Jelsa Palao

When speaking of professionalism and knowledge of one’s craft, you know it involves schooling experience and hard work. The end result, the one that critics carefully scrutinize, is evident in a performance by Jelsa. She was already a seasoned performer when she attended New York’s Performing Arts High School. She sang at hotels and clubs on weekends and evenings, after she finished her homework, and still managed to earn a scholarship to Julliard.
She “paid her dues,” starting with the “Borsht Belt” in the Catskills to the Playboy clubs throughout the US. She has an impressive list of credits, including repeat performances in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, the Stardust Hotel, Harrahs in Lake Tahoe, the MGM Grand in Reno & Las Vegas, and Caesars in Lake Tahoe. Jelsa is what other musicians call a “singer’s singer.” Her rich voice and heartfelt material keep her in popular demand as a “live” performer. The energy she puts forth on stage seems to follow her everywhere. She makes people feel at ease, realizing they are in the company of someone who cares about life, and who takes her work seriously, while making it look easy because she truly enjoys what she does and it shows.
Jelsa has also enjoyed success as a songwriter. Carmen McRae was so moved by Jelsa’s songs that she chose “I Am Music” as the title of one of her albums. Jelsa has also written for Sarah Vaughn, the Carpenters, Tom Jones, and many movies and TV shows, including episodes of “Fame” and Ralph Bakshi’s “Hey Good Lookin”. She has also done voice-overs for Mr. Bakshi’s animated features, and for the “Star Trek” movies. You can even hear Jelsa’s voice at Disney Land singing the Blues as the singing Hippo in the “Bears Jamboree”!
Believing that positive actions are always returned, Jelsa enjoys sharing her time and talents at many benefit functions including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the City of Hope, L.I.F.E. ( Love is Feeding Everyone), P.E.P.L.A. (Peer Education Program Los Angeles, education teens about AIDS), and the Stroke Association in LA. She has taught workshops on songwriting, and “Fear of Performing” at Central Juvenile Hall in LA and McClarren Hall for abused children in LA. Sometimes you can even find her dressed as a clown performing with puppets at local street fairs in and around Los Angeles!
Jelsa lives in Los Angeles, but her roots are still in New York City. She was born in the Bronx, NY, the third of seven Paladino children. It’s clear to hear that her music ranges from the New York Jazz scene to the pop sounds of Las Vegas and into the RnB Blues of LA. She said she wanted to be “prepared for anything” and not to limit herself, but it’s evident her heart and soul is still in New York City singing Jazz.
Reviews -
"Your album, "FOR THE LOVE OF CARMEN" arrived and it is a wonderment. Beautiful songs, sung magnificenly. It just feels...classic. And a superb band and arrangements. These 13 songs have rarely had it better than when they met up with you. Congratulations, Jelsa, you should be very proud. Carmen would adore this album." -Richard Matheson
“Jelsa was a terrific guest, very articulate and well informed on A.I.D.S. issues. I really enjoyed her music, especially ‘Take My Hand.’ I hope to have her on my show again in the future.” -Robyn Ritter – Robbin Ritter Reports – KMIR-TV (NBC) Palm Springs, CA
“Boy can that gal sing! I enjoyed having her on the show. Listeners called in to say how much they liked her music, and wanted to know where they could buy her album ‘Bless The Friends’.” -Bob Osterberg – The Breakfast Show – KDEZ Radio Palm Spring, CA
“ I think she’s one of the finest vocalists in the business today. She has a unique way with a song; she makes the lyrics come to life. She’s one of the most sought-after acts around. We always have a full house when she works here, and a lot of the waiters and waitresses have commented on how well liked she is. She’s a special lady.” -Albie Hora – The Bla Bla Café – Los Angeles, CA
“Jelsa is one of the most fantastic singers around today. She combines the smoothness of Dionne Warwick, the expressiveness of Nina Simone, and the diction of Della Reese all into her own highly individual style. To top it all off, she is also a very relaxed performer, establishing a beautiful rapport with her audience.” -Ron Pennington – Variety – Los Angeles, CA
“Jelsa has a rich vocal quality with deep timbre, reminiscent of the beloved Sarah Vaughan. She knew when to use her vibrato, and when not to. She masterfully utilized her four-octave range without unnecessary vocal calisthenics that usually distract the listener. She also has a knack of putting the audience at ease with her casual rapport, and a sense of humor. I was also impressed with the apparent respect she shared with her musicians.” -Gene Courtney – The Star – Las Vegas, NV
“Palao’s resonant, chesty contralto was particularly attractive on a beautifully phrased version of ‘Lover Man,’ and her insightful reading of ‘The Masquerade Is Over,’ afforded clear testimony to the real-life viewpoint she brings to virtually every piece she sings.” -Don Heckman – Los Angeles Times Jazz Review – Los Angeles, CA