On this collection of 10 new recordings, Ed Randazzo returns more grounded than ever! With the release of "If You Don't Bring Me Joy (Be on Your Way)," Ed's message is clear and unapologetic! His rapturous, arresting voice is front and center and will stay with you long after the record ends.

The album features six original songs (5 of which are

On this collection of 10 new recordings, Ed Randazzo returns more grounded than ever! With the release of "If You Don't Bring Me Joy (Be on Your Way)," Ed's message is clear and unapologetic! His rapturous, arresting voice is front and center and will stay with you long after the record ends.

The album features six original songs (5 of which are BRAND NEW) written by Ed Randazzo & Bret Alexander. The remaining tracks in this set include songs written by Bret Alexander and Nina Simone and a pair of simmering traditional gospel readings that anchor the record— namely, "Didn't it Rain" and "Working on a Building," respectively.

Bret Alexander is again the producer and primary instrumentalist on ‘Joy.’ Tom Smallcomb, formerly of The New York Times Band, lends his discipline and explosive talent as the sole percussionist on the album.

Smallcomb sets the pace by introducing Nina Simone's "Be My Husband" with an authoritative cadence. Ed's voice comes on without warning and full of ache and discussed. Simone's influence on the course of record #3 is apparent and celebrated by Randazzo! Echoes of his admiration for Miss Simone reappear later in 'Joy's' lead single, "I Need a Woman."

Another influential woman in Ed Randazzo's life is, of course, his mother. Ed honors her in his most personal song, "Mama," a heartfelt apology set against sweeping orchestration and an urban core. Simple, vulnerable, and full of love, "Mama" is this record's centerpiece appropriately.

The mood is considerably darker and more menacing on a track called "Wade in the Water," written by Bret Alexander and Dustin Drevitch & Paul Young. The trio wrote and demoed the tune in 2009, and until now, had been unreleased. Ed heard Bret's demo by chance while the two were in pre-production for the album and was immediately drawn to it. "Wade in the Water” was soon added to the list of tracks to be recorded and included in the live sets!

'Joy’ continues with an ode to the working man, "A Work Song."

"I wanted to write something new that sounded weathered and old—like it had been written in another century. I'm proud of it. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it's turned out to be one of my favorites on the record."

—Ed on writing "A Work Song"

This run of new tunes closes with an original indie folk lullaby called "Stars." It's a solitary moment, a song of reflection taking consolation in the year-round splendor of the night sky and the riches it bestows!