Beverly Glenn-Copeland: Laughter in Summer

"In 2023, Copeland was diagnosed with LATE, a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer's. His doctors recommended that he stay home and do crossword puzzles; Copeland chose to go on tour. He knew that he still had too much to do and too much to give. He continued to write, perform, and record, and Laughter in Summer is the unexpected result-a joyous album made during a time of grief, a declaration that love is much bigger than life."

"Copeland was invited to prepare for a Montreal concert at the famed Hotel2Tango studio in 2023, joined by his wife Elizabeth, music director Alex Samaras, and a choir of Canadian singers. The session was only meant as a rehearsal, but upon listening back to the recording they realized that it deserved to be released as an album. Every song, both new and old, was captured in one take (sometimes to the bemusement of his singers), with sparse arrangements for piano, choir, and clarinet."

"The breakthrough moment of Copeland's career came in 2015, via an email from a Japanese record store owner inquiring about a long out-of-print 1986 cassette, Keyboard Fantasies. That interest led to a reissue of the record, whose peaceful lyrics and extensive use of the Yamaha DX7 resonated with a generation newly fascinated with new age. Copeland suddenly found himself navigating public life as a musical pioneer and a trans elder. In quick succession came a documentary, a covers album, a career-spanning compilation,"

Beverly Glenn-Copeland received a 2023 diagnosis of LATE, a dementia similar to Alzheimer's, but chose to tour instead of retreating. He continued to write, perform, and record, producing Laughter in Summer, a joyous album made during grief that asserts love's primacy. The album was recorded at Hotel2Tango in Montreal with his wife, a music director, and a choir; every song was captured in one take with sparse piano, choir, and clarinet. The record serves as a summary of Copeland's career and a portrait of an artist in his last act: confident, generous, and unafraid. Wider recognition followed a 2015 reissue of Keyboard Fantasies.

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