On this collection of 10 brand new recordings, award-winning singer-songwriter 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 a clear and unapologetic one! His rapturous, arresting voice is front and center and will stay with you long after the record ends.

‘Joy’

On this collection of 10 brand new recordings, award-winning singer-songwriter 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 a clear and unapologetic one! His rapturous, arresting voice is front and center and will stay with you long after the record ends.

‘Joy’ features 6 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 as well as a pair of simmering traditional gospel readings which anchor the record— namely, "Didn't it Rain" and "Working on a Building" respectively.

Bret Alexander [Breaking Benjamin; The Badlees] again is producer and primary instrumentalist on ‘Joy’. Tom Smallcomb formerly of The New York Times Band lends his discipline and explosive talent as sole percussionist on this, Randazzo's third, full-length release.

"...AWESOME. Fat and dirty. ... Raw!”

—Bret on the forthcoming record during mixing sessions; June 2015

Smallcomb sets the pace as he introduces the Nina Simone penned "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 show up again a bit 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 quite possibly his most personal song to date, a song titled, "Mama". A heartfelt apology set against sweeping orchestration and an urban core. Simple, vulnerable and full of love, "Mama" is appropriately this record's centerpiece.

The mood is considerably darker and menacing on a track called "Wade in the Water" written by Bret Alexander along with Dustin Drevitch & Paul Young. The trio wrote and demoed the tune back 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 as well as being 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 really 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 that is the night sky and the riches it bestows!

"If You Don't Bring Me Joy (Be on Your Way)" also includes a newly recorded rock version of "Let Me Go" featuring local great, Dustin Drevitch on electric guitar! Additional featured guest players on 'Joy' include: Eddie Appnel (Backing vocals), Tom Martin (Harp), Adam Sorber (Pedal steel) and Mark Woodyatt (Acoustic & Electric violin).