"Laughter in Summer" by Canadian composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland emerges as a remarkable testament to the human spirit's resilience. Diagnosed with dementia in 2023, Copeland chose not to retreat but to embark on a transformative tour, culminating in this deeply moving album. It is a work born from a period of profound personal challenge, yet it radiates an undeniable joy, underscoring the boundless nature of love and the interconnectedness of life.
The genesis of "Laughter in Summer" lies in a series of rehearsals held at Montreal's renowned Hotel2Tango studio in 2023. What began as preparations for a concert evolved into a full-fledged album, capturing the raw, spontaneous essence of Copeland's artistry. Joined by his wife, Elizabeth, music director Alex Samaras, and a chorus of Canadian vocalists, each track was recorded in a single take, emphasizing authentic expression over polished perfection. The minimalist arrangement of piano, choir, and clarinet highlights Copeland's exquisite contralto, allowing his voice to convey a spectrum of emotions—from profound introspection to exuberant celebration. This collection serves not only as a retrospective of his distinguished career but also as a vivid snapshot of an artist embracing his final chapter with unwavering confidence and an open heart.
A pivotal moment in Copeland's career arrived in 2015 when a Japanese record store owner's inquiry about his long-unavailable 1986 cassette, "Keyboard Fantasies," sparked a resurgence of interest. The reissue of this album, with its serene melodies and innovative use of the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, resonated deeply with a new generation captivated by new-age music. This rediscovery propelled Copeland into the public eye as both a musical innovator and a revered trans elder. The momentum continued with a documentary, a compilation of cover versions, a comprehensive career retrospective, and subsequently, fresh musical creations. It is fitting that "Laughter in Summer" commences with two standout pieces from "Keyboard Fantasies." In "Let Us Dance (Movement One)," Copeland's rich contralto, accompanied by piano, clarinet, and choir, exudes warmth and familiarity, like greeting an old friend. "Ever New," a cornerstone of his discography, carries profound significance, particularly in the context of Copeland's Buddhist perspective on mortality. Its gentle assertion, "We are ever new," transforms into a powerful affirmation, a resonant mantra from his past self guiding him through the present.
The revitalization of Copeland's career following the rediscovery of "Keyboard Fantasies" owes much to the unwavering support of his wife, Elizabeth. Their bond, which blossomed from a chance encounter and a prophetic dream, extends deeply into his professional life. Together, they founded a children's theater school, and Elizabeth has played a crucial role in arranging his music and championing his work. The track "Harbour," originally a birthday tribute to Elizabeth, takes on new emotional depth in "Laughter in Summer." While a previous rendition featured a duet with Jeremy Costello, here, Elizabeth joins Copeland, transforming each lyric into a sacred vow exchanged between lovers. On the album's title track, Elizabeth makes her debut as a lyricist in Copeland's oeuvre. Composed after his dementia diagnosis, the song originated from instrumental pieces titled "Songs With No Words." Elizabeth's lyrics, penned while reflecting on their shared memories by a lake, capture the essence of their journey: "Laughter in summer/How I remember/June through September/Here with you." Her heartfelt words, woven into a melancholic piano melody and Copeland's wordless vocals, create a bittersweet tapestry of light and shadow, reminiscent of the sun's poignant glow before dusk.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland's journey as a performer on Canadian children's television programs like "Mr. Dressup," a writer for "Sesame Street," and an educator at a theater school, instilled in him a unique ability to compose with disarming clarity. His song "Children's Anthem," with its simple yet profound message to "let them play and let them learn/And let them prosper day by day," exemplifies his overarching artistic philosophy: inclusivity for all. Much like Don Cherry's collaborative endeavors with his Organic Music Theatre, Copeland strives to foster collective experiences, inviting individuals of all ages to engage and participate. As he articulated to "The Wire" magazine in 2020, "This thing where only some people go on stage and perform is a recent, bad turn of events. It used to be, in all our cultures, that we danced and sang together." "Laughter in Summer," characterized by its effortless and open collaboration, embodies this philosophy, serving as a heartfelt celebration of his and Elizabeth's love, as well as the vibrant community they have nurtured.
One particular song on "Laughter in Summer" stands out as a profound reflection of Copeland's personal and artistic evolution: "Prince Caspian's Dream." It took him decades to complete, as he felt he lacked the wisdom to finish it after the initial two lines emerged. He revisited those lines every ten years, allowing the song's deeper meaning to unfold organically. While the track debuted on "The Ones Ahead," this stripped-down rendition in "Laughter in Summer" is definitive. Copeland croons, "Life is a part of love/The living art of love," before continuing with newly revealed lines: "Life is the heart of love, this I know/I give my days into its keeping/Though sometimes laughing, sometimes weeping." As he guides the choir through a wordless melody, his patient and encouraging presence is palpable. At the song's conclusion, Copeland whispers a message that encapsulates the essence of the piece, his love, and his very existence: "Oh, that was exquisite."
Ultimately, "Laughter in Summer" transcends its role as a mere musical album; it is a profound declaration of enduring vitality. Amidst the challenges of a dementia diagnosis, Copeland, with the unwavering support of his wife, Elizabeth, chose to embrace life's final act with artistic fervor. Through spontaneous performances, heartfelt collaborations, and lyrics infused with deep personal meaning, he has crafted a work that not only celebrates his extraordinary career but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love, community, and the timeless renewal of the human spirit.