Music
24 Sep 21

WATCH: Mary Coughlan performs 'Family Life' at Judge Roy Beans

Mary Coughlan at Judge Roy Beans. Copyright Ray Keogh.

In a Hot Press exclusive, Irish Radio DJ Keith Walsh and the legendary Mary Coughlan chat about the importance of live music and the arts in Ireland, before Coughlan delivered a stunning, subdued performance of 'Family Life'.

At Judge Roy Beans, legendary Irish singer-songwriter Mary Coughlan sat down with Keith Walsh to discuss living as an independent artist through Covid and more, before delivering a touching performance of her song 'Family Life'.

"I was even thinking today, in the car, that I really appreciate performing much more," she told Walsh. "To be having a band, and playing music for people. Because they love it, and we love what we do."

Coughlan also discussed her latest album, Life Stories, which was supposed to be released on her 64th birthday (before the pandemic struck).

"The artwork was done and it was all mixed, everything was on track, we had 35 gigs set up. And everything got cancelled, and they rescheduled it to June. And then September, October, and then April. And nothing happened. Last year I just decided I wanted to get it out, and press was very supportive. The reaction was very good."

With Johnny Taylor on piano and Barry Donoghue on double bass, Coughlan performed 'Family Life'. The gentle jazz track is one of her best, and her truly stunning performance proves that Coughlan is a force to be reckoned with in Irish music.

Watch the video below.