SINGER-songwriter Darren Coggan has built a career on storytelling – the kind that lingers long after the final note fades.
Now, he’s bringing that signature warmth and authenticity to the stage with Fire & Rain – The James Taylor Songbook, a heartfelt celebration of one of music’s most enduring voices.
Raised on the sounds of Taylor, John Denver and Cat Stevens, Coggan said his connection to the golden era of singer-songwriters runs deep.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to the singer-songwriter,” he said.
“Those songs – they’re built on storytelling, melody and honesty. That’s what I’ve always loved, and that’s what this show celebrates.”
But Fire & Rain is far from a traditional tribute act.
“I don’t come out pretending to be James Taylor,” he said.
“It’s not an impersonation – it’s a celebration. It’s a tip of the hat to someone who has been incredibly influential on my own musical journey.”
Instead, the show blends live performance with narrative, offering audiences more than just a catalogue of hits, weaving personal anecdotes and stories from Taylor’s life through the music, creating what he describes as a “theatrical journey”.
“We try to take the audience on a real journey – not just through the songs, but through the artist’s life,” he said.
“People come for the music, but they walk away with a deeper understanding of who he was. These songs are timeless.”
For Coggan, those connections are personal, his favourite Taylor song, The Secret of Life, carrying a deeply intimate story – one he shares on stage.
“I used to sing it to my wife when she was pregnant, and then to my son when he was born,” he said.
“It would settle him instantly. That’s the power of music – it becomes part of your life, your memories.”
It’s that sense of authenticity that has underpinned Coggan’s career, which spans decades in the country music scene, multiple Golden Guitar awards, and a successful stint in musical theatre.
In an era dominated by streaming and social media, Coggan believes the enduring power of live performance is more important than ever.
“The industry has changed dramatically,” he said.
“Artists today have more control, but they also have to do everything themselves.
“You stand there, deliver a song, and in that moment you can make someone feel something – that’s what it’s all about. That’s something no algorithm or platform can replicate.”
Alongside the tour, Coggan is also preparing to release new original music, with his upcoming single Always Believe in Love marking the next chapter in his career.
Fire and Rain: The James Taylor Songbook plays the Ipswich Civic Centre on Friday, April 17 at 7.30pm, with tickets available through the Civic Centre website or box office.
