Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five dark stars, 9 Mar 2008
Barb Jungr's new CD features her versions of songs originally recorded by Nina Simone. It should be needless to say that although the album is intended as a tribute to her heroine, Jungr puts her own stamp on each song, and each is transmitted through her sensitivity and craft. There are no slavish reproductions either of Simone's interpretations or arrangements here, but rather shining original versions.
I believe that the sequence of seven songs from Angel of the Morning through to Hollis Brown may be the finest thing that Jungr has recorded. These are songs about lost love, unhappiness, yearning, wanting more and being prepared to settle for less, tears, regret, loss and death, yet the whole thing is done with such a delicate intelligence and such a depth of understanding that we begin to think that there may be something in the concept of catharsis - or perhaps we can simply sit back and enjoy wonderful songs sung by someone who knows what she is about and can show us things about the songs which we would never have thought of ourselves. The musicians here underpin and punctuate the words throughout the album with nuances and subtleties while Jenny Carr's piano weaves a filigree of silver wire around that lovely, pellucid voice.
Of the three Bob Dylan songs which appear, Just Like A Woman and The Times They Are A-changin' seem almost jaunty in these arrangements, but the Ballad Of Hollis Brown is more satisfactorily dark. Elsewhere on the album, the sleevenotes suggest that the tree in Lilac Wine grows in a graveyard. It seems a reasonable conclusion. I would go further and say that the cemetery itself is situated on the junction of Desolation Row and Lonely Street - and those of us who know Barb Jungr's Heartbreak Hotel will be aware of just what kind of place that must be.
It occurs to me, of course, that all this harping on darkness and misery is not perhaps the best way to persuade you that this would be a good thing to buy with one click. Fair enough, but if it's unremitting cheerfulness you're after you probably won't have read this far anyway. Be reassured that in the final track all the emotion which singer and band have kept under control is allowed to burst out in an expression of joy in life and living. Buy this one.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rousing, Exultant and Discreet Jazz with a hint of Gospel, Folk and R&B, 11 Mar 2008
This review is written by a major Nina Simone fan ( I had the pleasure of attending two concerts) and a major Barb Jungr fan. Both bring their own individuality and artistry to their craft.
Break Down and Let It All Out has always been one of my favourite Nina Simone tracks and I think the way Barb deepens her voice and changes the pace of the song gives it extra depth. Sublime to listen to.
The reggae of Just Like A Woman surprised me at first. I think it gives the song a feeling of strength and defiance that many singers who covered it missed. I think it would make a great single release.
Lilac Wine is very haunting. The sound of the ticking clock makes me feel the passing of time. It's a very cinematic song. Jessica Lauren's playing adds to the effect. It has been very refreshing to hear the song done this way.
The Times They Are A Changin'. I like the beat and speed of this. It was probably the first Dylan song my mum played for me so it's always been special. And it is very relevant to today I feel. Shows the prophet in Dylan. The sax too I like.
Angel Of The Morning has been a favourite song of mine for many years, though here it is like I heard it for the first time. Barb turns it into a Chanson and it sounds as if it was meant to be performed this way. So lonesome. I had never really fully comprehended the lyrics until I heard this interpretation. Love it. And Jessica's harmonica playing is just perfect.
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. I am also a big fan of The Animals so was really that this was included. And of course Nina was very often misunderstood in her life.
Keeper Of The Flame. The arrangement reminded me of something from the Chanson's album. I can't remember what now. I think the piano is similar to something on there. I really like this one. Even those of us who are loved hold a secret little flame for someone I think.
To Love Somebody. I first heard Bonnie Tyler sing this when I was 14 or 15 and loved it then, though my musical tastes have matured I hope since then. Still love her though. And Barb's version really swings. Impossible not to sing along to. Again, I really like the sax on this one and the key change after the sax solo.
One Morning In May/The Pusher. Barb has picked two very obscure tracks here. Both songs only really became known in the past couple of years or so with the re releases of "Folksy Nina" and "It Is Finished" on CD. I like very much how the songs have been reworked and rearranged and the steady beat of the drum through this.
Hollis Brown. What a great song this is. Nina changed her style quite dramatically when she sang this. I like the way this has been slowed down and turned it into more of a bluesy sounding piece. This one is almost classical sounding too. Very hypnotic. .
Feeling Good. This has a very modern and almost punky defiance to it. And as Eric Blair said in his review a bursting joyfullness of life and living.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Call her Angel of the chanson, 17 Mar 2008
So, this is the sixth Album. I was stunned by the first in 2000 - even though no one can touch Brel - and have been ever since.
Nothing changed except with every release it got better. Every CD full of great stuff. Like Rene Marie, Barb Jungr takes a song and makes it her own - gives it something special. Yet somehow every CD has in the midst of its excellence, an offering, a pinnacle, that stands out from the others. Marieke, Is Your Love in Vain? Always on my Mind, Blind, Willie McTell.
Just like a Woman is the best (so far!). On this Album there is not just one song that shines - they all up there. However, edging above the rest, with the vibrato well under control, are Angel of the Morning, Lilac Wine and One Morning in May. It was like listening to them for the very first time. Wonderful empathy.
A fine tribute from one great lady to another.
Buy this - but also get to see her live - that's even better.
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