This musical giant hails from the heart of Central Texas that’s Waco, TX by way of a little town call Satin. He’s been in the music industry for over 38 years combined. A musician who wears many hats as an instructor, writer, composer, arranger, and owner of Richard’s Band Instrument Repair located in Waco, TX . Saxophonist Richard Thomas has performed for audiences in many demographics.
Richard’s unique sound and dynamic style has earned him many accolades for almost three decades. Simply stated he mesmerizes his audiences and stuns his contemporaries. Richard credits his unique sound to his many influences at an early age, from pioneers such as Rashaan Roland Kirk, Stanley Turrentine, Grover Washington Jr., Ronnie Laws, Hank Crawford, Eddie Harris and Gene Ammons.
His technique, tone, quality, and intonation are a direct result of the teaching under the directions of Mr. Dan Rowe and L. C. Brown at AJ Moore High School in Waco, TX.
Mr. Thomas has graced many stages and his earth shattering performances earned him a spot on stage with names such as Roy Ayers, Melba Moore, Ronnie Laws, Pieces of A Dream, the late Jeanette Bradley’s Orchestra, performances with Cajun blues legend Classie Ballou, and Keyboardist Bill Spencer who writes for CBS in Hollywood, California.
Richard’s Sesame Street Band was named # 1 Jazz Contemporary Band in 1982, representing KSax, Kool cigarettes and, the Kool Jazz Festival. That big broad sound vaulted him to elite status as one of the better known Texas Tenors.
Below are a few of Richard's musical accomplishments:
-Featured saxophonist for band leader Thad Jackson of the famous All Funk Radio show band (formally bass player with Parliament /funkadelics). Jackson said, "It doesn’t matter which instrument he chooses saxophones, flute, bamboo flute, etc...Richard can make any instrument come alive”.
- Performed for Jessie Jackson’s Presidential Campaign in 1984.
- Performed for Congressman Chet Edward’s campaign events in 2005 and 2006.
-Chosen to lead the music ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church, for the Pac TV Network’s Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. nationally broadcast television Program.
- Arranged, wrote, and performed the musical composition for internationally renowned Motivational Speaker Suzanne Osborne’s award winning Contemporary “Dream Time”.
Mr. Thomas says his genre of choice is Jazz, however his background extends far beyond jazz. If you don’t know Saxophonist Richard Thomas, then listen to his current CD titled “Inside Out” and the new CD to be released late 2007. Ladies and, gentlemen meet Mr. Richard Thomas.
Richard currently teach Band at Waco Charter School and Jazz Band at Rapoport Academy.
