Cont'd from P. 135.  I have witnessed this magnetizing effect in many of Barb's cabaret shows, particularly in her unforgettable one woman cabaret act at Joe's Pub when she sang and interpreted Brel and Dylan, two years ago, and today at the fabulous Metropolitan Room in Manhattan. At the Metropolitan, Barb began her show with "How Does It Feel" and ended it with a tour de force " Like a Rolling Stone" , "If Not For You", and "I Want You". A perfect start and sublime finish. Barb knows her craft. Yes, Bob Dylan's work  resurfaced as a world-class cabaret material, thank to Barb Jungr's creative and honest improvisation, very personal interpretation, philosophically elegant visions, talent and striking persona.

Photo: Charlie Giordano.

Every so often you come across a performance that stops you in your tracks. Something unexpected happens on the stage, something undefined, that seems to make you understand life, even if temporarily. This is what happened when I came to hear Barb Jungr at the Metropolitan Room in Manhattan. I have known and admired Barb for years, and I am quite familiar with her repertoire, so I was ready for the usual treat. This is not the first time I have heard her sing Bob Dylan songs, and even though I know what a great song writer he is, and always admired his lyrics, I was never too attracted to his style of singing. Bob Dylan is a philosopher. His lyrics are complicated, evocative, and controversial, but somehow these qualities are submerged by the image and often seem simple and down to earth when he sang them himself. So I was quite sure what to expect. But this time, I was stunned.

Barb was accompanied by a single, superb pianist and accordionist Charlie Giordano (who has recently worked on tour and recorded with Bruce Springsteen’s Grammy nominated Pete Seeger project and whose CV includes work with Sam Moore, Pat Benatar and Cindy Lauper, among many others). Giordano's musical virtuosity was predominant. He did a magnificent job, as usual. Barb took up Dylan's songs, interpreting them in her own sophisticated, European way, and something happened to the chemistry of writer, singer, and pianist.

Continues on P. 137