With rave reviews internationally and two New York awards (2008 Nightlife Award for Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist and 2003 Backstage Award for Best International Artist) it is no wonder she has been compared to Nina Simone and cited as “a British Edith Piaf” by critics. Barb is renowned for her unique vocal style, approach to arrangements and interpretation of song. Her acclaimed releases on Linn Records and performances have brought her to the world stage and revealed her to be one of Europe’s most exciting voices. Currently touring the UK, Linn Records have released her new recording, Just Like A Woman (Hymn To Nina). The tour began in January at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the album was officially launched at The Shaw Theatre, London in March. In 2007, she appeared at The Queen Elizabeth Hall in collaboration with the composer Mark Anthony Turnage in About Water, which was written specifically for her voice. In 2005/6 Barb appeared on BBC television performing at the Tribute to Bob Dylan Concert alongside Odetta, KT Tunstall and Billy Bragg.  In July 2006, she contributed to the BBC One documentary Queens of Heartache - a programme about iconic female singers, writes regularly for The Singer, is the lyricist for Birmingham Stage Company’s production of The Jungle Book, and has a musical in development with The Little Angel Theatre. www.barbjungr.co.uk

Into the darkness of the soul

The scenes in the recording studio are alive, and fascinating for the obsessive quality that surrounds the bringing together of each recorded piece. Only Walker has the whole song in his head. The musicians come in and serve each small piece of a picture that only becomes whole in the mixing process.

Restless

Boyd’s attention to historic detail, his easy prose, wry humour and excellent structure are all employed to superb advantage and its not a surprise that – and this is a sort of back-handed compliment – the Richard and Judy book club and the Costa Novel Award both recognised Restless with their prizes and praise.

The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia

Opening any old place I discover that Tony Garnier played 1,700 gigs with Dylan, that Jerry Garcia died in a drug rehab clinic, aged 53, and that Dylan had once thought of performing George and Ira Gershwin’s ‘Swannee’ before rejecting it for ‘Soon’.