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Emilio Palame

Emilio Palame is a seasoned jazz pianist, composer/arranger, producer/director and actor residing in Los Angeles.

About Me

Emilio Palame has performed and recorded in the entertainment industry as pianist/vocalist, producer, and film & TV composer/arranger for over 45 years - as accompanist/conductor for the legendary Miss Peggy Lee, Paul Williams, Lanie Kazan,Connie Stevens and numerous Jazz artists including Chuck Mangione, Grant Geissman and Emilio has also written music for TV and Film including numerous commercials for ESPN, and the Travel Channel, and the theme and underscore for 111 episodes Nickelodeon’s hit series, “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”, Having transitioned to his passion for acting over the last decade, Emilio brings that depth of artistic wisdom and professionalism to every project. In just the last 8 years, he has appeared in over 100 short films, and 14 independent feature films including: supporting lead roles in the hit comedy “Expelled” from 20th Century Fox/DreamWorks as Principle Truman, and as Colonel Birch in the critically acclaimed “Prodigy” on Netflix. He has also appeared on General Hospital, The Eric Andre Show, and several series on TLC, HULU TV, as well as commercial ad campaigns for Verizon and Boost Mobile. Most recently, Emilio produced, directed, starred in, and orchestrated/arranged the music for the feature film “The Knights of Swing”. Set in 1947, this heartwarming story of a
high school swing big band and will soon be released on Vimeo On Demand in March 2022.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...Jazz reaches my soul. Improvising and playing well fashioned jazz tunes is so uplifting when it clicks. I love the vibration created when musicians listen and play off of each other. It's so fulfilling especially when playing in front of a live audience and you are truly connecting with them. I was first exposed to jazz...In High School in Buffalo NY. at first I was self taught, but taking lessons with Buffalo NY Jazz legend Russ Macina really shaped my foundation as a jazz pianist and arranger. Soon after, I met drummer/vibraphonist Bob Leatherbarrow in Buffalo and learned so much from him about Jazz harmony and ensemble playing. The best show I ever attended was...So many...but one of my most favorites, was the 3 day concert and clinic the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Orchestra did when I was conducting the Fredonia Jazz Ensemble in upstate New York. I got to play acoustic piano sitting next to Sir Roland Hanna playing Rhodes. Like a dream come true! The first jazz record I bought was...Dave Brubeck "Take Five" My advice to new listeners...If you enjoy "Swing Era Music" please go to Vimeo On Demand and watch the feature film I Produced/Directed entitled "Knights of Swing". Set in 1947 it is an uplifting heartfelt story of a young group of High School Jazz musicians whose dream is to form a really swing' Big Band...racial tensions arise as they make their way to the "California Battle of the Bands" - Swingin' Big Band music in a family friendly film....the short trailer will be coming to my page soon!