Review: BARB JUNGR SINGS DYLAN & COHEN, Crazy Coqs
Barb Jungr, celebrated for her extraordinary talent in reinterpreting iconic songs with profound depth and emotion, returns to the stage with a remarkable tribute to the timeless works of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
With a voice that masterfully balances strength and subtlety, Jungr guides audiences through some of modern songwriting’s most evocative masterpieces, offering fresh and insightful takes on these enduring classics. Having recently curated Visions of Dylan, the UK’s inaugural festival dedicated to Bob Dylan, Jungr reaffirms her reputation as both a daring interpreter and an innovator.
Accompanied by her longtime collaborators, pianist Simon Wallace, and supported by double bassist Davide Mantovani, she reinvents well-loved classics with award-winning arrangements and bold new interpretations, creating an intimate and unforgettable celebration of two musical legends.
It is Jungr meeting the work, not reinventing it, as she searches for what makes a great song so relatable. A die-hard fan of Dylan or Cohen might initially cringe at the prospect of another artist borrowing their greatness. However, Jungr’s approach is different: with her focus on unearthing lesser-heard hits and hidden gems, it’s clear that her intention is to give the music fresh nuances and ensure its enduring vitality.
Opening with Cohen’s ‘Everybody Knows’, the tone of the evening is immediately set. These two songwriters do not promote an overly rosy outlook on life, and from the start, we are drawn into their world of conflicts between romance and realism. ‘Tonight Will Be Fine’ is introduced as Jungr’s take on love, transforming the song into an intimate confession that resonates with the audience. Similarly, ‘Tower of Song’ highlights the deep connection between Jungr and Cohen, revealing them as intertwined spirits. As a mature woman, Jungr embodies the lived experiences Cohen often wrote about, adding layers of authenticity to her interpretations.
From Dylan’s repertoire, ‘Kansas City’ stands out, a complex tale of love and independence delivered with emotional precision. Her rendition of ‘Missisissippi’ is a reminder that Dylan is a storyteller, musician and great thinker.
In her enviable take on ‘Desolation Row’, considering the title of the upcoming album, Jungr ambitiously performs all ten verses, a feat even Dylan himself no longer tackles which she reveals in her humorous interlude about seeming him earlier in the year, she reveals the song’s depth, holding the audience’s attention through every line.
Jungr also takes on the well-loved classic, ‘Hallelujah’. Though she admits a certain reluctance toward the song, given its overuse in popular culture, her rendition feels startlingly fresh. Extracting a rawness from the lyrics, she provocatively explores themes of religion and sexuality, allowing humanity’s messier sides to shine.
While the performance may not be groundbreaking, it is a wholesome and respectful celebration of two master songwriters. Good art transcends time, and in Jungr’s capable hands, it certainly feels that way.
Jungr has carved a remarkable career blending musical innovation with cultural exploration, earning countless accolades for her distinctive ability to reimagine classic repertoires. Her performance during the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024, an event celebrating jazz across venues throughout the capital, is a perfect reminder of how great music continues to evolve and inspire.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Stephanie Osztreicher
