An excellent drummer who has mostly been heard in the swing/mainstream/bop field, Joe Ascione has gained some attention for his participation in freewheeling sessions released by the German Nagel-Heyer label. Inspired by Gene Krupa (whom he met in 1971) and Buddy Rich, Ascione has been a regular fixture at jazz parties and mainstream festivals worldwide since the early 1980s. His debut set as a leader, 1997's My Buddy, is a tribute to Buddy Rich. ~ Scott Yanow