Joe "Eflat" Thomas

Musician/Composer/Arranger/Producer Joe "Eflat" Thomas' musical journey began in childhood after receiving the gift of music from his supportive parents and experiencing “A Deep Emotional Feeling”  after hearing “Tammy” by Debbie Reynolds,“Puff The Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary and the String Section and Vocals on “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by The Shirelles on the radio in addition to hearing the theme from the 60's TV Series “Wagon Train” played on all the black keys of a piano by a fellow student in elementary school. “The Beauty And Simplicity Of The Melody, Harmonies And Tones Touched Me Deep Inside; What I Now Realize Is My Inner Musical Compass." He considers these his “First Musical Epiphanies” and continued his pursuit of music in school bands playing the clarinet.

As a teen he switched to the Alto Saxophone and inspired by "Icons" Maceo Parker, Junior Walker, King Curtis and local prodigy Roscoe Evans began performing in notable R&B bands; The Objects, Black Ice, Uncle Remus and Original Rock & Soul Group Wavelength eventually working with Mirage/State Of Affairz and The Spindles. His experiences have led to him sharing the stage with Roberta Flack, Regina Belle, Starpoint, New Birth, The Commodores, Al Green,  Phil Perry, The Ohio Players, the late Michael Burks and Magic Slim, Tommy Castro, Bernard Allison, Hubert Sumlin, Betty Lavette and Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials.

He Was The First Recipient Of The Coppin State College Music Department Talent Award as Commendation for pursuing his interest in Music Theory and Keyboard Performing Beethoven's “Fur Elise” In His 1976 Senior Piano Recital While Also Participating In The College Choir And Instrumental Ensembles.

His growing passion for music was fueled by the Live Stage Shows of The Upsetters, James Brown, The Temptations, Jackie Wilson, Jimi Hendrix, Ike & Tina Turner, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, The New York Philharmonic, Johnny Taylor, Chicago, Tower of Power, Yes, Deep Purple, Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Earth, Wind & Fire, Mandrill, The Bar-Kays, The Eagles, Jim Croce, Dan Fogelberg, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Kansas, Journey, Barry White, The Carpenters, Labelle, Phyllis Hyman, The BSO and “Aretha.”

An Edgar Winter concert in 1973 proved to be "Another Musical Epiphany" after witnessing Winter's performance of “Frankenstein” on keyboards and saxophone. This "Eye, Ear and Mind Opening Experience" piqued his developing interest in the capabilities of synthesizer programming and utilizing keyboards for Composing and Arranging Original Music To Create A “Signature Sound”.

This exposure was paramount in his ongoing development of a solid musical foundation as he learned the Vocal and Instrumental Harmonies and Arrangements of R&B and Funk while also absorbing other Musical Genres which helped to Accelerate The Evolution of his Composition, Arranging and Production Skills displayed through out this website.

His Experience and Songwriting Collaborations/Productions Include:

- Two Time Honorable Mentions (Billboard World Song Contest)

- First Place, Finalist & Semi-Finalist (Mid-Atlantic Song Contest)

- Entry of Merit Award (Unisong International Song Contest)

- Music Monthly Regional Artist CD Compilation Placement

- The D.C.Blues Society Band "Live" Blues Sampler

- Saxman/Horn Arranger/Bandleader For "Big Daddy" Stallings'

  "Bluez Evolution Band" (2004-2014)

- Saxman/Bandleader For Rhythm & Soul Band State Of Affairz (1983-2000)

- Sound Tech For The City Of Baltimore Big Band (1985-2005)  & The Phil Butts Big Band (2016-2018)

"Eflat" is simply "A Lover of Music" and is equally comfortable with R&B, Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Rock, Funk and Blues because he believes: "It's All About The Song; How Does It Sound, How Does It Feel; Genre Is Irrelevant!!"

From 2004-2014 he was Saxman/Band Leader/Agent and Publicist with Bluesman Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings as a member of The Bluez Evolution Band. From 2015-2020 he was Booking Agent and Publicist for the late Reggie Wayne Morris (R.I.P.). Currently he's providing Booking and Promotion/Publicity for Washington, D.C. Blues & Soul Band David Cole & Main Street Blues, Gayle Harrod, The Tribe Band, Mark Kraemer and other Talented Regional Performers.

Eflat2002@aol.com