Mary Coughlan - Red Blues -2002- -

This response uses data provided by Google's Knowledge Graph Album by Mary Coughlan - Red Blues - Spotify © 2002 Tradition & Moderne. ℗ 2002 Tradition & Moderne. Spotify - Web Player: Music for everyone Mary Coughlan – Red Blues - Discogs

– A jump-blues staple from 1940s pioneer Louis Jordan. This track injects a sharp, playful rhythm into the album, showcasing her ability to handle upbeat swing with wry humor.

: Tackling an Etta James staple is a daunting task for any vocalist, but Coughlan succeeds by avoiding vocal acrobatics. She sings with a quiet, devastating resignation that echoes her own past struggles with codependency and loss.

The album's title, "Red Blues," refers to the dual nature of human emotions, oscillating between the fiery passion of red and the melancholic introspection of blues. This dichotomy is reflected in Coughlan's lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Mary Coughlan - Red Blues -2002-

Coughlan has a rare gift for subverting familiar songs. Her take on Randy Newman’s is a highlight; by underplaying the suggestive lyrics, she adds a layer of "sass and menace" that traditional covers often miss. Similarly, the track "Portland" carries an "unsettling undertow" reminiscent of Tom Waits. The Verdict

As Hotpress so eloquently concluded in their review, "Mary Coughlan may have tamed her wilfulness of late, but if anything the consequent restraint has added new depth to her artistry. Long may she reign". Red Blues stands as a brilliant monument to her reign, an album that continues to resonate with listeners for its honesty, its groove, and its unforgettable voice.

Returning to Galway in 1981 as a single mother of three, Coughlan's life took a dramatic turn. She began performing in local pubs and caught the attention of Dutch musician and producer Erik Visser. Visser helped her record her debut album, Tired and Emotional , in 1985. The album was an unexpected sensation, selling over 100,000 copies in Ireland, largely due to a transformative appearance on The Late Late Show . A star was born—but not a conventional one. This response uses data provided by Google's Knowledge

: The songs delve into "the dark underbelly of life," covering themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience. Genre Blend : It seamlessly mixes traditional blues jazz and folk , often drawing comparisons to the "sardonic defiance" of Billie Holiday Edith Piaf Buzz Magazine Notable Tracks

: Coughlan’s voice—often described as a mix of Billie Holiday’s laconic wit and Edith Piaf’s despair —is particularly effective on the slow, introspective numbers like "At Last" and Harold Arlen’s "One For My Baby" . Reinterpreting the Classics

While Red Blues works best as a complete, uninterrupted mood piece, several tracks stand as pillars of Coughlan’s canon. This track injects a sharp, playful rhythm into

The album features several talented musicians who contributed to its rich, earthy sound: : Acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Frank Mead : Alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone. Lester Quitzau : Slide guitar and backing vocals. Peter O'Brien : Piano. Kester Rich : Drums and congas. Availability

Ain´t No Love In The Heart Of The City. Mary Coughlan. Blue Light Boogie. Mary Coughlan. You Can Leave Your Hat On. Mary Coughlan. Spotify - Web Player: Music for everyone Mary Coughlan – Red Blues - Discogs

Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Marianne Faithfull (especially Broken English ), and the soundtrack to The Night of the Hunter .