A few months ago I was absolutely delighted to be asked to participate in a programme on Radio 3 to celebrate Gavin Bryars’ fabulous anthem ‘Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet’. If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s a recording of a man, homeless in London, singing a short hymn-like snippet on repeat, with strings accompanying and meandering underneath. Ironically the composer wasn’t able to find an original source hymn and, as he describes in the programme, it means he has the copyright.
The singer indicates a total faith that whatever happens, he will be OK because Jesus’ Blood hasn’t failed him so far. However, his croaky, shaking but utterly tuneful tone reflects a life of struggle and resilience.
There are two reasons why I was so pleased to speak about this piece of music. The first is that have spent a lot of time in my life so far in choirs, orchestras and ensembles of various types. Music can be a wonderful way of sharing with each other and working as a team. This piece requires musicians to work together to create something that is uniquely moving and if you don’t know why, then make sure you have a listen.
The second reason is that the man in the clip has an identity as a singer alongside his homelessness. Through performing, he is expressing something of his situation as well as sharing a musical talent to those around him. He isn’t just a homeless man. The Radio 3 programme includes a lot of insights from members of The Choir With No Name, all of whom have been touched by homelessness for one reason or another. Their relationship with the music is just as moving as the piece itself.
If you’d like an encounter with an unusual anthem then you can hear the Choir perform Jesus’ Blood at St Martin’s during the Service of Commemoration for those who have died homeless in November. If you can’t wait until then, the Radio 3 programme is available on BBC Sounds and the piece itself is easily available through an internet search! You might even like to enjoy the Mercury shortlisted version with Tom Waits. Happy singing everyone. It’s an absolute ear-worm.
Pam Orchard
