Tony Copeland an “Ensound Music Award Nominee” and what some would call, “A Late Bloomer” to the music scene has been in here all along. As the quote goes, “No one can see the light, until it is turned on” ©2012tonycopeland.Tony was born and raised in Portsmouth VA aka, P-Town. His freedom for the love of music began very early after his parents purchased his first guitar at age 1. His mother Velma (deceased) consistently kept him and his seven siblings in church while his father Floyd, was hard at work providing for his family. This (The Church) is where Tony honed his skills as a self taught musician. He learned to play lead guitar, bass guitar and drums respectfully. He joined the William E. Waters Jr. high band where he taught himself to play French horn.There were several other musicians in his community who inspired him as his love for music grew deeper with time. In a recent interview on blog radio www.blogtalkradio.com/savinsouls Copeland as he is seldom referred to stated, “I was influenced and very much in awe of my musical peers who lived in my subdivision Cavalier Manor”. He also recalled how his childhood schoolmate and friend Cornelius “Neat” Grant could imitate Jimmie Hendricks and Ernie Isley on guitar note for note”. He also made mention that his best friend from the same community Tyrone Carter, (deceased) was an “A” list drummer along with the innovative guitarist and bassist Don Maddon. “I believe we were all child prodigies”. Tony also stated, that as a boy he would drool while he watched renowned local band “Third World” as they rehearsed in their garage before a big show on one block, then jump on his bike and race to the next block to watch “Lock Stock and Barrel featuring Jett Wright” his older cousin rehearsing on a show in their garage. “I wanted to play with them so bad states Tony that I would sometimes cry”. “However no one ever knew that “he quietly whispered. Tony also mentioned a conversation that he once had with Horne Avenue guitarist “Patch” Pittman, whom he respected; where “Patch” encouraged him to “play his own style of guitar from his heart” which is what Tony has done until this day. Tony relocated briefly to Danville CA to live with his Aunt and Uncle Celestine and David Evans during his 1979 senior high school year to pursue a college degree. After becoming homesick, young and naïve, he moved back home and graduated from high school in. He later joined the US Army to serve his country and as a way to increase his chances of making the “right connections” or “inroads” the highest level in the music industry. Although he was what we seldom call “green” (New) to the industry, Tony realized that leaving P-town was his best way to discover and accomplish what it took to get a “break” in the world of music. Becoming a solo artist was the last thing on his mind however. He just wanted to play on a professional level anywhere with any body. After basic training and becoming FAA Certified as an airframe repairman at Ft. Dix NJ and Ft. Eustis VA respectfully, he was assigned to the 101st airborne division located at Ft. Campbell KY. This is where he got his first dose of confidence, success and failure. Private Copeland would practice daily at the rec. center located on post on just as he had as a child. He would soon realize that small groups of people would gather around just to watch as he practiced. Small groups turned into larger ones as time went on which gave Tony the confidence he needed as a musician to continue his professional quest. One day as he practiced, he was asked by the elderly woman who by the way was now the senior director of the recreation center, why he played so loudly. She subsequently stated, that his style and loud playing reminded her of another guitar player who was stationed at Ft. Campbell almost 20 years earlier by the name of “Jimmie Hendricks”. She happened to be a young recreational assistant at the time and actually showed Tony where “Hendricks” had signed his autograph in the top corner of the wall inside the center. The complement and encouragement she gave really boosted Copeland’s ego and he worked harder. Soon after, he received transfer orders to the 205th Transportation located in Hanau Germany where he met and played bass with the infamous “James Gadson”, drummer of soul singer “Bobby Warmack”. Tony was now rubbing elbows with the “A” list of artist and musicians due to his creative gifts, talents and persistently hard work. With Tony on bass along with Geter -Lead Guitar- FL, Donald Smith-Lead Vocals-VA, Lawrence- Drums- OH and Washington-Congas-CA together they formed the electrifying r&b show band “Simplicity”. They won the 1983 USA-European Army Show Band Award in the Frankfurt Germany district. This allowed them to tour several top cities in Europe, which gained them notoriety as well as tour exposure. Germany is where Copeland also got the platinum opportunity, to meet and become friends with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Visit his www.myspace.com/tonycopeland7 blog to read the entire story. Back in the States in mid 1983, he along with Donald and Ronald Smith- vocals, Tyrone Carter-drums (deceased), Reggie