In an event that promises to mesmerise music and poetry lovers alike, Tammy Weis, the acclaimed jazz singer, brings the work of Fernando Pessoa to the stage at the London Jazz Festival. This unique performance will take place at the iconic Pizza Express Soho on November 17th, 2024. Celebrating the magic of Pessoa’s poetry through music, Weis will captivate the audience with her soulful interpretations, blending jazz with the profound writings of one of Portugal’s greatest poets.
The London Jazz Festival is known for bringing the world’s most talented artists to the heart of London, and Weis’ performance is set to be one of the highlights. Her project, Soul Whisper, is a personal tribute to Pessoa, one that explores the deep emotions within his words, set against a background of jazz and Portuguese music.
This is not just another jazz concert. It’s a celebration of a poet’s legacy, transformed by music that will move the soul. For those attending, it will be a rare opportunity to experience the blend of two art forms that share the same emotional depth.
The Fusion of Jazz and Poetry: Tammy Weis and Fernando Pessoa
The combination of jazz and poetry is not a common occurrence, but when it does happen, the result can be something truly special. In the case of Tammy Weis and Fernando Pessoa, the fusion is extraordinary. Weis, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum, has always had a deep connection with poetry. However, it wasn’t until she moved to Lisbon that she discovered Pessoa’s work.
Upon reading Pessoa’s poetry, Weis experienced a transformation. She connected with the way he viewed life, particularly his ability to express complex emotions through simple, yet profound words. This connection was the spark that led to Soul Whisper, a project that took Weis on a journey of discovery, both musically and personally.
Jazz, like poetry, allows for deep emotional expression. When these two art forms are combined, they create something that speaks directly to the heart. Weis has taken Pessoa’s poetry and given it new life, bringing it into the world of live jazz performances. Her goal is to introduce Pessoa’s work to a new audience, while also paying homage to his literary genius.
Soul Whisper: How Tammy Weis Set Pessoa’s Poetry to Music
Weis’ project, Soul Whisper, is a labour of love that has taken years to develop. Working closely with Portuguese musicians, including the legendary Rui Veloso, Weis has crafted a sound that not only honours Pessoa’s poetry but also reflects the musical traditions of Portugal.
One of the most interesting aspects of Soul Whisper is the way Weis has chosen to set Pessoa’s poems to music. Some of the poems were written in English, while others were translated from Portuguese. This allowed Weis to work with the natural rhythm and flow of Pessoa’s words, creating melodies that complement the structure of the poems.
The album features 11 poems, each one carefully selected to represent different phases of Pessoa’s life. From his early years in South Africa, where he was influenced by Western literature, to his later years in Lisbon’s Alfama district, each poem tells a story. Weis’ music serves as the perfect backdrop for these stories, allowing the audience to experience them in a new way.
Fun Fact: Tammy Weis is the first non-Portuguese artist to set Fernando Pessoa’s poetry to music in its entirety.
Weis has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Carlos Barretto, a Portuguese jazz artist, and Terry Britten, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter known for his work with Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. Their contributions have added depth and richness to the project, making it a truly unique musical experience.
Tammy Weis’ Unique Connection to Fernando Pessoa’s Work
What makes Weis’ interpretation of Pessoa’s poetry so special is the personal connection she feels with his work. Unlike many artists who simply perform the work of others, Weis has immersed herself in Pessoa’s world. She has lived in Lisbon, walked the streets that Pessoa once walked, and absorbed the culture that shaped his writing.
Weis has spoken about how Pessoa’s poetry changed the way she views life. His ability to express feelings of isolation, longing, and self-reflection resonated deeply with her. This connection is evident in her performances, where her emotional delivery of each song reveals her deep understanding of the poet’s words.
For Weis, this project is not just about music. It’s about honouring the legacy of a man who had a profound impact on Portuguese literature and culture. Through her music, she hopes to bring Pessoa’s poetry to a wider audience, introducing his work to people who may not be familiar with it.
Celebrating Pessoa’s Legacy Through Tammy Weis’ Soulful Voice
At the heart of Soul Whisper is Weis’ voice. Known for her smooth, soulful delivery, Weis has the ability to convey complex emotions with ease. Her voice is the perfect vehicle for Fernando Pessoa’s poetry, capturing the depth and beauty of his words in a way that few other singers could.
Weis’ performances are known for their emotional intensity. She doesn’t just sing the words; she lives them, drawing the audience into the world of Pessoa’s poetry. Her voice, combined with the rich sounds of the Portuguese guitar, creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. It’s a musical experience that stays with the listener long after the performance is over.
