By Ellie Pitkowsky ’18, Section Editor 

Cosimo Fabrizio, a junior here at Newark Academy, is known for his athletic and musical abilities, but many may not know the extent of his talents. Most recently, Cosimo earned recognition as an Honorable Mention in the YoungArts Competition, arguably the most competitive contest for young artists and musicians, which was the highest honor received by any young guitar player across the country. He was also invited to showcase his talents alongside two Juilliard School students and three professional musicians (Kenny Washington, Isaiah J. Thompson, Philip Norris, and Joe Farnsworth) in a jazz performance. The performance will take place on December 9^th at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center. Due to his impressive accomplishments and understated attitude towards them, I interviewed Cosimo to glean more information on his inspirations, style, and stage fright, among other topics.

Ellie Pitkowsky: How did you first become interested in playing guitar and at what age?

Cosimo Fabrizio: I picked up guitar in 2nd grade because I wanted to impress my crush and she said she liked guys who could play guitar – so I was around seven years old.

Is there a particular style of guitar you began with? Is it the same or different from what you like playing now. How has it evolved?

I started learning basic rock songs like “Smoke on the Water,” etc. Then I went to classical and now I primarily play jazz. What I like to play evolves with what new music I’m exposed to. I like ‘traditional’ jazz, but since I’ve been at NA, I’ve started getting into a lot of John Mayer and Grateful Dead because of Scotty McGraw.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

CF: Mr. Tolentino has been by biggest inspiration. I met Mr. T in 6th grade at a summer camp and at that point, I was just starting to be exposed to jazz. Mr. T really took me under his wing by giving me lessons and he is the one who told me about Newark Academy and suggested I apply. He is, more than anyone else, the reason I am getting these opportunities to play on NYC’s big stages. One of the things I’ve learned is that someone can be a great musician and be an awful teacher. Mr. T is so rare because is an amazing teacher and great musician as well.

In terms of guitar players, I’ve checked out a lot of Grant Green and Joe Pass and try to incorporate their ideas into my playing. There is a lot to learn from the old guys.

Wynton Marsalis has been another big inspiration. As a musician and an intellectual, Mr. Marsalis really is a genius. Personally he is always pushing me to be my best and true self as a musician and as a person in general. He was the first person to give me a chance at a “real” professional gig in NYC last year and his confidence in me has helped me to have confidence in my own playing.

Do you get nervous about performing or have you performed so many times that it is not much different from practicing?

I get nervous if I don’t prepare. If I prepared well then I’m usually fine, because I have had a lot of experience performing for people. The thing that does get me a little nervous isn’t when I play for a big crowd or for a “well known” musician. I get nervous when my friends who play music come to watch me.

Do you think you’ll look to make a career out of music in the future?

While I plan to play music my whole life, I have no plans to pursue a career in music right now.

Thank you to Cosimo, for providing such thoughtful and interesting answers to these questions. For anyone who wants to attend Cosimo’s performance, it is called “Home for the Holidays Featuring Kenny Washington” and it is taking place on December 9th-11th at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased on Jazz.org. It would be great to have an NA group there to support Cosimo and this impressive accomplishment.