Album Notes

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.