Joe Rizzolo
Musician / Drummer / Music Educator
G Joe Rizzolo is a drummer and leader of The Rizzolution Group and The Paul Abler Legacy Group.
Joe Rizzolo is a dynamic jazz drummer whose playing blends deep groove, creative interplay, and a keen sense of musical storytelling.
Joe leads the RIZZOLUTION (Peace, Love Enlightenment, Music) Group and performs the drums with spiritrual energy rooted in these spiritual truths. Joe also leads The Paul Abler Legacy Group celebrating the music of the late, great Guitarist/Composer Paul Abler.Joe believes in the importance of each performance to uplift evey being present and elsewhere in RIZZOLUTION=peace, love, enlightenment and music in each performance.
Versed in the great traditions of swing and bebop, his style reflects the rhythmic freedom of modern jazz while honoring the expressive pulse of the masters who came before him.
Over the course of his career, Joe has performed with a wide range of ensembles — from intimate piano trios to contemporary jazz groups — showcasing his versatility, sensitivity, and driving energy behind the kit. Equally passionate about education, Joe is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians through his work as a teacher and clinician. His approach emphasizes listening, collaboration, and developing a personal voice on the instrument.
Joe's influences include Marvin Bugalu Smith, Elvin Jones, Art Blakey, Tony Williams,Joe Morello, Billy Higgins, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, , Bill Evans, and Wayne Shorter, Paul Abler, Theolonius Monk, Dexter Gordon, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Stewart Brian Blade and more.
Joe has led various incantations of his Jazz ensembles since 2008 performing Jazz in the Northern New Jersey area.
Joe began leading the Rizzolution Jazz session in 2023 and currently Leads Weekly Rizzolution Jazz sessions on Wednesdays and monthly and additional Rizzolution Jazz sessions on Thursdays.
Joe strives to create and promote Rizzolution (Peace, Love and Enlightenment) in his performances and compositions. Joe Currently Leads his Jazz Group, The Rizzolution Group for performances throughout New York City and New Jersey.