The Riverfront, Newport
Sat 1 Apr
You could say life is a cabaret, as the song goes, for singer-songwriter and composer Barb Jungr. Starting out 40 years ago in alternative cabaret, she’s still belting out the best in her way of jazz, blues and soul. She has been called “the UK’s answer to Edith Piaf” and has garnered numerous awards for her work.
The British-born chanteuse is known for her re-styling of classics by The Beatles, Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone and others. She’s toured with the likes of Sade and Julian Clary and has an impressive discography – over a dozen solo albums and over two dozen albums she either collaborated on or contributed to.
She is, though, one of the foremost re-inventors of the songs of Bob Dylan. You won’t find any cookie-cutter renditions on Barb Jungr Sings Bob Dylan: Every Grain Of Sand which is the title of her tour and best-selling CD (this cult favourite has been released on vinyl for its 15th anniversary and has been in Top 10 Jazz Albums Of The Year lists).
Don’t think it’s sacrilegious of her, Dylan purists, to rework his music because the old master himself constantly does this. If like some, you can’t stand his voice but like the songs, then you’ll really want to roll on out to hear an exceptional vocalist do memorable arrangements of songs you only think you know.
Tickets: £15/£13. Info: 01633 656757