Keyboard Fantasies

Album review

By the mid-'80s, Beverly Glenn-Copeland had been best known as a starring actor in the Canadian children's program Mr. Dressup, in addition to providing guest vocals on records by iconic singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn and other folk artists. He had also released two obscure albums of poetic folk-jazz at the beginning of the 1970s, then a slightly funk-tinged soft rock EP in 1983. He recorded Keyboard Fantasies solely using a Yamaha DX7 keyboard and a Roland TR-707 drum machine -- a very restricted set-up by current standards, but one which Glenn-Copeland felt had limitless possibilities at the time. Channeling the practicing Buddhist's feelings of peace and solitude in the surrounding woodlands of his home in Ontario, the music is relaxing and meditative, brimming with joy and comfort. "Ever New" starts the album with a trickling stream of gentle notes, before a distinctive melody forms, and Glenn-Copeland's warm, friendly, slightly warbly voice sings lyrics which praise nature and welcome people of all ages, viewing life as a period of eternal youthfulness and hope. "Winter Astral" is beatless and wordless, but its brassy melodies are bold and valiant, encouraging the listener to put aside fear and live a fulfilling life. "Let Us Dance" is the most playful and childlike selection, with a steadily paced waltz tempo, parping keyboards, and Christmas-like electronic bells accompanying Glenn-Copeland's double-tracked voice. Finding strength and motivation in the sunshine and the serenity of nature, he feels excited to travel the road ahead of him. Following two instrumentals, including the downright snuggly "Old Melody," the album ends with "Sunset Village," a truly soothing song with simple yet empowering lyrics ("Let it go, let it go now, it's okay"), tying with "Ever New" as the album's most blissful, touching moment. Self-released as a cassette in 1986, Keyboard Fantasies largely remained an unheard curiosity for decades until it was rediscovered by music collectors during the 2010s, leading to several reissues and prompting the septuagenarian artist to tour internationally for the first time and record new music. More than just a wholesome story about an artist who found success late in his career, Glenn-Copeland's music and life experience speaks to the power of maintaining a positive outlook and remaining true to one's unique vision.

© Paul Simpson /TiVo