Phynix
Primal Prayer
© 2004 Beverly Glenn Copeland (626776756929)
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A vitality of sound that brings shivers to the spine, evoking lost memories of ancient vocal freedom, mirroring the depths and soaring heights of the entire range of human emotion, unique yet universal expression of what it means to be alive today.
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Phynix was born and raised in Philadelphia where his spectacular voice was recognized at an early age. He studied classical music at McGill University in Montreal majoring in vocal performance. After finalizing his university studies and subsequent training in Manhattan under soprano Eleanor Steber, world-renowned soloist of the Metropolitan Opera, he returned to Canada to begin developing his true gift of musicality. Throughout his career he has been acclaimed as a musical genius, whether playing his guitar, his drums, his piano and now, since the early 80's his MIDI instruments. (Musical Instruments Digital Interface). Using MIDI, Phynix is able to combine flavors that would need orchestras of various genres to duplicate. Currently he works with Producer John Herberman, Gold and Platinum Album winner and 3 time JUNO nominee. His music spans, combines and integrates influences from his classical background, various "world" influences and his African ancestral roots.
Phynix has worked over the years in two aspects of his career. In the 70's and early 80's he was much acclaimed with his 'adult' music. During that period, the CBC produced an orchestrated album of his songs entitled "Beverly Copeland". This was soon followed by another commercial album entitled "Beverly Glenn-Copeland" on the GRT label featuring as well Doug Riley (composer, pianist and producer) and Lenny Breau (guitarist). Phynix appeared on and was the subject of many CBC television and radio shows. As well, he was a featured vocalist on albums by Bruce Cockburn and Cat Stevens. In the early 80's he released two albums on his own label entitled "Keyboard Fantasies" and "At Last". He also wrote scores for a National Film Board animated film entitled "Sea Dream", for a film entitled "Clowns" commissioned for Ontario Place and a full-length feature film entitled "Montreal Main". During these years Phynix performed throughout Canada in various venues and on radio and television. Recently the Canada Pops Orchestra, under the direction of David Warrack, performed one of Phynix's songs for their Christmas concert (2002) at Massey Hall.
Concurrent with his 'adult' music career, in the mid seventies Phynix explored another dimension of his art and began a career as a childrens' artist. He wrote music for shows such as CBC's Mr. Dress-Up, CBC's Sesame Street, TVO/PBO's "Shining Time Station". He was a regularly featured guest (actor) for twenty years on the Mr. Dress-Up and performed as the voice for one of the puppets on the television programme "Shining Time Station". From 1994 - 1998 he created a childrens' interactive television show entitled "The Energy Kids". He then developed it with his partners, ParticipACTION, Toronto Board of Education and the Learnex Foundation for schools across Canada. His childrens' songs were featured on a Sesame Street album, a GLC Canadian Songbook album and a childrens' story album entitled "Big Foot Betty".
Phynix served as a member of the Toronto Arts Council funding body for the years 1993 - 1996.
Currently, Phynix combines his love of visual art to further illuminate his music in his captivating performance. His ability to choreograph the works of the finest visual artists and photographers that 'speaks to the music' is stunning. By including his audience in his performance, both by inviting them to 'sing along' and by providing opportunities for communities to make visual art and photography offerings, he engages his audiences as the consummate performer. The audio/visual aspect of his performance can be viewed at: http://www.songcycles.com/music.html.
His latest CD: Primal Prayer has just been released and Phynix is now set to get this show on tour.
reviews
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What the doctor ordered and why the preacher danced
author: Spider RobinsonWhat a fine side this is! About halfway into “La Vita,” I started to flip my wig, and by the title track, I had to send out for the wig-tappers. We can now sometimes save babies so premature, they have not yet developed the sucking reflex. Fortunately, they can be taught to suck, by conventional reward-conditioning. But what, you ask, could possibly constitute a reward, to something too dumb to eat? Music. To hear a scrap of melody it likes repeated, even the most unformed brain will do.....whatever it has to. The desire to hear music is more hardwired, more fundamental, than the desire to eat. If it can live at all.....it can swing. Well, after listening to PRIMAL PRAYER twice through, I have the feeling that way back before that point of fetal viability, Phynix’s sperm and egg were already harmonizing when they reached each other. The man sweats music.
Highly recommend. Uplifitng both lyricallly and musically. Kid friendly!
author: Maggie HannaI highly recommend this CD to soothe the spirit. It is small children friendly as well. What I most love about this CD is the higher octave it holds. Both the music and the lyrics are uplifting, and without that new age schmaltzy "holiness" that can be cloying. Rather, this music rings true somehow. It acknowledges the reality of life while focussing on the higher story of that reality. Grateful to my neighbors for intrducing it to us.
