Gavin Bryars - Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet

Didn't Tom Waits do this with a homeless guy who died a short time later ?

Brian OReilly

The story as far as I understand it is that Gavin Bryars was working on a film set and heard this tramp nearby singing an old song called 'Jesus Blood never failed me yet' he recorded it 'in the field' and went back to the studio and began composing a piece of music around a 'looped' recording of the tramps voice. He then noticed that people around the studio were incredibly moved by what they heard. The music is a fantastic blend of the scientific and emotional. Tom Waits participated in a re-recording which adds further magic to the original. Absolutely recommended!

[This message was edited by the other nickc on FRIDAY 13 December 2002 at 12:28.]

The question is, "How do you get a hold of either of these?" I guess I'll just have to watch eBay.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Yes, I have "Blood".

The vocals and music do combine to form a haunting memorable experience.

Much better than the "Titanic" by him

DS

Mike,

I'm sure I've seen copies of it around over here, in fact I'd be surprised if it's deleted. Let me know if you need one and I'll keep a look out.

Incidentally I saw Bryars and ensemble perform it live in a tent in Glasgow in 1993 or 94. Very memorable indeed (even though I can't remember when it was). He's a superbly expressive double-bass (I think) player.

Mike
I got my copy from Amazon (UK)

I'll take a look.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-