Bryars: Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Gavin Bryars' "Bryars: Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde composition, released on December 29, 2016, under GB Records. This album, spanning 50 minutes, features two seminal works: the titular piece and "The Sinking of the Titanic."

"Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" originated from a chance encounter in 1971 when Gavin Bryars discovered a 26-second audio fragment of an elderly homeless man singing a simple song of Christian faith. Moved by the beauty and sincerity of the man's voice, Bryars transformed this humble recording into a profound orchestral composition. The album features a string quartet arrangement, with the man's voice looping hypnotically, creating a mesmerizing and introspective atmosphere.

"The Sinking of the Titanic," the second piece on the album, is a haunting and evocative work that incorporates additional tapes using music played by the New Music Ensemble. This piece, like its counterpart, showcases Bryars' unique ability to blend minimalist structures with avant-garde techniques, resulting in a deeply immersive listening experience.

The album is a reissue of the original Eno/Obscure production, meticulously re-mastered at IO Mastering in Hollywood, California. It includes the original 1975 recording from Basing Street Studios in London, offering both historical significance and contemporary relevance. For fans of experimental music and those seeking a deeper understanding of Gavin Bryars' innovative approach, this album is an essential addition to any collection.

Gavin Bryars is a versatile and influential British composer and double bassist, born in Yorkshire in 1943. His musical journey began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist, collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. Over the decades, Bryars has explored a wide range of genres, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His compositions are known for their unique, often hypnotic qualities, and his approach to music is deeply personal, with each piece written specifically for the performers who bring it to life. Bryars' work has inspired generations of artists, notably with his seminal piece "The Sinking of the Titanic," released on Brian Eno's Obscure imprint. His innovative contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at The Ivors Classical Awards. Bryars' music is a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to continually evolve and surprise.