Tammy Weis Talks New Album, November 2024 London Show And More

Acclaimed Canadian/British jazz singer and composer, Tammy Weis, will celebrate the work of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa with an exclusive UK performance of her extraordinary project Soul Whisper. We sat down with her to chat about the new album, the London show and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

I started writing when I was 15 years old, following a break up from my first boyfriend.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I was born into a family of musicians. My earliest musical memory was at 3 years old. I sang at a bridal shower in Killam Alberta, Canada, a small farming town where my Mum grew up. They have a sign as you enter the town ‘Drive Carefully, Avoid Accidents!’ Killam’. We would get excited seeing it as we knew we were close to Grandma’s house. I don’t remember what song I sang that day but I do remember being called onto the stage and walking to the opposite end of the stage; standing in the dark. I remember the ladies laughing and my Mum motioning me over to her and the lit end of the stage.

On Sunday 17th November 2024 you will be performing at Pizza Express Soho in London celebrating the work of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa with this exclusive UK performance of her extraordinary project Soul Whisper. What can people expect from the show and how are you feeling about performing in London?

I am very proud of this album. I have worked hard to honour Fernando Pessoa, Portugal and Myself during this process. The 17th November will incorporate all that I believed this project to be. My Dear Friend Julian Joseph will be my Special Guest on piano. He has been an incredible support throughout my career; especially during the progress of this project and I am honoured to have him play on a couple of the songs. Pedro Velasco, born in Lisbon, and his trio will maintain the Mediterranean sounds and feeling in all of the songs. Pedro will also play the Portuguese guitar on a couple of songs. Portuguese born actor Luis Filipe Eusébio will tell the story of Soul Whisper’s creation and recite a selection of the poems in Portuguese before I perform my renditions set to music in English.

How did you want to approach the making of ‘Soul Whisper’?

It was amongst the paintings and illustrations of a contemporary artist at a gallery in the heart of Lisbon’s Alfama district, that was the inspiration for this project. The art focused on the images of the great poet Fernando Pessoa and acted as a catalyst for me to collaborate with local and foreign musicians, and embark on creating a sound that matched poetry starting from Pessoa’s early years in South Africa and the atmosphere of Lisbon’s mythical area Alfama. This was my starting point, and from there I constructed a folk oriented soundscape embedded in my beloved jazz.

Where did you record the project and who produced it?

I recorded the album in Portugal at Estúdio Vale de Lobos in Sintra. Rui Veloso produced the album, the great name of Portuguese music and one of the most influential with a career full of successes that cross generations. The songs encompass Fernando Pessoa’s many heteronyms. Each song is a rich tapestry of Jazz, Folk, Latin, americana and fado.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Rui used many different instruments including; Portuguese guitar, accordion, cuatro, harmonium, mandolin, ukulele and harmonica to give it a broad spectrum of sounds. He did an incredible job. I am very happy with the results.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That I was able to inspire emotion in my band and in those who attended the concert.

That I gave my all to honour the music, Fernando Pessoa and Myself

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love the Portuguese guitar, the sound is incredible and haunting. It carries a lot of emotion. I think of ‘Saudade’ a portuguese word meaning melancholy or longing when I hear the Portuguese guitar.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I was born in Edmonton Alberta, Canada.

Edmonton Oilers Hockey, Northern Lights, Oil, Sunshine, Culture.

How do you look after your voice?

I do various vocal exercises everyday. Lots of honey and ginger, vitamin C and Zinc lozenges.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

I think the most important lesson in the book is that it is important to follow your dreams and fulfil our own personal destiny. Santiago’s journey teaches us that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. With persistence, tenacity and following your heart, anything can happen.

 Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Sarah Vaughan- ‘Jazz Round Midnight’ I heard ‘Over the Rainbow’ and it changed my life. I fell in love with Sarah and Jazz from that moment; every song inspired me.

I listened to it while I was travelling in Europe and the middle east and I even rescheduled my trip so I could walk the streets of Paris in April.

Julie London- I love her beautiful smoky voice, ‘Julie is her name’ is a great album.

Miles Davis ‘Kind of Blue’- It gets better and better every time you hear it. It’s like a beautiful meditation.

Sam Cooke- ‘Portrait of a Legend’ 1951-1964

I love the vulnerability in his voice, he invites us into his soul with every song.

Who is in your live band for the 17th November show?

Julian Joseph is my Special Guest

Pedro Velasco on guitar/ portuguese guitar, Gasper Sena on drums and percussion and Andrea Di Biase on bass

Actor Luis Filipe Eusébio will narrate

 Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024/2025?

I am working on a new album of originals and hoping for a late release in 2025

What makes Tammy Weis happy and what makes you unhappy?

I am happy when I am singing, creating, and being with people I love.

I am unhappy when I see people suffering, corruption and war