Amanda Tosoff - Where the Joy Is (2026)

Amanda Tosoff concludes her Words Project trilogy with Where the Joy Is, an album that deeply explores joy in all its forms. The recording brings together the pianist-composer and her longtime ensemble members: vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow, saxophonist Allison Au, bassist Jon Maharaj, and drummer Morgan Childs. Created following Tosoff's return to touring after the pandemic, the album captures a period of renewal and reflection. Musically, it blends original poetry-infused compositions with reimagined works by jazz standard composer Harold Arlen and songwriter Joni Mitchell. Through this combination, the album illuminates different dimensions of joy: the uncomplicated wonder found in nature, the complex struggles inherent to artistic creation, and the conscious choice to embrace love while accepting impermanence. Rather than offering shallow optimism, the work presents a mature perspective—one that affirms our capacity to keep hearts open and find joy even amidst uncertainty and constant change.


Emilie-Claire Barlow – Vocals
Allison Au – Alto Saxophone
Amanda Tosoff – Piano
Jon Maharaj – Bass
Morgan Childs – Drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - Where the Joy Is [5:35]
1-2 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - Little One [4:55]
1-3 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - Thoughts [5:04]
1-4 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - The Fiddle and the Drum [5:28]
1-5 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - This Time the Dream's On Me [5:30]
1-6 Amanda Tosoff;Emilie-Claire Barlow - Love Said [5:26]