Logan J. Blackman has been conducting and composing since the age of 14. While most kids were at the mall or out causing trouble, Logan was tapping into the deep creative wells of his young mind to compose a musical legacy.
Within a short period of time (and with a story that could rival most inspirational movies) Logan appeared with the Murray State University Wind Ensemble, the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble as well as acted as assistant conductor to the University of Kentucky Orchestras and University of Utah Orchestras.
At only 17 years old, Blackman founded and conducted the Blackman Wind Symphony—a semi-professional wind ensemble based in Paducah, Kentucky. In addition to conducting, Blackman is currently a freelance bassoonist, organist, pianist, and composer. He obtained his bachelor’s in bassoon performance and master’s in conducting from the University of Kentucky in 2018.
Needless to say, Logan Blackman is one exceptionally talented individual. We recently sat down with Blackman to talk about his craft, his love of music, and what inspires him.
Bridge: Let’s start by having you describe your sound to our readers…
LB: Symphonically, my sound is very grand and cinematic. However in my chamber works, I tend to take a much lighter tone. My Bassoon Duets, “The Logic of a Mad-Man” is nothing but one big satire/comedic piece.
Bridge: Is it true you’ve been making music since you were a child?
LB: Yes! I have been making music since I was 12, but I began writing at around 14.
Bridge: What first inspired you to pursue music?
LB: Believe it or not, Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest. The summer it came out, I was captivated by the famous scene where he played his theme at the organ. I had a very basic knowledge of music, and we had some keyboards around. So I started playing around and eventually figured the piece out by ear. That led me to wanting to take organ lessons, which eventually led to a great love of music and a career that would keep going nearly two decades later!
Bridge: I have to say, I was not expecting that answer! I love it!
What do you want your listeners to get out of your music?
LB: Music is one of the ultimate ways of expressing something you can’t quite put in words, or illustrate easily. My symphonic work, Prayer of a Broken Heart, is a great example of that. At 15, I tragically lost my parents due to a motorcycle accident. That piece is about the grief I went through, those experiences, and ultimately my hope that I will one day see them again.My hope is that listeners who might be struggling with something similar get some kind of comfort knowing they aren’t the only ones to feel what they may be feeling.
Bridge: Wow. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine what that has been like for you. You are a strong man.
Speaking aside from your personal perspective, where do you find your inspiration?
LB: I take a lot of inspiration from John Williams, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, and Mozart.
Bridge: What are you currently working on?
LB: Compositionally, I only have a new set of bassoon duets I am working on. However I intend to be writing more very soon. Most of my musical efforts today have been working towards doing some recording of piano works.
Check out Logan J. Blackman on YouTube, Soundcloud, and Facebook to follow his journey.
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