JO ELMS-Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano, Keyboards & Percussion.

Born in the UK, Jo was raised in New Zealand where she was introduced to theatre at the age of 11. She appeared in many and varied theatrical productions, which gave her a solid grounding for her future musical career. Throughout her teenage years, Jo was involved with choral groups, choirs and other musical bands.

At 18 she discovered jazz, and after studying at the Christchurch Polytechnic School of Jazz graduated with an "A" Grade Diploma in Jazz Performance. That same year she was presented with the Jazz Soloist of the South Island Award. This granted her a trip to Wellington to undertake her first professional recording of Jazz Standards via the National Radio program called “First Time Out”.

Jo featured in a lead role in The Official Tribute to the Blues Brothers stage show, and landed a featured role in the hit TV series "Hercules” filmed in Auckland, New Zealand. She went on to study all forms of entertainment including dance, stage/television acting & vocal technique and is currently studying Diploma of Arts in Music at The Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Jo’s first single "Closest Thing to Heaven" was released through Warner Bros Music NZ, which reached number 5 on the New Zealand pop charts.

For many years Jo worked with NZ Idol vocal coach, Suzanne Lynch, doing live performances and recording sessions. She’s since been in demand as a session singer for many ads, jingles, radio & television commercials, ABC TV promo, Kids TV shows, and has recorded with many well-known Australian and NZ musicians. As a Backing vocalist she has worked with Tina Arena, Margaret Urlich, Mark Williams, Rick Price, Amanda Easton & MTV's Kyle Linahan to name but a few.

Since moving to Sydney in 1998 Jo has built a highly credible name for herself in the Australian music industry, which has spawned an impressive list of Band credits and clients.

Jo continues to perform throughout Sydney and feels equally at home playing guitar, piano or percussion, or singing in small or large jazz ensembles or groove/funk bands with Australia’s most respected artists.

Currently completing a degree in music at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Jo is working on recording her debut CD & and has just completed her first professional assignment as a producer for a fellow music artist.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Jo performed solo at the Opening of Star City’s new showroom theatre along side artists Paulini & Courtney Murphy. This show was broadcast live throughout all of China.

She gave a debut performance with her band the Jo Elms Band at the Basement, Sydney & was one of the 6 featured artists in the Poptarts 6 (birthday special) female original music showcase also held at The Basement

In July 2007 Jo was vocal coach for a pilot children’s television show.

Jo performed for the 1st time at the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival Sydney. Sydney's premier Jazz & Blues Festival, established in 1991, attracts visitors from interstate and around the globe. Jo was one of the 40 great acts asked to perform & helped transform Sydney's most versatile and internationally acclaimed events hub into a musical extravaganza over three days!

She was Featured vocalist with the Sam McNally Band at the world-class Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta during March 2007 that boasted a host of well-known international artists.

In February 2006 & 2007, Jo featured in the Sydney Taronga Zoo Twilight Series concerts supporting Rick Price.

In 2005 Jo won awards for two of her compositions in the 25th Australian National songwriting contest and appeared on Mornings with Kerri-Anne Kennerley on Channel 9.

She gave a stella performance at the 2005 Manly International Jazz festival with Sam McNally, and has also featured as a vocalist with Sam’s Australian Smooth Jazz Show.

Since 2005 Jo has appeared regularly as part of Amanda Easton’s Pop Tarts, a night showcasing fabulous female singer-songwriters, at The Empire Hotel in Annandale, Sydney.

She Supported Mica Paris (UK) and Kyle at the Basement 2005 & in the same year was a Music OZ Top 10 Finalist (Wollongong Entertainment Centre) for original composition in the Acoustic Category


QUOTES:
“I have raved recently about the singing of Jo Elms. Again she was superb and drew calls for encores. This very talented young singer improvises impressively, fast & accurately over a wide range.” ….Neil MacLeod (The Press)

“Her live performance style captures your attention from the get-go as she pours her heart and soul into every note of every song. Jo’s engaging and friendly personality comes across so strongly you feel you know her well, particularly after listening to her emotive lyrics.” …Georgina Reed (FM99.3 Rhythm & Jazz Radio)

"Jo Elms is one of the most gifted musicians, singers & songwriters I have ever met. Her natural ability to craft a rich, soulful lead vocal in literally one take is astounding and a producers dream to work with. Jo has a strong work ethic & is one of the nicest people I have ever met! I know we'll be friends for life"! ...Sven Tydeman Kittygroove Productions (music producer)