About Tammy...

The die was cast when Tammy Weis came into the world. After all, what do you expect being named after Tammy Wynette by a country music loving mom? But it was Jazz music that would eventually capture her imagination and her heart.

Growing up in Northern Alberta, Canada, Tammy spent her childhood summers on her grandmother's farm enjoying the freedom of the wild, spacious countryside. Steeped in the sound of country music, and the folk music of her banjo and fiddle-playing great-grandfather, Tammy was already singing at the tender age of three. Music was a major part of her life and through her early years she regularly performed in festivals and won several talent contests.

By the time Tammy approached her twenties, music had taken a back seat, then tragedy struck with the sudden death of her mother. The trauma of her mother's passing made Tammy reconnect with music, and whilst going through her mother's belongings she came across her songbook. As she went through the pages, Tammy discovered her mother"s dream to record an album - a dream she was never able to realise.

One of the beautiful things about music is that it can transform the most terrible of circumstances into something beautiful," says Tammy. But Jazz - where did it come from? It was whilst listening to Sarah Vaughan's version of 'Over the Rainbow' that Tammy realized that she could avoid her destiny no more. It was time to use her gift to fulfill the dream she shared with her mother and record an album.

Her mother's memory focused the direction of the album and in June 2000, she released her "Legacy", featuring sensitive and beautiful new readings of standards including "I've Got A Crush On You", "Over The Rainbow" and country classics "Stand By Your Man" and "Broken Hearted Melody". Dedicated to her mother, the songs are dear to them both, and the carefully-chosen repertoire showcases a voice of depth, quality and individuality. The music combines tunes from country, rhythm and blues and yet retains a jazz integrity with support from some of Canada's finest musicians - Bob Murphy (piano), Campbell Ryga (alto sax), Miles Hill (bass), Graham Boyle (drums), and Ivan Nagy.

Since the release of "Legacy" she has graced the stages of Canada's finest jazz venues, and performed at the Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal Jazz festivals. Notable highlights include a memorable performance at the legendary Russian Tea Room in New York City, a string of live performances on national television and radio, including Canada AM, CBC (radio and television), Global, and Star TV. Numerous magazine and newspaper interviews and articles feature the artistry of Tammy Weis across Canada.

Even with all the media attention and coverage in Canada she has shocked her fans by making the move to London, England. "I moved to London because there are many artists I want to work with and I like the openness of the music scene." Already Tammy has a working band with some of the UK's finest musicians including pianist Gareth Williams and drummer Clark Tracey.

Since coming to London, finding her voice as a songwriter has become more and more important. "I love delving into my mind and imagination which can be scary, but the song at the end is like a reward for expressing what"s inside." Collaboration on and off the bandstand with other singers and writers is another side of Tammy"s artistic mission and the list includes Jamie Cullum, Ray Gelato, Ian Shaw and many more. Guess that early musical education in Alberta is paying off.

Tammy Weis is working on her eagerly awaited new album so watch this space
- "She's the real deal.