Tag Archives: Beverly Glenn-Copeland

On Record – Beverly Glenn-Copeland: Laughter In Summer (Transgressive)

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Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s story is best expressed in the press release accompanying Laughter In Summer:

“From the moment we are born, we begin the long walk home. Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife Elizabeth started down the path together nearly half a century ago, and have been trailing it since, hand in hand and song by song. Together, they’ve made a life sharing their unselfish hearts—ones too large for earthly configuration—through art and community, encouraging us all to take our own dance down the road with elemental love and grace. 

Now, as Glenn lives with a version of Dementia known as LATE, their walk has taken on a different weight. Out of this season comes Laughter In Summer, an album the couple made together—realizing, before long, that it was a love letter to one another: a tender ledger of memories, shared devotion, grief and joy.

What’s the music like?

Incredibly expressive. The music here is a combination of young and old, moving from wide-eyed innocence to experienced and world-worn pain, This is surely a result of Copeland’s awareness of his plight, but the overwhelming feeling is one of a childlike innocence, especially on songs like the closing hymn. Ever New has a rapturous contentment, all expressed in rich tones, while Laughter In Summer itself is a hymn of positivity, deep in thought as well as appreciation.

Copeland’s voice is extraordinary, rich in tone and working well with the minimum of accompaniment, expressing his feelings in an incredibly brave way given this is the last album he is likely to make.Absi

Does it all work?

Absolutely. A very brave album that somehow finds a higher plain in spite of afflction,

Is it recommended?

Yes, without reservation. Copeland’s voice is an expressive marvel, communicating wondrous emotions in spite of the hardships faced. A pure inspiration to power all who listen to greater things.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,796 – Thursday 12 February 2026

New music – Beverly Glenn-Copeland: Save The Children / What’s Going On (Transgressive Records)

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from the press release, edited by Ben Hogwood

Currently readying a new album for release next year, and ahead of his October tour, Beverly Glenn-Copeland today shares highly emotive and deeply moving cover versions of two Marvin Gaye classics, What’s Going On and Save The Children, via Transgressive Records. Marvin Gaye’s landmark album What’s Going On delivered a profound message of unity and social awareness. Released in 1971, the album confronted pressing issues such as war, racism, and police brutality, all while urging us to care more deeply for one another and the world we share. All these themes can be connected to the events of today and have moved Glenn deeply: Gaza, the attacks on Trans rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. These new recordings are Glenn’s personal response to our current times and articulate the mission behind all of his music: to bring communities together, build collective resilience and speak truth to power.

Commenting on the two cover versions Glenn says: “Marvin Gaye was my teacher. Though I didn’t get the chance to meet him in this life, his untimely death broke my heart. I still listen and learn from his wisdom. Marvin’s music is prophetic and his message of unity through love still rings true today. I’m honoured to be covering these two deeply meaningful songs that captured the zeitgeist of a nation at a pivotal time in our shared history. Listen to his introspective lyrics. Dance to his soulful grooves. Get yourself alive in the hands of a master and heed his call.”

Glenn will soon be returning to these shores for a highly-anticipated October UK tour. These are his first UK shows since 2019 and the extraordinary career renaissance triggered by the rediscovery of his classic Keyboard Fantasies album. The tour will see Glenn-Copeland perform tracks from his acclaimed 2023 album The Ones Ahead as well as fan favourites from across his storied career, accompanied by creative partner and musical producer Elizabeth Copeland.

Published post no.2,625 – Wednesday 13 August 2025

On Record – Group Listening: Clarinet & Piano: Selected Works, Vol. 2 (PRAH Recordings)

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group-listening

reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The first Group Listening album was such a success that clarinettist Stephen Black and pianist Paul Jones have returned for a second instalment. The project celebrates their favourite music – a wide range of electronica, Krautrock and dance-infused classics – by rearranging it for clarinet and piano, with a few electronic twists on the side.

In the course of their work the pair can bring new life to tracks we all thought we knew.

What’s the music like?

Rather special. Both performers play with a great deal of expression, really bringing the music to life and highlighting parts we hadn’t reckoned with before. They are clever with their arrangements, too, giving the melodic lead to the piano on occasion. Robbie Basho’s Blue Crystal Fire is one such example, where Black explores the throaty lower end of the clarinet register while Jones’ piano spins out the tune.

Much of the music is bright and positive, and the first track – a spacious arrangement of Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s Sunset Village – sets the mood perfectly. The appearance of the theme to the 1970s kids tv show Camberwick Green is a humourous shock, joyfully played by both performers, before we hear a radical reworking of Laraaji’s All Of A Sudden. This is where a few risks can go a long way, in this case with the help of a one-touch keyboard rhythm effect.

The Group Listening cover of Malcolm Neon’s Y Cwsg is playful, while Hollywood Dream Trip – originally by Syrinx – is expansive. The original work Five Hundred Miles is unexpectedly poignant, eavesdropping on phone conversations and messages while the instruments work softly voiced conversations of their own. The steady ticking of Seeland has a similar, meditative effect.

Does it all work?

It does – like looking at familiar pictures from unexpected angles and discovering more about them. What really comes across is the love these two musicians have for the music they have arranged and played.

Is it recommended?

Yes. This set of selected works is a blend of cover and remix, throwing new light on music that is revealed to have more dimensions with every listen. A subtly joyous experience.

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