Joe Thomas - Joy Of Cookin' (1972) [Japanese Remastered 2007]

Joe Thomas is definitely cooking on this one – hitting some great notes on funky flute that really recall the glory of his Ebony Godfather album! The style here is a bit fuller than before – with large arrangements from Horace Ott, plus a few smaller group settings with Jimmy Ponder on guitar and the lesser-known Jiggs Chase on organ. The groove is great – full, funky, and joyous – and the record's a great illustration of the way that Groove Merchant left its own unique stamp on 70s funk through a blacksploitation-styled approach! Titles include "Joyful Joyful", "Mike", "Down Home", "Chile Con Carmen", "Dr. Ritota", and a cover of "Thank You Falletin Me Be Mice Elf".