“Soul Whisper” is the title of Tammy Weis’s most recent album, showcasing 11 songs inspired by the poetry of Portuguese literary icon Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935).
It proves to be a subtle and very apt description of the ethereal and intensely lyrical atmosphere conjured by these sensitive, and surprisingly varied translations and intriguing settings of Pessoa’s often enigmatic verse.
Tammy, who currently lives and works in Lisbon, gave an emotional and eloquent performance, in a group with versatile guitarist Pedro Velasco, Adam Osmianski on drums and Andrea di Biase on double bass.
Throughout the show, the Canadian-born singer supplemented the music with beguiling biographical anecdotes: about her own musical childhood, about the genesis of this particular project and about her own very personal journey with Pessoa and his work. It made for a thoroughly enlightening evening.
Fernando Pessoa’s diverse literary work was woefully underappreciated during his relatively short life. However, he has received significant posthumous recognition and is now considered a major figure in 20th century literature and a seminal voice in modern poetry.
As a fellow Pessoa devotee, I was curious to hear what Tammy had managed to accomplish, in English translation, with what are universally acknowledged to be key works of a quintessentially Lusophone literary heritage.
Many of Pessoa’s most lauded poems are laden with ‘saudade’ – a peculiarly Portuguese concept, encompassing nostalgia, melancholy and longing – one which is notoriously difficult to translate and which can best be equated with the parallel sentiments of Portuguese fado music.
Any apprehension I may have harboured initially was immediately quelled by Tammy’s sympathetic interpretations, bolstered by immaculate support from her trio of accompanists.
One of Pessoa’s best known works, ‘Tenho tanto sentimento’ was expertly transformed into the plaintive ‘I Am so Full of Feelings’, the contemplative, wistful mood underlined by the subtle, pianissimo chords of guest pianist, Daniel Hewson.
On other numbers, in particular, the jaunty “Take Me in Your Arms”, the singer showed her well-established country music credentials, to the evident appreciation of Friday night’s audience.
The easy rapport between the musicians and the sublime acoustics in this very intimate venue contributed to a very singular ambience. At times, particularly during numbers such as the guitar-led “The Wind is Blowing Too Hard”, it felt almost as if we were huddled in a secret Casa de Fado in Lisbon’s bluesy and boho Alfama district.
Sadly, we were still in south London on a sultry and sticky early summer evening. Nevertheless, the intimacy of the venue and the sublime performances contributed significantly to a relaxed Friday night vibe.
World Heart Beat is a relatively new space, now looking comfortably established, behind the US Embassy, in the increasingly bustling Nine Elms-Battersea Power Station area. Tammy’s performance formed part of the summer-long ‘Jazz in the Gardens’ Friday night programme at World Heart Beat.
Photo credit Kathy Walmsley
Tammy’s 2023 album “Soul Whisper”, with lyrics based on the poetry of Fernando Pessoa, was produced by Portuguese music legend, Rui Veloso. It includes collaborations from Grammy-award winning song writer Terry Britten and legendary Canadian guitarist Randy Bachman. Highly recommended.