Halsey/brother in law on guitar, vocals and sax, Lawrence-vocals, and his younger brother Gary Copeland (deceased) on bass formed the r&b group “Brothers Incorporated” aka “BIC”. During the rest of the 80s Tony performed as guitarist with various show bands to include “Push Band and Show” aka, “Code Red”, Sax solo artist- “Eli King”, “Tunji” Reggae Band, “Olu and Crown of Honor Reggae Band” in and around the capital city area of Richmond VA. By this time Tony had begun to dabble at writing and producing original music. In 1986 he moved to Charlotte NC and ultimately became the guitarist for “Valence” a local r&b band whose lead singer “Henry Gilmore” appeared on the defunct weekly television series, “Star Search” hosted by Ed McMann. In 1991 as his career was systematically gaining notoriety and momentum, tragedy struck, with his younger brother GaryDarnell Copeland being brutally murdered at the age of 22 in August of 1992. Being understandably depressed, Tony completely gave up his pursuit of a musical career. For the next few years he headed down the road of self destruction. In the mid 90s, after some time away from the music scene, Tony began to gradually refocus on his career and hired on to a few lead and bass guitar support roles with various groups to include, “The Peerless Four”and “The Virginia Aires” just to name a few. He signed and toured nationally with Sonlite Records recording artist “The Scotts”. He relocated to East Providence Rhode Island where he began to study the business of music and once again produced his own music along with getting married for the 2nd time which ended in divorce.•In 2000 he moved to Mobile AL where he recorded, produced and released his first CD project “Life Is worth Living”.• In 2001 Tony relocated to Houston TX, produced and released his next CD project “Thank You Jesus” followed by the 2007 the single release of “The Right Way”.In 2006 after a live performance where Tony played as a session guitarist an associate of his made a suggestion to him. He stated that he believed that Tony’ niche’ in the music industry was as solo guitarist. After careful and doubtful consideration, Copeland embarked upon writing and producing tracks which featured him on guitar. He made a demo and tossed it around to a few jazz connoisseurs along with the ole’ dive home at 5 disc jockey radio question… “Make it or break it “? He received an overwhelming response of “Make it”. In 2010 his debut jazz project entitled “Panoramic View” was released on the Danay Records label. You can purchase this product at: www.cdbaby,com/cd/tonycopeland , www.itunes.com/tonycopeland www.amazon.mp3.com/tonycopeland , www.reverbnation.com/tonycopeland, www.myspace.com/tonycopeland/7 Visit the website at: www.tonycopeland.webs.com , www.facebook.com/danayrecords , www.facebook.com/tonycopeland , www.jango.com/tonycopeland Contact Tony Copeland at: 832-388-2036 or at teejaydeesproductions@yahoo.com____________________________________________________________________________________________________PANORAMIC VIEW Playlist notes(Read Tony's details below revealing how each song came about)ATLANTIC PACIFIC“Atlantic Pacific” was written at a time when I was searching for the “next place” to perform, demonstrate or as you might say sell the product. As I was pondering on the thought, it occurred to me that where I desired to go, was from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. After composing and producing the material I sit back to listen. When the song ended; it felt as though I had literally traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Pacificcoast . I must say, “It definitely has that nationaland international sounding flavor”.CHANGETIME“Changetime” is a composition which consists of sweet guitar melodies. It is full of motion and provides the listener with the freedom to soar mentally. When you lend your ear to this production, only then will you hear as well as understand the message in it, which is “A time for positive continual change”. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to dwell within the brighter side of life as this is one of the key components which results in peace, love and happiness.AUDREY TIA“Audrey Tia” was actually born by accident. Here’s the story. I was experimenting with new production techniques using a particular piece of recording gear. I composed a drum beat derived around the way he felt that day, which was “On a far away island somewhere” while sipping on some sort of colada. The beat gave birth to the piano melody, which gave birth to the chord structures, which gave birth to the bass patterns, which gave birth to the strings and horns which paved the way for my guitar lines. Now I needed a title. So I used the names of two sisters that he knew, whose names were respectfully, “Audrey” and Carolyn nicknamed “Tia”. It had a definite ring to it…a name fit for a Caribbean queen if you will. This music will actually take you there without a ship. Just sit back and listen to guitar octaves and specifically the Carlos Santana style licks within the song. This tune is definitely one of the highlights of the project. A great party song for any festive occasion!ODE TO CHAD FAULKNER Jr.