Get the Blessing Members, Gear & Sound

Get the Blessing is a pioneering British ensemble that fuses elements of jazz, jazz fusion, and indie jazz to create a sound that defies traditional genre boundaries. Formed in Bristol in 1999, the group consists of Jim Barr (bass), Clive Deamer (drums), Pete Judge (trumpet), and Jake McMurchie (saxophone). Barr and Deamer are well-known for their work with Portishead, and their rhythmic expertise underpins the band's innovative soundscapes. With a penchant for exploring the improvisational and monophonic aspects of Ornette Coleman's early work, Get the Blessing has established themselves as "total outsiders" in the jazz world, delivering music that is as invigorating as it is unpredictable.

Get the Blessing's sound is characterized by its experimental and eclectic nature, blending the organic warmth of traditional jazz instruments with the edgy textures of post-rock and spacey electronics. Their compositions often oscillate between melodic brass lines and driving, rhythmic sections, creating a dynamic interplay that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. This sonic character is enhanced by the use of effects such as the Electro-Harmonix XO Holy Grail Plus, which adds depth and atmosphere to McMurchie's saxophone, and the rhythmic foundation provided by Deamer's array of percussion tools, including the Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad. This blend of acoustic and electronic elements results in a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz traditions, offering musicians a rich palette from which to draw inspiration.