Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Event Description

Beverly Glenn-Copeland announces news of an October UK + EU headline tour, his first UK shows since 2019 and debut Irish performance, an extraordinary career renaissance that has taken place over the past few years, 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 his wife, theatre artist and musical producer Elizabeth Copeland.

Glenn-Copeland began his musical career in the 1960s when he studied classical singing at Montreal's McGill University and performed at Expo 67. A pair of self-titled, multi-genre albums released in the early '70s showcased his powerful voice and songwriting talent. In 1986, while living in rural Ontario, Glenn-Copeland taught himself to use digital synthesis and recorded the album that would ultimately alter the entire course of his career. At the time, he self-released Keyboard Fantasies via a 200-copy cassette run, selling just a handful while the rest waited in storage. In 2015, a Japanese record collector emailed Glenn-Copeland about selling the remainder; a new generation had unearthed his art. The music spread globally, and a few years later, in his 70s, Glenn-Copeland embarked on his first European tour to share his songs with live audiences, a journey captured in Posy Dixon’s 2019 celebrated documentary Keyboard Fantasies.

Since Keyboard Fantasies’ rediscovery, a new generation of listeners and artists have embraced Glenn-Copeland's music. In 2021, he released the remix album Keyboard Fantasies Reimagined, which featured reimagined versions of the album's songs from contemporary visionaries such as Arca, Blood Orange, Julia Holter and Kelsey Lu. More recently, having been blown away after seeing him perform live in Stockholm, Romy from The xx sampled Glenn Copeland on her single “Enjoy Your Life”. Glenn-Copeland also recently collaborated with Sam Smith on a new recording of his classic song “Ever New” for the Red Hot Org “Transa” album, released last year.

As his work has spread its inspiration, Glenn-Copeland has continued to develop his own prismatic musical practice. The songs on 2023’s The Ones Ahead draw from a wealth of traditions, from American jazz to Irish fiddle songs to West African percussion. Some, like ‘No Other’ and ‘Stand Anthem’, were originally born as parts of song cycles and stage plays. Glenn-Copeland writes with an ear to what he calls the Universal Broadcasting System, receiving transmissions from the vibrations of the world around him and faithfully transcribing them. “The UBS sends what it wants, and like a good servant, I listen and write what I am given”.

Acclaim for The Ones Ahead:

“The Ones Ahead is a triumphant, ecstatic album.” Uncut – 9/10

“Aching, stirring life lessons... Prepare to be moved, swept away and enlightened for the 43-minute duration.” MOJO – 4 stars ****

“Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s is one of the great voices, a rich, mystical tone that sends a shiver through the nervous system...

The Ones Ahead feels no less vital or inventive than his most celebrated work.” Record Collector – 4 stars ****

“A work of wisdom and openness... The Ones Ahead reminds us that Glenn-Copeland embodies these qualities like few others.” The Wire

“The Ones Ahead marks his first studio album in almost 20 years and is anchored by the beautiful ‘Harbour (Song For Elizabeth)’.” The Guardian

“Exquisite... There are poignant piano ballads, global rapture and gorgeous jazz moods... All are imbued with a spiritual message.” Songlines – 4 stars ****

“Copeland is as innovative as ever... His voice is an immensely powerful instrument which conveys a profound depth of emotion throughout.” Loud & Quiet

“The Ones Ahead is a beautiful addition to Glenn-Copeland’s catalogue.” Electronic Sound

Door 18:30pm | Show start 20:00 | No support

Location of event

Venue Information - Vicar Street

Vicar Street is one of Dublin's most loved comedy and music venues, hosting a huge range of events. Its capacity ranges from 1000 - 1500.