Sunday Times 2
At home in Sri Lanka
Hoping to captivate the audience with a night of amazing sensitive and heartfelt music, Irish singer Mary Duff together with guest artist Jordan Mogey will be performing at the BMICH this evening at 7 p.m. Setting apart some time off her busy schedule, Mary Duff spoke to the Sunday Times on the eve of her performance, fondly recalling her memories from last year’s performance with Daniel O’Donnell.
Mary Duff (above) and Jordan Mogey (left). Pix by Nissanka Meegoda
“We are here for the music”, Mary Duff says. After tremendously enjoying her performance with Daniel O’Donnell last year in Sri Lanka, she was more than happy to return perform in the island once again, Mary Duff tells us. She adds that the warmth she experienced from the audience made her immediately think of her home back in Ireland.
“The last time I was here we did not know what to expect. But the bright smiles on all those who came for our show and the audience singing all the songs was truly mind blowing,” she says. This time around Mary Duff will be accompanied by the phenomenal 21 year old country singer, Jordan Mogey.
A true musician at heart, all Jordan’s compositions relate to everyday experiences. He tells us that this will be his furthest performance, from his home in Ballymoney, Ireland. At this point, Mary Duff fondly pipes in that Young Mogey has the voice of a 60 year old country singer.
“His music is phenomenal, sensitive and will captivate an audience and he is also single,” she tells after sharing a good laugh.
Mary Duff’s talent was first discovered by her father when she was 12 years old. ”My father first heard me sing on a home tape recorder, and invited me to join his band,” she says fondly recalling that the pocket money she earned from the band was good as well.
“It’s never been about the money, rather it’s always been about the music,” she says. Twenty years ago, young Mary Duff joined Daniel O’Donnell as his supporting singer and accompanies him on tours to this date. “When I first joined him, He was just starting out as well. He is a very professional man and is amazing with an audience, both on stage and off stage,” she says.
In May 2013 celebrating 25 years in the music industry Mary Duff was awarded the “Female Vocalist of the Year” title by the World Irish Music Association. Mary Duff and Jordan Mogey both tell us that they are part excited and part nervous for their two performances this weekend.
“The nervousness however drives you and helps you perform better,” Jordan says adding that he has been on the road for the past one and a half years. ”The band is like my family and it is a really nice atmosphere,” he says. Mary Duff’s concert in Sri Lanka will be part of her international tour of UK, Europe and Australia.
She tells the Sunday Times, the audience can expect to hear a collection of her classics and some her new tunes as well. Jordan Mogey also hopes to treat the crowd to some of his new singles such as, “That’s why I love trains” and “Golden Heaven”.
Be sure to catch Mary Duff and Jordan Mogey as they perform this evening at the BMICH at 7.00 pm.