Joe Thomas (flautist)


Joseph Samuel Thomas was an American jazz flutist and occasional saxophonist.

Biography

As a child, Thomas learned to play alto and soprano saxophone, trombone, flute and piano, and also taught himself how to write music. Encouraged by his older brother, he began performing in clubs from the age of fifteen and was noticed by James Moody. After enlisting in the United States Army he received a Purple Heart during combat in the Korean War he returned to the US and performed with Specks Williams and joined Rhoda Scott's Trio in the early 1960s.
Thomas recorded with organist Jimmy McGriff and released several albums under his own name in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Discography

As leader

With Rhoda Scott
With others