A soothing, refreshing exploration of jazz-folk
Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s sound is hard to categorize. Having explored various genres throughout the years, Glenn-Copeland’s latest release is jazzy yet folksy, an earthy blend of purely human sounds. Deep roots shine throughout this project as it burns bright, with a raw force equivalent to the beauty of life. This is what makes this project sound so human. Pulses of energy rise and fall like the motions of experience. These energetic bouts of sound occur delicately, yet are powerful in their own being as they symbolize a fleeting piece of time, a chapter in the book that is The Ones Ahead.
“Africa Calling” kicks the project off in a surprisingly strong manner. However, nothing is overpowering. In fact, when the bass and drums initially drop, the mix is as smooth as could possibly be. Glenn-Copeland’s ambient vocals fill up the soundscape beautifully as they caress the driving top layers of percussion that fuel the piece.
“Harbour (Song For Elizabeth)” acts as the next chapter of this album, taking the listener to a much more lyrical space. This song and the next, “Love Takes All,” feel like loose ballads, driving with powerful vocal lines and accompanying instrumentation that is only prominent at certain moments. Glenn-Copeland’s delivery feels very similar to the singing of an old time crooner like Frank Sinatra. His range is fantastic, the word choice is illustrative and the vocal tone fits perfectly with backing arrangements.
“People Of The Loon” brings a newfound energy to The Ones Ahead, with cinematic orchestral stabs, both percussive and melodic. This intensity washes over the track like a massive ship caught in a spectacular storm. It is movie-like in the adrenaline brought forth throughout life created from sound.
The second half of the album is similar to the first. Songs either feel like a crooning ballad, the soundtrack to a movie or a variation of both. The mixes are spacious, yet invoke a feeling of wholesome fullness that greets any instrument or voice featured on the album. The Ones Ahead is a peculiar project, definitely something worth checking out.
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