Interview with Larry Blank
Over the years, I had played many of Larry’s arrangements in Broadway shows and for singers for whom he was the arranger. I finally met him in 2006 during rehearsals for the musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. His writing was challenging and good and required that all the reed players be at the top of their game each show. I continued to hear about Larry’s work out in L.A. from our mutual friend, Joe Soldo, so I am particularly glad that we were finally able to get together to present this interview. Larry and I are virtually the same age and we both grew up in NYC in the 1950s/1960s, so we ended up having many common experiences. It felt like old times but with a new friend when we conducted this interview. During the course of our discussion, Larry talks about his upbringing in Brooklyn; his intense interest from an early age in theater; his diligence in learning his craft; and how personal relationships helped lead to his career development. Along the way, he refers to the musical mentors he encountered (Irwin Kostal and Don Pippin) and others whom he admired and influenced his musical development (Peter Matz, Ralph Burns, Jonathan Tunick, Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, John Williams). There are numerous words of wisdom relating to maintaining a long career in the music industry that Larry shares during this interview that I hope will resonate with the viewers. He has also written a fascinating recounting of his career along with the many stars he has worked with in his book: I Was Playing Their Song, available through Amazon. Please check out his website at: www.Larryblankmusic.com.
*Opening panel audio track: They’re Playing Our Song
(original cast album, Larry Blank, conductor)
Closing panel audio track: Americana Out West
(Larry Blank, composer)
About the Artist
Larry Blank’s career in music started when he was a teenager-–first as a rehearsal pianist for musical theater; then as a conductor/music director/composer/arranger for Broadway shows; eventually as a composer/arranger for films and tv; and finally as a conductor of symphonic orchestras. He has succeeded at each of these disciplines and along the way established himself as a vital member of our industry. Larry has conducted/music directed musicals such as They’re Playing Our Song, Goodtime Charlie, Evita, Sugar Babies, La Cage, Chorus Line, Phantom, Sweeney Todd, Teddy & Alice, Copperfield, etc. on Broadway and in L.A. He has been an arranger for shows such as Drowsy Chaperone, White Xmas, Catch Me If You Can, Honeymoon in Vegas, Holiday Inn, The Producers, etc. He has orchestrated for films including That Championship Season, Chicago, Mrs. Santa Claus, and Xmas on the Square and for TV shows like South Park, the Grammy Awards, and the Academy Awards. Finally, Larry has conducted orchestras such as the Pasadena Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, The San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, and the Boston Pops, among many others. He has long been associated with ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers) both as a board member and as its President.