Justin Gusmano, a 15-year-old musician from Merrick, has just released his debut album “Forever Alive,” a collection of eight original tracks blending jazz, blues and instrumental fusion.
The album, which features contributions from world-class musicians, marks a significant milestone in Gusmano’s musical journey. A talented pianist, keyboardist and producer, Gusmano’s passion for music has been evident from a young age and with the release of his first album, he is making his mark in the music industry.
“I’ve been composing music since 2020 and I’m thrilled to finally share ‘Forever Alive’ with the world,” Gusmano said. “It’s a project I’m incredibly proud of, blending heartfelt melodies with powerful performances.”
The album showcases Gusmano’s unique style, featuring a mix of instrumental tunes and one vocal track. Gusmano’s music draws on various influences, including jazz legends, blues icons and pop artists, all of whom have shaped his musical taste.
“My biggest inspiration comes from artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis and even Billy Joel and Kenny G,” Gusmano said. “I love how their music resonates with people and I try to create melodies that are memorable, something that you can hum as you walk down the street.”
For Gusmano, music has always been more than just a hobby. He started playing piano at age five, though he quickly realized that traditional lessons weren’t the right fit for him. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gusmano returned to music, teaching himself the basics of keyboard playing.
Gusmano’s father, Peter, has been a key influence on his son’s musical development. Together, they’ve created a home recording studio called Beverly Studios, where they collaborate on music and recording projects.
“My mom and dad have always been my biggest supporters,” Gusmano said. “I have worked on so many of my songs with my dad; he’s helped me bring my ideas to life. This album is a family effort and I’m lucky to have him by my side.”
The album features a mix of jazz fusion, blues and instrumental music, with Gusmano playing the keyboards and producing the tracks.
“I would classify my music as instrumental, with some jazz fusion elements,” he said. “But the main goal for me is to create melodies that resonate with listeners. I want people to hear my music and think, ‘Hey, I remember that.’” One track on the album is a vocal-driven piece featuring Scott Foster Harris, showcasing Gusmano’s versatility as both a musician and a songwriter.
In addition to his work as a musician, Gusmano is passionate about giving back to his community. He regularly performs at local assisted living facilities, such as those in Westbury and East Meadow and incorporates a mix of original songs and classic hits like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra into his sets.
“I love performing for the elderly,” Gusmano said. “It’s so rewarding to see how much music can brighten someone’s day. And I always leave those performances feeling like I’ve made a real difference.”
To further his charitable efforts, Gusmano has pledged that 20 percent of the proceeds from “Forever Alive” will be donated to Tunnels to Towers, a nonprofit organization that supports first responders and veterans.
“Music has given me so much and I want to use it to give back,” he said. “I’m honored to support Tunnels to Towers through this album and I hope it will make a difference in people’s lives.”
As Gusmano continues to gain recognition for his music, he is already looking ahead to future projects.
“I’m constantly working on new music,” he said. “When I’m not in school, I’m in the studio creating new tracks with my dad and other talented musicians. I’m excited for what’s to come and I hope my fans will continue to follow my musical journey.”
Looking ahead, Gusmano has big aspirations for his music career. He dreams of performing at iconic venues like the NYCB Theatre at Westbury and collaborating with artists like Joe Satriani and Steve Lukather of Toto. “I’d love to collaborate with musicians who have influenced my sound,” he said. “Joe Satriani has been a huge inspiration for me and working with him would be a dream come true.”
Fans can purchase “Forever Alive” through Gusmano’s website (www.justingusmano.com), where the album will also be available to stream on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.
“I’m really excited for people to hear this album,” Gusmano said. “It’s been a labor of love and I can’t wait for everyone to listen.”
With “Forever Alive” marking a new chapter in his musical career, Gusmano’s star is on the rise. His passion, dedication and commitment to his craft are evident in every track and with his heart set on further collaborations and performances, the future looks bright for this young Long Island artist.
