Johanna Elms
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Music
Press
"I have raved recently about the singing of Johanna Elms, again she was superb and drew for an encore.
Elms has that happy talent to decorate a melody inventively without losing the sense of the lyrics. This talented young singer improvises impressively, fast and accurately over a wide range." - Neil Macleod- The Press
"After an instrumental introduction, Elms took to the stage in sleek black velvet and long gloves for a sophisticated image. Countering this was a down-home appeal.
From her first notes, she showed us lots of tricks and turns to shape the music into a rococo display. Single notes were taken hold of, stretched, and shimmered. Sequences spun, catching and twisting within the framework laid down by the rhythm section" - John Reid- 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
Discography
Johanna’s first single 'Closest Thing to Heaven', was released through Warner Brothers Music NZ and reached number 5 on the New Zealand pop charts.
Photos
Bio
"Johanna 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!"
Sven Tydeman-music producer for Kittygroove Productions & Publishing
About JOHANNA ELMS-Vocalist, Guitarist, Keyboards and Percussion.
Born in the UK, Johanna 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'.
Johanna had 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 and vocal technique and has just completed a Diploma of Arts majoring in music at The University of NSW.
Johanna’s first single 'Closest Thing to Heaven' was released through Warner Brothers Music NZ and reached number 5 on the New Zealand pop charts.
For many years Johanna worked with NZ Idol vocal coach, Suzanne Lynch in live performances and recording sessions. She’s since been in demand as a session singer for many ads, jingles, radio and television commercials, ABC TV promo, children's 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, Glenn Shorrock (LRB), Amanda Easton, Ursula Yovich and MTV's Kyle Linahan.
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.
Johanna continues to perform throughout Sydney and feels equally at home playing guitar, percussion, or singing in ensembles with Australia’s most respected artists and musicians.
MOST RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
In April 2009, Johanna was a featured artist on the bill for The New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival.
In March 2009, Johanna featured in the Sydney Taronga Zoo Twilight Series concerts supporting Glenn Shorrock from Little River Band fame to sell-out audiences.
In February 2009 - Johanna and her band play 'The Basement', Sydney.
In December 2008, Johanna was a featured artist on the bill for The Norfolk Island Jazz Festival
In October 2008, Johanna performed as backing vocalist for Ursula Yovich at The Deadly Awards, filmed live for television at the Sydney Opera House.
In July 2007, Johanna performed solo at the opening of Star City Casino's new theatre. This show was broadcast live throughout all of China. In the same month, Johanna was a featured artist with her band at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival and was one of the 6 featured artists in the 'Poptarts 6' (birthday special) female original music showcase also held at The Basement
In March 2007, she was featured vocalist with the Sam McNally Band at the world-class Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta which boasted a host of well-known international artists.
In February 2006 & 2007, Johanna featured in the Sydney Taronga Zoo Twilight Series concerts supporting Rick Price.
In 2005 Johanna 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.
2005 also saw Johanna her give a stellar performance at Manly International Jazz festival with Sam McNally.
Since 2005 Johanna has appeared regularly as part of Amanda Easton’s Pop Tarts, an original music night that showcases fabulous female singer-songwriters.
She supported Mica Paris (UK) and Kyle Linahan at the Basement 2005 and in the same year was a Music OZ Top 10 finalist for an original composition in the acoustic category.
"It’s not often you get the whole package in one artist, but Jo Elms comes gift wrapped.
A wonderful musician, songwriter and lyricist, she has a charismatic, natural stage presence. So professional, and possessed of a captivating and versatile voice that demands to be listened to”
...Jim Shipstone, ex Managing Director BMG Music Australia,
Links