Weis has received high praise for her work on Soul Whisper. Julian Joseph, a renowned pianist and composer, described her performance as “authentic, personal and truly magical.” His words reflect the impact that Weis’ music has on those who hear it. Through her soulful voice, Weis is keeping Pessoa’s legacy alive, ensuring that his work continues to inspire new generations of readers and listeners.
What to Expect at Tammy Weis’ London Jazz Festival Performance
As part of the London Jazz Festival, Tammy Weis’ performance at Pizza Express Soho is set to be an unforgettable night of music and poetry. This intimate venue, known for hosting exceptional live jazz, is the perfect setting for Weis’ project Soul Whisper. Attendees can expect a heartfelt and soulful evening, with Weis accompanied by the Pedro Velasco Trio, adding an extra layer of musical depth to the experience.
The performance will feature 11 of Fernando Pessoa’s poems, each carefully selected and set to Weis’ original music. The show will be bilingual, with Pessoa’s poetry presented in both Portuguese and English. This combination of languages adds to the richness of the performance, allowing the audience to experience Pessoa’s work in its original form and in translation.
Weis has also invited special guest Julian Joseph (OBE), a renowned composer and pianist, to join her on stage. Joseph is celebrated for his innovative approach to jazz and classical music, making him the ideal collaborator for this unique performance. His contributions will undoubtedly elevate the evening, bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the stage.
In addition to the musical performance, actor Luis Filipe Eusébio will tell the story behind Soul Whisper’s creation, offering insights into the journey that brought Weis and Pessoa’s poetry together. He will also recite select poems in Portuguese, setting the stage for Weis’ musical renditions. This fusion of spoken word and music will create a powerful and immersive atmosphere, drawing the audience into the world of Fernando Pessoa.
The Role of Portuguese Music in Weis’ Soul Whisper Project
Portuguese music plays a significant role in Soul Whisper, particularly the traditional sounds of fado and the use of the Portuguese guitar. Weis’ time living in Lisbon allowed her to immerse herself in the city’s musical heritage, and this influence is evident in the arrangements of the songs. The melancholic yet hopeful tone of fado resonates deeply with Pessoa’s poetry, creating a seamless blend of music and words that speaks to the heart of Portuguese culture.
Working with Rui Veloso, often referred to as “the father of Portuguese rock,” Weis has been able to incorporate authentic Portuguese elements into her jazz-based sound. Veloso’s expertise in both Portuguese and international music has helped shape Soul Whisper into a project that bridges cultures, honouring both the tradition of Portuguese poetry and the innovation of modern jazz.
The inclusion of Carlos Barretto, a Portuguese jazz artist, further solidifies the project’s connection to Portugal’s rich musical landscape. His contribution on tracks like “The Wind Is Blowing Too Hard” adds a layer of jazz authenticity that complements Weis’ smooth vocals, while still paying homage to Pessoa’s deeply emotional poetry.
Bringing Pessoa’s Poetry to Life with the Pedro Velasco Trio and Guests
At the heart of the Soul Whisper performance is the collaboration between Weis and the Pedro Velasco Trio. The trio, known for their expertise in both jazz and world music, brings a unique sound that perfectly complements Weis’ vision. Their ability to blend intricate jazz melodies with the haunting beauty of Portuguese music creates a captivating soundscape for Pessoa’s poetry.
Pedro Velasco, the group’s leader, is a respected figure in the Portuguese jazz scene. His skillful guitar work, paired with the rhythmic support of his trio, provides the ideal foundation for Weis’ vocals. Together, they bring a sense of unity to the performance, with each musician playing a vital role in bringing Pessoa’s poetry to life.
In addition to the Pedro Velasco Trio, the presence of Julian Joseph on piano will add a layer of complexity and improvisation to the performance. Joseph’s background in both jazz and classical music allows him to seamlessly transition between the two, making him the perfect addition to Weis’ project.
The collaboration between these talented musicians ensures that the audience will be treated to a night of exceptional artistry. From the delicate interplay between Weis’ voice and the Portuguese guitar to the dynamic improvisations of the Pedro Velasco Trio, every moment of the performance will be carefully crafted to highlight the beauty of Fernando Pessoa’s poetry.
Join Tammy Weis for an Unforgettable Evening of Jazz and Poetry!
Where: Pizza Express Soho, 10 Dean Street, London, W1D 3RW
When: Sunday, November 17th, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Dress Code: Smart Casual – feel comfortable, but stylish!
How to Get There:
Hop on the Elizabeth Line and get off at Tottenham Court Road Station. Use the Dean Street exit, and you’ll find Pizza Express Soho just a short stroll away.
