British composer, Gavin Bryars, performs an intimate programme of chamber pieces and a special arrangement of his seminal work, Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet. A moving contemporary classic, based on the loop of an unknown homeless man, singing a short hymn-like song, layered with Bryars’ hypnotic orchestration.
Gavin Bryars –
In 1971 a friend, Alan Power, was making a film about people living rough in London, around Waterloo and Elephant and Castle. While filming he made a number of tape recordings, some synchronised with the film, others not, and he eventually brought them to me for mixing. He gave me those tapes that he didn’t need for his film and which were to be discarded. For some reason I listened to them all. People talked about their lives, sometimes they would break into song ‐ sentimental songs, loud operatic extracts. One man, who didn’t drink, sang “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet.” I was struck by his singing, which was very touching, in tune and musical, and also happened to be in tune with my piano. I made a loop from his singing, and wrote a simple accompaniment and arranged this for a small ensemble with a simple, gradually evolving orchestration.
Over the years I have made many different versions ranging from just a few players to full orchestra and chorus. The accompaniment, though, does not seek to draw attention to itself but forms a support to the old man’s voice, respecting its dignified humanity and simple faith. It remains an understated testimony to (in spite of his situation) his optimistic spirit.
