Gavin Bryars, a former philosophy student turned jazz bassist, helped pioneer British free improvisation and approaches composition as a vast creative field. His groundbreaking works The Sinking of the Titanic and Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet explore time and memory, with the latter gaining new life in a 1993 version featuring Tom Waits that was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. Known for integrating “music which refers to other music,” Bryars’ compositions evoke reflective, timeless experiences that remain accessible yet deeply inventive.
Protect
Campaigning and support to protect the rights and earnings of songwriters and composers.
Claim per diems
When attending UK major record label writing sessions.
Celebrate
The most prestigious celebrations of songwriters, composers and their champions.
The Ivors with Amazon Music
21 May 2026
