Kildare.
Renowned jazz musician and vocalist Mary Coughlan has released her first musical paragon in four years, entitled ‘More Like Brigid’. A sisterly homage to the Goddess of Imbolc herself, ‘More Like Brigid’ showcases Coughlan’s smoke-seared vocals and sardonic wit as she dishes out an unapologetic critique on modern gender roles and the female narrative.
Before she was canonised by the Catholic Church, Brigid of Kildare was a pagan healer. According to the writings of Cogitosus, a monk of Kildare from around 650 BC, “Brigid’s power expanded beyond the physical realm into the spiritual one, demonstrated by her ability to perform miracles.”
The scripture goes on to describe over thirty miracles performed by the healer, including her ability to turn water into ale and- most notably- to perform a miraculous abortion for a woman in need. While her actions didn’t garner much recognition during her lifetime, Brigid quickly became a topic of discussion throughout the church after the death and ascension into sainthood.
“Brigid was fierce and courageous and always went against the norm,” Coughlan explained. “She had a monastery and it was for men and women! I have been called ‘hysterical’ and ‘hormonal’ over the years by various industry figures for being so indignant as to ask to be paid for my work, things like that… So, needless to say, my homage to Brigid has given me a chance to air some of those frustrations that are so often experienced by women.”
Often described as one of the greatest vocal talents to emerge from the Irish music scene, Mary Coughlan stands proudly amongst the ranks of some of the world’s greatest jazz and blues musicians. Now celebrating her fourth decade in the music industry, ‘More Like Brigid’ marks the beginning of a busy season of live performances and new music from Coughlan. With tour dates across the UK and Ireland during the remainder of 2024, including a stop at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre on December 1, Coughlan is sure to finish out the year with a bang.
Listen to Mary Coughlan's latest release here!
