Presented by The Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival 2018

In this encore performance, Mary Coughlan revisits her tribute to the songs of Billie Holiday, which she first presented to Christchurch audiences at the Jazz & Blues Festival fifteen years ago. At the time, Mary wrote, “performing some of the songs that made Billie Holliday famous was a truly emotional experience for me”. 

Years later, this is still true, with Mary and Ms. Holiday’s lives connecting on many levels. However, it is through her many fine song interpretations that Mary proves she has conquered the demons, which eventually overtook the legend that was Billie Holiday.

Mary Coughlan (vocals), Matt McMahon (piano), Brett Hirst (bass), Joe McCallum (drums), Reuben Derrick (clarinet)