“One of the best interpreters of Jacques Brel and Bob Dylan anywhere on the angst-ridden planet today” – Village Voice, New York
“Possibly our best interpreter of Dylan’s songs” – Billy Bragg
“Jungr repeatedly reawakens detailed emotion lying dormant in lyrics. I just hope that Dylan himself has a listen and starts writing for her direct” – The Observer
From her early days working in amongst the London comedy scene of the early 80’s alongside the likes of Paul Merton, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, to her position now as one of the greatest living interpreters of song, Barb Jungr has devoted her life to entertainment. Her new album, Bob, Brel and Me, a piece of work she considers the best she’s ever recorded may also be her last with Barb declaring “I may not make another”.
Comprising songs from Bob Dylan, to whose work she has been drawn throughout her career; Jacques Brel, with brand new translations by Robb Johnson revealing some lyrics that will have you ushering grandma from the room, and her own compositions, written in collaboration with Mike Lindup, Jonathan Cooper and Jamie Safir. The track No-one Could Ever Wear your Shoes, has particular poignance, an older track co-written with her much-missed musical partner, Michael Parker.
Mentioned in the same breath as Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, Barb Jungr’s ability to make others’ songs her own has brought her rave reviews around the world. Bob, Brel and Me continues to bring new life and meaning to tracks already considered classics: Bob Dylan’s Wheels on Fire is given a sinister, brooding make-over, whilst Buckets of Rain becomes a towering prayer to love; Brel’s Jacky is given a venomous sense of humour (and the odd naughty word!) whilst his The Cathedral becomes one of Barb’s most heart-wrenching performances; her own tracks include the introspective Incurable Romantic and Rise and Shine, whose lyrics “Rise and Shine/the morning after wine”, offer a glimpse at Barb’s irresistible sense of mischief.
Edinburgh Festival, August 24th, Pleasance at EICC, Pentland Theatre
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/barb-jungr-bob-brel-and-me
Appropriately, given she was the first female recipient of the Perrier award in 1987, Barb Jungr returns to this years Edinburgh Fringe to perform a solo show based on the tracks from her new album. As one of the festival’s biggest supporters and one of the most highly anticipated performers at this year’s festival, tickets are sure to fly out.
More praise for Barb:
“Jungr is mistress of all she surveys…this music is the North American Songbook’s climax, revealed by its greatest interpreter.” – (5-stars) The Independent
“Barb Jungr interprets their work with a ferocity and truthfulness that demolishes every cover version you’ve ever heard… The only word to describe her dramatic interpretations is revelatory…I was open mouthed with astonishment.” – The New York Times
“The commanding and rhapsodic singing brings connection and insight…” – Uncut
“In 2002, the British singer Barb Jungr released “Barb Jungr Sings Bob Dylan: Every Grain of Sand”, which is, as far as I’m concerned, the most significant vocal album of the 21st century thus far.” – The Wall Street Journal
“It’s as if Edith Piaf and Nick Cave had a love-child, who was adopted by Carmen McRae” – Glam Adelaide
“…simply heart-stopping…Jungr’s attention to timbre and nuance brings new depth to every syllable.” – The Sunday Times
Barb on BBC Breakfast – https://youtu.be/71cNyugS4hc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBarbJungr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbjungr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbjungr
Website: www.barbjungr.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pKCBLG3eavJSrSoiNMqNN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB5A7f_jzF-XFIqCeMKX88g
