Barb Jungr – Waterloo Sunset
Released by Linn in 2003, Waterloo Sunset combines Barb Jungr’s distinctive vocal style with songs by Bob Dylan, the Everly Brothers, Leon Russell, Richard Thompson and others. Recorded at Mark Angel Studios in London, the album moves between intimate singer-songwriter material and more expansive arrangements, giving it considerable value as both a musical statement and a vocal reference.
TRACK LIST
- LabelLinn
- CountryEurope
- Release date2003
- GenreJazz, Pop
- FormatSACD-ISO 2ch&6ch + Flac 16bit/44.1kHz
Sound Quality
The recording has a clean, spacious vocal presentation. Jungr’s voice sits firmly at the center, while guitars, piano and rhythm instruments build a layered but uncluttered backdrop. Acoustic guitar texture is particularly revealing, with the attack of the strings followed by a natural decay. Bass should sound supportive rather than heavy, and the treble should preserve air around the voice without emphasizing sibilance.
Audiophile Listening Experience
The album works well at moderate listening levels because its appeal is in the detail between the notes. Listen to the relationship between Jungr’s vocal and the instruments behind her, especially when arrangements become denser. A capable system should maintain depth and separation without making the soundstage artificially wide. The quieter songs are useful for judging low-level resolution, while the stronger passages test dynamic contrast and tonal stability.
Reference Tracks
“Cathy’s Clown” is useful for vocal focus and tonal balance. “This Masquerade” provides richer harmonic texture and a deeper arrangement, while “Like a Rolling Stone” brings stronger rhythmic energy. The title track, “Waterloo Sunset,” is particularly effective for evaluating the intimacy of the vocal and the sense of space around it.
Audiophile Verdict
Waterloo Sunset is an elegant example of Linn’s vocal-oriented recording style and Jungr’s ability to transform familiar songs into personal performances. Its combination of intimate vocals, acoustic instruments and carefully controlled dynamics makes it a useful reference for imaging, midrange naturalness, guitar texture and spatial depth. The SACD presentation adds further value for high-resolution listeners.
