Watch Judy Collins: Live in Ireland

Judy Collins: Live in Ireland is a captivating concert film that showcases the musical talents of one of the most iconic folk singers of our time, Judy Collins. Filmed during her 2013 tour of Ireland, this intimate concert captures the essence of Collins' soulful, melancholic style and her ability to connect with an audience in a way that few performers can.

The film opens with Collins taking the stage of the beautiful Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, accompanied by her longtime pianist and collaborator, Russell Walden. From the opening notes of Leonard Cohen's "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," it's clear that Collins' voice is as strong and powerful as it ever was. Her lilting soprano floats above the piano, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound that is at once mournful and hopeful.

Over the course of the next hour and a half, Collins performs a range of classic folk and pop songs, as well as selections from her own extensive catalog. Highlights include a poignant rendition of "Send In The Clowns," which Collins famously recorded in the 1970s, and a heartfelt version of "Diamonds and Rust," Joan Baez's tribute to her former lover, Bob Dylan. She also performs several songs from her latest album at the time, "Bohemian," including the title track and "Strangers Again." Each song is imbued with an emotional depth that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, a testament to Collins' ability to connect with her listeners on a deeply personal level.

Throughout the concert, Collins also shares stories and anecdotes from her long and illustrious career. She reminisces about her time in Ireland in the 1960s, when she performed in Dublin's famous Abbey Theatre and first met the legendary singer Luke Kelly, who inspired her to learn the traditional Irish song "The Wild Mountain Thyme." She also reflects on her early years in New York City's Greenwich Village, where she became a fixture of the burgeoning folk scene and met many of the musicians who would go on to shape the genre.

In addition to her own songs and covers, Collins also performs several traditional Irish tunes, accompanied by her band of talented musicians. The haunting melody of "Danny Boy" is particularly moving, as Collins' voice soars over the delicate strains of the violin and the gentle plucking of the guitar. The audience claps and sings along, enraptured by the beauty of the music and the warmth of Collins' personality.

As the concert draws to a close, Collins returns to one of her most famous songs, "Amazing Grace." The audience rises to their feet, singing along with her in a stirring rendition of the beloved hymn. It's a fitting end to a concert that has explored themes of love, loss, and redemption, and has taken the audience on an emotional journey through some of the most iconic music of the past century.

Overall, Judy Collins: Live in Ireland is a must-see film for anyone who appreciates the power of music to move and inspire. Collins' voice remains as luminous and haunting as ever, and her performance is a testament to the enduring appeal of folk music and the power of storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to her music, this film is sure to leave you spellbound.