Gavin Bryars (born 1943) - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet

*Please note in this version of the work the ensemble join with the tape four minutes into the piece*

In 1971, when I lived in London, I was working with a friend, Alan Power, on a film about people living rough in the area around Elephant and Castle and Waterloo Station. In the course of being filmed, some people broke into drunken song - sometimes bits of opera, sometimes sentimental ballads - and one, who in fact did not drink, sang a religious song "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet". This was not ultimately used in the film and I was given all the unused sections of tape, including this one.

When I played it at home, I found that his singing was in tune with my piano, and I improvised a simple accompaniment. I noticed, too, that the first section of the song - 13 bars in length - formed an effective loop which repeated in a slightly unpredictable way. I took the tape loop to Leicester, where I was working in the Fine Art Department, and copied the loop onto a continuous reel of tape, thinking about perhaps adding an orchestrated accompaniment to this. The door of the recording room opened on to one of the large painting studios and I left the tape copying, with the door open, while I went to have a cup of coffee. When I came back I found the normally lively room unnaturally subdued. People were moving about much more slowly than usual and a few were sitting alone, quietly weeping.

I was puzzled until I realised that the tape was still playing and that they had been overcome by the old man's singing. This convinced me of the emotional power of the music and of the possibilities offered by adding a simple, though gradually evolving, orchestral accompaniment that respected the tramp's nobility and simple faith. Although he died before he could hear what I had done with his singing, the piece remains as an eloquent, but understated testimony to his spirit and optimism.

The piece was originally recorded on Brian Eno's Obscure label in 1975 and a substantially revised and extended version for Point Records in 1993. The version that is played by my ensemble was specially created in 1993 to coincide with this last recording.

© Gavin Bryars

About the composer: Gavin Bryars
Gavin Bryars has continually shunned convention, choosing to create his own distinctive and unique path: He studied philosophy at Sheffield University and became a professional jazz bassist and a pioneer of free improvisation working especially with Derek Bailey and Tony Oxley. In the late 1960s he worked with John Cage and this influenced his early works. He has formed fruitful collaborations with international artists from across the spectrum, from Merce Cunningham and William Forsyth to Juan Munoz and Robert Wilson. The Gavin Bryars Ensemble and GB Records continue to document his work. Serene, graceful and achingly beautiful, his music is characterized by a sense of contemplation that is revealed through harmony of underlying depth.

[flufbp]

No one knows his name, but Jesus does.

[joltee]

I listen to this and feel a deep sense of sadness, compassion, and humility. All of a sudden any anger or hate i had disappears and a sense of perspective dawns on me. Then, to be forgotten again. This is how poweful music can be. We need to be moved more; we need more love in the world so we can carry this sense of perspective with us

[frankiebowe]

But Jesus knows who he is and how much his song has touched the hearts of who knows how many of us?
Maybe one day we will meet him in eternity and sing with him. Praise the Lord!

[j.c]

This piece hit me like a freight train the first time I heard it.

[leehart]

Moved to tears. I parked my car and just listened and cried. Moving. There is something powerful about those words and the music. Thank you

[amanielwolde]

I was 11 or 12 years old the first time that i listened, it was on Italian tv show about Books, the journalist just said : "This singer is an old homeless man in London streets. Listen how poetic and powerful his voice is. Jésus blood never failed me yet". This morning i woke up thinking about this song, don't Know why, ignore the song title, never listened to it since 30 years, but found quite easily. Still emotional and i'm amazed to discover the story behind it, Gavin going back to look for this singer and not finding him. Gavin Bryars arranged it perfectly, it's important to bring attention to our fellow citizens living in the streets, he did it in his way. Great inspiration, i probably got so involved in supporting homeless human beings over the years, thanks to people like Gavin Bryars, who put the spotlight on them. Thanks 🙏 you all
"So the Last will be First "

[jamesmccafferty]

I only came to use tge phone. Wow, it's so beautiful it reaches parts you didn't know were there.❤

[tess]

So grateful! My recently 'x' atheist son was moved by this as he made a pumpkin pie from scratch with a coconut/seeds and walnut almond crust- (his invention) in the middle of the night while I slept because I can't consume a normal crust - (so loving!) and he was touched by this so much that I could tell as he told me about it, (just now) he was humbled and 'had Holy Ghost chills'... oh, I am SO GRATEFUL!!! It is touching me right now as I listen for the first time! What a beautiful blessing! Heavenly! THANK YOU!!!

[anthonyfellowes]

Heard on radio 4 something understood
Moved I searched on YouTube and cried. Then I read the comments and cried again. Love and be loved

[MozartMuse]

To ALL the musicians in this ensemble - and EVERYONE involved in bringing this experience to us - THANK YOU!

[tixihenderson]

I left that area in 71. Last week I put a Rock track I'd written in the 90's online; it has a homeless guy's taped voice on it. He was called Brian. This wonderful song sparks all sorts of memories. I can't believe I hadn't heard it before. I just need to stop crying now.

[katherinebishop]

Heard this on R3 one morning driving to work and had to stop the car and howl. Somehow it bypasses all rational thoughts and goes straight to the heart.

[David-fzhh]

"In 1971, when I lived in London, I was working with a friend, Alan Power, on a film about people living rough in the area around Elephant and Castle and Waterloo Station. In the course of being filmed, some people broke into drunken song – sometimes bits of opera, sometimes sentimental ballads – and one, who in fact did not drink, sang a religious song "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet". This was not ultimately used in the film and I was given all the unused sections of tape, including this one.
When I played it at home, I found that his singing was in tune with my piano, and I improvised a simple accompaniment. I noticed, too, that the first section of the song – 13 bars in length – formed an effective loop which repeated in a slightly unpredictable way (in the notes for the 1993 recording on Point, Bryars wrote that while the singer's pitch was quite accurate, his sense of tempo was irregular).
I took the tape loop to Leicester, where I was working in the Fine Art Department, and copied the loop onto a continuous reel of tape, thinking about perhaps adding an orchestrated accompaniment to this. The door of the recording room opened on to one of the large painting studios and I left the tape copying, with the door open, while I went to have a cup of coffee. When I came back I found the normally lively room unnaturally subdued. People were moving about much more slowly than usual and a few were sitting alone, quietly weeping.
I was puzzled until I realised that the tape was still playing and that they had been overcome by the old man's singing. This convinced me of the emotional power of the music and of the possibilities offered by adding a simple, though gradually evolving, orchestral accompaniment that respected the homeless man's nobility and simple faith. Although he died before he could hear what I had done with his singing, the piece remains as an eloquent, but understated testimony to his spirit and optimism."

[bigvin]

One of the most beautiful experiences ever imaginable

[alejandrocurado]

It doesn't matter when we first listen to this song. If you are truly human, you will shed a tear

[MarcoCapelli]

It's impossible not to expand your heart to the infinity listening to this masterpiece. Impossible.

[paulantonzorn]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! i am an atheist. this piece safed my soul!

[ozgoodel.]

"Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" has never failed me yet!

[steffensrensen]

a composition, a voice which is dedicated to all suffering people in the world. giving them a voice, it's a preach and a wish to be released. he comforts himself. lost in the life and the world. this work is a little lovely kiss to all sad citizens. remember them.

[denishinds]

I visit this piece on here at least twice a year, It never fails to move me. I cry.