Thanks for the inspiration Phynix.
author: Roger PearceI heard this on the CBC and had to buy it. What a great album it turned out to be, and buying it from CDBaby was a very good experience too. I'm an artist and I have to thank Phynix for some great inspiration, the paint will flow better now, I'm sure.
unique and very very moving
author: vern gibsonWhen I heard ‘THIS SIDE OF GRACE’ on the music channel of my TV, I knew that I wanted that song. It spoke to me in a very special way. When I received the CD and played it through, I knew it was the best CD I ever listened too. Glenn’s voice is moving. Every piece on the CD is unique. You can be sure that THAT CD gets played aleast everyother day. Thankyou Glenn for a special talk to my heart.
This is holy, life-affirming music.
author: Valerie OglovI first heard la Vita and This Side of Grace on CBC radio. I was so moved by these songs and the awesome voice that sang them,I had to hear all of the CD. It is so rare to find words that are this soul- affirming in a voice (voices, actually)as beautiful and perfect. Phynix inspires me, in the cosmic sense, and makes me a more loving person , more loving to myself, and to others. I hear the gods and godesses of archetypal transformation in his voice. Thank you for sharing your many gifts, Phynix.
amaing blend of eclectic sounds
author: annalisten to the music; listen again and read the words to the songs. wonderful blend that takes you to a whole new dimension of spirituality
Thank you Phynix, for giving voice to Spirit
author: SophieI've followed Phynix's career for 30 years. I sat transfixed thru the whole CD the first time I heard it--moved to tears a few times, feeling that Phynix had brought together all the elements of his previous musical expressions and his life experiences into a kind of transformation, or resolution, or something. If near death and mystical experiences, and joy, angst, and beauty have a sound, this is it. This is the kind of music I hear in my own soul during life's richest moments, and haven't the skill to produce; thank you, Phynix, for giving voice to Spirit.
worth the wait
author: T. M. GallantI first heard Beverly Glenn Copeland more than thirty years ago....an absolutely unforgettable voice that has haunted my memory ever since. It is a great gift to hear that voice again..on Primal Prayer. Phynix's voice has qualities that make me think of the holy...qualities like purity of perfect tone, richness of timbre, integrity of sound, absolute control of breath. This artist possesses the abilty to "make sound whole". I love this CD.
Primal energy!
author: Michelle B.This is one of my favourite CD's and my 3rd from this artist. The music reaches deep into your soul and you move from the inside, out. It is spiritual, it is uplifting. Phynix has a rich voice and his energy comes through the speakers into the room. I have had the pleasure of seeing a live performance - if you get the chance -GO!
Primal Power
author: Jacqueline PetersThis is the only CD that has been able to replace my regular driving companion, the CBC, which is where I first heard Phynix's incredible voice. It's been years since I've wanted to hear an artist in person, and each time I listen to the CD, I pray that I will one day be able to hear live the voice that created these phenomenal invocations. Blessed Be, Phynix
Wonderfully melodic, evokes powerful but soothing emotions
author: Neal denHollanderThis CD was my first from this artist and I loved every minute. Sometimes uplifting sometimes somber but always very powerful. An amazing eclectic mixture of sounds - sounds which are not naturally associated with any particular instrument - the use of voice both as a musical instrument (wordless singing) but also in bringing lyrics to a crisp reality were truly wonderful. This CD will get some serious play time in my home.
Haunting melodies recreate a feeling of wonder about the world
author: ChardPhynix's profound, timeless voice celebrates Life. His heartfelt and insightful lyrics are a refreshing inspiration. Phynix singing conjures up joyous images: a child gazing at you with affection; friends laughing; a gesture of compassion; galaxies and dervishes spinning ecstatic through space... his haunting melodies recreate a feeling of wonder about the world we live in. Listen. You will emerge consoled and inspired to truly enjoy your life! Chard
Sensational, sensual, vibrant, fully alive
author: Tim SnowAbsolutely blew me away. I heard 2 of the cuts during an interview with Phynix on CBC Radio's "Sounds Like Canada" and had to hear the rest. I found a copy at CD Baby (what a great site!). Primal Prayer was a transforming experience--you'll have to hear it over and over to believe it. Recommended without reservation.
Phynix continues a lifelong engagement with music of great power.
author: Douglass St.ChristianPhynix has been making music of great power and moral force for over three decades. Primal Prayer adds new musical language, around a voice the depth of which we so rarely hear. This is a disk of pure enjoyment and rare spiritual beauty.