Barb Jungr

Biography

Barb Jungr, born May 9, 1954, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, is a celebrated British vocalist, composer, and lyricist renowned for her distinctive interpretations of classic songs and her contributions to vocal jazz and cabaret[5]. Raised in the northwest of England to parents of Czech and German descent, Jungr emerged from the UK’s Alternative Cabaret scene in the 1970s, working alongside now-legendary comedians such as Julian Clary, Alexei Sayle, and Arnold Brown before focusing on her musical career[3][4]. Her early work laid the foundation for her signature approach: creating themed shows that blend storytelling with musical innovation, a style that has earned her international acclaim and comparisons to Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, and Edith Piaf[3]. Jungr’s career took off with a series of acclaimed releases on Linn Records, followed by albums on Naim and her own Kristalyn Records, and she has toured extensively across Europe, Australia, and the United States, including notable residencies at New York’s Café Carlyle, Metropolitan Room, and Joe’s Pub[3][6]. Critics have praised her as “one of the best interpreters of Jacques Brel and Bob Dylan anywhere” and “a true musical alchemist,” highlighting her ability to reveal new depths in familiar material through her “mesmerizing” voice and theatrical delivery[3][6]. Beyond performing, Jungr is a respected writer and lyricist, with credits including musical adaptations of The Jungle Book, Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Dick Whittington[3]. Her legacy is that of a fearless interpreter and innovator, continually expanding the boundaries of vocal jazz and cabaret.

Fun Facts

• Barb Jungr has been called 'a British Edith Piaf' and 'one of the best nightclub singers in the world' by critics in New York and London[3].
• She toured extensively for the British Council in the 1990s, performing in countries such as Malawi, Cameroon, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire, and Sudan[3].
• Jungr’s 2010 album The Men I Love was released on Naim Label to critical acclaim, followed by a sellout tour of Australia and praised shows in New York, St. Louis, Cleveland, and San Francisco[3].
• She has written lyrics and music for several children’s theatre productions, including The Jungle Book and The Fabulous Flutterbys[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Nina Simone - stylistic influence and vocal comparison (various covers and live performances) [ongoing]
• Peggy Lee - vocal and interpretive influence (themed shows and recordings) [ongoing]
• Jacques Brel - song interpretation and cabaret style (Brel-themed albums and live shows) [ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Mari Wilson - reformed Girl Talk trio (Girl Talk) [2011]
• Gwyneth Herbert - reformed Girl Talk trio (Girl Talk) [2011]
• Kuljit Bhamra - musical collaboration (Durga Rising) [2012]
• Simon Wallace - frequent pianist and arranger (various albums and live shows, including Durga Rising) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Tower of Song (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
2. Desolation Row (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
3. Love Minus Zero/No Limit (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
4. You Got Me Singing (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
5. Trouble in Mind (Walking in the Sun)
6. New Morning (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
7. Who Do You Love? (Walking in the Sun)
8. MacArthur Park
9. Tonight Will Be Fine (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)
10. Slow (Hallelujah on Desolation Row)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz