Fernando Ferreira – Tempo (AVM Music Editions, 2024),
Fernando Ferreira’s Tempo (time) is a thought-provoking exploration of time’s influence on human experience. The album gracefully unites contemporary folk-rock, Portuguese traditions, chamber music, jazz, and Latin rhythms with the Lusophone (Portuguese-language) lyrical tradition. Moreover, Ferreira invites listeners to pause and reflect on the rhythms of existence.
The album features ten tracks, each delving into different aspects of time. It opens with a meditative interpretation of Caetano Veloso’s “Oração ao Tempo,” emphasizing ritualistic introspection. Tracks like Jorge Palma’s “Eternamente Tu” and Sérgio Godinho and Chico Buarque’s “Um Tempo que Passou” explore existential themes, addressing both the fleeting and aspirational nature of time. Sebastião Antunes’ “Romances da Madrugada” offers a poignant social commentary through a personal lens.
Ferreira’s original compositions anchor the album’s conceptual core. “Soneto Presente,” featuring lyrics by José Carlos Ary dos Santos, challenges notions of identity and borders. Meanwhile, “Eh Pá!…” celebrates genuine human connection, and “Duzinha” serves as a touching tribute to Ferreira’s parents. “Ladainha da Rosa” reflects on life’s misunderstandings, while “Faz” champions action and resilience. The closing track, “Consolado,” advocates for self-esteem and personal empowerment.
Tempo marks a departure for Ferreira, integrating beats and programming to create a modern, urban sound while maintaining his signature interpretative depth.
Fernando Ferreira, born in Guinea-Bissau, moved with his family to Cabo Verde at the age of five. Influenced by his father, a morna singer, Fernando developed a profound connection to music. His early exposure to Brazilian icons such as Caetano Veloso and João Gilberto, introduced to him by his sisters, and the nostalgic fado tradition he explored with his mother, shaped his eclectic musical sensibility.
During his teenage years, Fernando formed Portuguese popular music groups, drawing inspiration from luminaries like José Afonso, Sérgio Godinho, and José Mário Branco. He also delved into the rich archives of Michel Giacometti and Lopes-Graça, expanding his appreciation for traditional Portuguese music.
His artistic talents extend beyond music. Fernando pursued acting, performing in theater productions with notable directors such as Filipe la Féria and Fernando Gomes, spanning genres from drama to musical theater. He appeared in television series and contributed to award-winning films, including O Ralo by Tiago Guedes and O Herói by Zezé Gamboa, which won the Sundance Prize.
In parallel with his artistic career, Fernando pursued academic excellence, graduating in clinical psychology—a field he continues to practice. He honed his vocal skills under the guidance of Professor Maria Cristina de Castro at the Music School of the National Conservatory and performed in cultural centers both nationally and internationally.
Fernando’s discography reflects his Lusophone roots and global vision. His debut album, Mestiço (2010), celebrated Lusophone influences, while Mantenhas (2020) paid homage to his Guinean heritage, symbolizing greetings and unity. His latest work, Tempo (2024), solidifies his identity as a world musician, captivating audiences across cultural venues with its live tour.
Musicians: Fernando Ferreira on vocals; Gonçalo Alegre: Guitars on programming, double bass, vocals; José António Soares on cavaquinho; Yami Aloelela on bass, vocals; Miguel Rodrigues on drums; Nuxo Espinheira on guitars, keyboards, percussion, programming, vocals.
Cover and Graphic Design: António Faria
Photography: José Carlos Nascimento
Track listing
01 – Oração ao tempo | 04:15
(Music and Lyrics by Caetano Veloso)
02 – Eternamente tu | 04:29
(Music and Lyrics by Jorge Palma)
03 – Duzinha | 04:04
(Music and Lyrics by Fernando Ferreira)
04 – Ladainha da rosa | 03:25
(Music and Lyrics by Fernando Ferreira)
05 – Eh pá! | 04:00
(Music and Lyrics by Fernando Ferreira)
06 – Um tempo que passou | 03:20
(Music by Sérgio Godinho, Lyrics by Chico Buarque)
07 – Soneto presente | 04:04
(Music by Fernando Ferreira and Lyrics by José Carlos Ary dos Santos )
08 – Faz (para a carolina) | 03:25
(Music and Lyrics by Fernando Ferreira)
09 – Consolado | 03:15
(Music and Lyrics by Fernando Ferreira)
10 – Romances da madrugada | 04:31
(Music and Lyrics by Sebastião Antunes)
Buy Tempo.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
