He spent much of the next two decades freelancing around NYC, as well as playing at various Jazz Festivals around the world. In the late 60's he played with drummer Buzzy Drootin's Jazz Family, replacing Herman Autrey. The band also featured Benny Morton, Herb Hall, Eddie Gibbs and Sonny Drootin on piano. "Remembering Joe Thomas", Jazz Lives, June 11, 2009.
