In 2000, Joe finished work on his debut solo CD, A New Day Yesterday. With his newfound vocal confidence, the disc featured appearances by such respected players as Gregg Allman, Rick Derringer, and Leslie West. The CD's producer, legendary Tom Dowd, had, in the course of his 25-year career at Atlantic Records, recorded with such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, among countless others. Dowd quickly became a Joe fan and friend.

The memorable melodies and potent guitar work of A New Day Yesterday brought to mind the classic blues-based rock of Cream, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Jeff Beck Group, and the Allman Brothers Band. The CD included outstanding originals such as "Miss You, Hate You" and the slide guitar showcase "Cradle Rock," along with a powerhouse version of the title song "A New Day Yesterday," first recorded by Jethro Tull in 1969.