“Ode to Chad Faulkner Jr.” is one of those musical pieces that immediately grows on you. It has a smooth international appeal. It changes melodic gears reminiscent to the smooth gearbox, of the Phantom Rolls Royce. In fact, it’s so smooth that I decided to title it after my first and only grandchild,"Chad Faulkner Jr." who was 7 days old when I composed it. I think that it has a"Phil Collins" feel to it. This is definitely a keeper.TEEJAYDEES THEME“Teejaydees Theme” Although there’s not a lot of syncopated lines, riffs or hooks this tune possesse's a lot of movement. I'm in the groove with the bouncy bass licks that all of a sudden, turn into these beautiful chords. As a teenager my best friend, Tyrone Carter (Drummer-deseased) and I, would ride around practically all day listening to “Stanley Clark” (Jazz- Bassist). This is where I learned to appreciate the art of bass playing.KIMBERLY“Kimberly” This track was composed during a very tense time in career. I literally operated the entire company (Teejaydees Productions). I served as the composer, musician, producer and whatever else required to include, recording engineer. At the time I was also a self employed contractor, operating as a long distance truck driver. As a favor to me by an associate, friend of ours Kimberly was asked to pick me (Tony) up after hauling a load of dry cement. She agreed and picked him up. Tony played a demo of his new music as she drove which she enjoyed. Tony asked if she would be willing to help with his companies administrative duties. She agreed to give it a try. She did such a fantastic job that Tony named this track after her. Tony stated, that this tune has a lot of class, attitude and intellect which is same way he categorizes her. Thanks Kimberly.PANORAMIC VIEW“Panoramic View” The project title cut is filled with lot’s of energy as well as harmonic horn lines. Here is where I take you on a journey to anywhere that you can imagine. It’s a tune that definitely has a panoramic sound. As you listen you can get the sense of the beautiful snow capped mountains of Colorado or the Switzerland mountain scene. It also has an R&B/Jazz feel to it. The tight drum track along with the silky smooth rhythm has that “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” Happy Feelings groove.GET UP“Get Up “is a Jazz-Funk production which was inadvertently composed during the Panoramic View tracking process. It was one of those moments when I became stuck for lack of a better word. The producing aspect is indeed a hard, strenuous process you know. So you take an unused beat from yesterday, add a Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins type bass line and improvise the guitar lines and end up with a fresh new track. Now that we had this new track we had to get back to business. And that’s how the song got it's name. JOYFUL NOISE“Joyful Noise” was actually written about 10 years ago. I had just aquired a new piece of equipment and I needed to learn how to operate it. It was very peaceful that night as I began to fish around with the drum line. Next I laid down the chord structure followed by the bass line. It was well into the morning after much manual reading and mistakes, that I composed the melody, string line and last but not least the most beautiful part of the composition, the harp. I’ve listened to this cut while going to sleep many times over. I think it’s beautiful.HOUSTON RAIN“Houston Rain” is a jazzy upbeat track filled with loads of guitar riffs. Actually I was about to close the recording session for the night when I suddenly realized that it was raining cats and dogs. The thought was,"oh well I may as well compose another song rather than to get soaking wet." This is what I came up with. I actually made sure to listen to the rain as I produced the guitar and string lines. Houston Rain is one of those compositions that you drive to while it’s raining. Can’t you imagine your windshield wipers slowly dancing back and forth, as you drive along the freeway at night? Well I hope you get the point-It was raining when I composed “Houston Rain”, that how it got its name. (Smile)CHANGETIME (Revised)“Changetime Revised” is my favorite composition because of the freedom and movement of sound. It’s filled with feeling. If you listen closely you can hear the 70’s type bass line. I love the rich guitar riffs. It’s got that groove man! Go on turn it up and listen. Move…Move…MOVE!!! People love it from coast to coast. You definitely feel a season of change when listening to this cut.FORWARD MARCH“Forward March” signifies determination, purpose and movement. It compels one to go for the gusto in life, forever forward never looking back at what was. As in war, after the battle, the commander cry's “Forward March” the troops move on to confront the next phase of life.PLAYIN“Playin” has a great a rich jazz-dance feel to it. It just makes you want to hit the dance floor as you listen to Tony’s serious guitar licks. This is great for the mature party atmosphere. Playin is definitely a show closer.In conclusion: There’s more to come from Jazz guitarist Tony Copeland © Danay Records 2009 All Rights Reserved.