An Invitation to Choose Joy

Latest Release: Choose Joy!

Eileen Howard's "Choose Joy," is an uplifting, emotionally resonant EP of her original tunes centered around themes of resilience, emotional healing, and perseverance. Eileen is joined by talented musicians, Mark Tucker (keys), Craig Shaw (bass) and Adam Goodhue (drums.

The album acknowledges life's difficulties with tracks like "Smile to the Pain" and "I Can't Remember Tomorrow (arr. Mark Tucker)," but anchors itself heavily in the power of positivity and inner strength, as highlighted by the title track "Choose Joy" and "Joy in My Room." Capped off with "The Human Journey" (arr. Arthur D. Turner), this is an encouraging collection that frames finding happiness not just as an emotion, but as a courageous act of resistance against fear and adversity.

All tracks available for download and airplay here.

Liner Notes

Joy is not just an emotion. It is a courageous act of resistance against fear and adversity. In a world that often tries to fill our minds with anxiety and despair, choosing joy is an intentional, transformative step toward healing.

This EP is a collection of original songs born out of resilience, emotional healing, and perseverance. It is an offering of spiritual self-care—a gentle reminder to turn away from the thoughts that harm us and pivot toward gratitude, presence, and hope so that we can be of greater service to one another.

About the Songs

"Joy in My Room" & "Choose Joy"
- On Spiritual Self-Care: These two tracks serve as the emotional heart of the EP. They explore the practice of steering our attention away from damaging emotions and grounding ourselves in light, gratitude, and purpose.
"Smile to the Pain"
- On Resilience: This song offers a tender strategy for navigating both physical and emotional ache: leaning in, breathing, and smiling through the storm.
"I Can't Remember Tomorrow"
- On Present-Moment Awareness and Love: Born out of a challenge from a friend to write a song using this phrase, it is beautifully arranged alongside Mark Tucker, whose breathtaking piano solo anchors the track. The song is reminder to love in the present moment.
"The Human Journey"
- On Perspective: We are but a blip in history and the key is to tap into the spiritual forces of good in that journey. Originally written as a poem in her twenties, Eileen added a melody during the pandemic. Brought to life through Arthur D. Turner’s brilliant arrangement, the track features dynamic drum work from Adam Goodhue and a stunning, soulful bass solo by Craig Shaw.

Album Credits

The Band

Eileen — Vocals & Original Songs
Mark Tucker — Keys & Arrangement ("I Can't Remember Tomorrow")
Craig Shaw — Bass
Adam Goodhue — Drums
Background vocals (The Human Journey) — Ella Beth

Production & Arrangements

Arthur D. Turner — Arrangement ("The Human Journey")
Lem Meador — Recording Engineer

Artwork & Visuals

Marla Puziss — Album Cover Photography

BIO

Eileen Howard is one of those rare entertainers with the sensitivity and flair to deeply evoke the human condition in her work. She’s received accolades and awards as a singer, songwriter, and actor. With the gift of telling a story with every word, her concerts include meaningful original songs, wickedly funny classic Blues, little known jazz gems, and passionate ballads. Her blend of meaningful interpretation of lyrics, quirky bits of music history, audience participation, and comic abilities equal sheer fun for audiences.

Eileen has recorded six albums, including many of her original compositions and arrangements.

She released Big City Love in 2016 in New York to critical acclaim. A transport to Atlanta from NYC, she is available for concerts, festivals and events world-wide.

MORE ABOUT EILEEN

Appearances (sampling)

Roaring Social Decatur and Alpharetta
Sandy Springs Summer Concerts
Wallers
The Red Light (Atlanta)
The Velvet Note (Atlanta)
Amsterdam Atlanta
Stone Mountain Christmas (One Woman Show)
Oakhurst Jazz Festival (Decatur)
The Strand Theatre (Marietta)
Tomi Jazz, NYC (monthly)
Soul Cafe, NYC (weekly)
The West End Lounge, NYC (monthly)
Cafe du Soleil, NYC
Chez Lucienne, NYC - Harlem
Somethin' Jazz, NYC
The Iridium, NYC
Birdland , NYC
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC
NY Fringe Festival
The Green Room at The Garden Theatre
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
The Columbus Jazz and Rib Festival
Newark Jazz and Ribs Festival
Westerville Arts Festival
Columbus Rose Festival
North Market Food and Wine Festival
Columbus Arts Festival

CONTACT:

646-470-5367

eileen@singouteileen.com

Reviews

Armed with a vocal instrument that's quite appealing, Howard lays down the lyrics with moments of passion... a stylish performance. Edward Blanco, All About Jazz
Eileen Howard's passionate singing ranks high among the rare peaks of showmanship. Columbus Dispatch
Her charisma, passion, and ability to connect with her listeners sets her apart from the pack. Middle Tennessee Music

Eileen Howard sings like a Diva, vamps like a Rat-Pack veteran and generally entertains like few others can. Wildy’s World

Howard's lyrics are witty, her delivery certain... a Samba-flavored wet kiss for the Big Apple. Stunning is the closing "But Beautiful." C. Michael Baily, Jazz Quanta
This girl can sing the blues no doubt - imagine Bessie Smith digitally recorded with the rough edges slightly smoothed and you've got Eileen. Lance Liddle, BeBop Spoken Here
This is a singer well worth discovering. Scott Yanow,L.A. Jazz Scene
Eileen wowed the sell-out crowd at the Green Room Friday night with a varied and infectiously entertaining evening of spirited blues....she just keeps getting better and better. President, Short North Stage

One of the most creative and swingin' singers ever to vocalize on the local jazz scene. Short North Gazette
This lady can definitely sing up a storm with a voice that allows her to reach and hit the high notes with effortless ease. Jazzreview.com
I have been playing your [song] Make Me Over, over and over and over. My listeners just love it, absolutely. I had so many calls, things just lit up.

Jim Spencer, Deejay KHCA Radio