What sets The Bloomfields apart

MANILA, Philippines - The Bloomfields are doing it right.

Despite the music industry’s generally skeptical attitude towards cover bands, the group of young musicians, popular for their first-rate renditions of ‘60s and ‘70s rock music and embraced by fans for their youthful punch, is defiantly cementing its name in the business. The Bloomfields’ track record — six years of impeccable vocal harmony, showmanship and mainstream exposure — is as solid as it gets.

People love The Bloomfields not just because they play familiar music but also because watching them perform is a new sensory experience altogether, a refreshing break from overplayed emo music and ubiquitous techno mixes. And the charm extends off the stage. While most musicians tend to keep to themselves in between sets, these guys go around the audience to chat and drink to get acquainted with their guests. The Bloomfields know how to chill in their own party and the good company they offer on and off the stage is what converts casual listeners to enthusiasts.

What brings The Bloomfields’ performance alive is the chemistry of four distinct personalities and talents. Rocky Collado is the band’s drummer and resident host, famous for his ability to awe any crowd with his improvised swing-drumming solos. He plays his instruments with a perfect combination of passion and control.

He can also croon and boom at the same time. Lakan Hila plays the lead guitar and the keyboards. He comes from a family of musicians, which explains his proficiency in virtually any instrument he picks up.

His knowledge of music theory makes it possible for him to fill the roles of musical director and arranger for The Bloomfields. Lakan is responsible for the amazing lead guitar riffs during instrumentals, and he is often seen playing the keyboards with his guitar still firmly strapped to his chest. Louie Poco is the bass player and the master of rock and roll showmanship. He is often seen jumping off stages, twisting wildly, and riling up the crowd. He is also the go-to guy for blaring songs. He has the perfect raspy, high-pitched voice for authentic rock and roll.

Dino Pascual is the youngest member of the group. He plays the rhythm guitar and is also the resident balladeer. He has a strong but soothing voice and is always a hit with the ladies. He can also pick up the acoustic guitar and serenade audiences with his self-arranged medleys, which have already become popular in gigs. He is studying Asian Music in the University of the Philippines. 

The band’s universal appeal is undeniable as their weekly gig in Eastwood City, more popularly known to their regulars as The Wednesday Habit, brings in a growing number of people eager to get their midweek dose of feel-good rock. The Central Plaza transforms into a generational melting-pot as tweens, teens, college students, yuppies and baby boomers alike flock to the venue to ogle, croon, reminisce and, on particularly wild nights, do their favorite disco dance moves as The Bloomfields oblige them with their electric revivals of old rock and roll glory songs. While the sets are predominantly upbeat, they are occasionally peppered with blues, ballads and a number of original compositions. Crowd favorites include renditions of classic Beatles hits like I Want To Hold Your Hand, In My Life, Hey Jude, Blackbird, A Hard Day’s Night and Twist & Shout, along with miscellaneous other hits like Crazy Little Thing Called Love, My Sharona and What I Like About You. They have been contracted to produce the theme song for Q-11’s I Laugh Sabado.

But perhaps, what will ultimately drive the Bloomfields to achieve greater heights is the band’s ability to distinguish their art from their business. They understand that making music is in fact an industry and that bands must mature in their music and image to cater to the changing tastes of their market. The Bloomfields pride themselves in going a long way from the squeaky-clean boy band that they were three years ago to the edgier but more versatile musicians people know them today. Their wardrobe is by Francis Libiran, hairdos styled by Toni and Guy.

Still, the biggest change for the band is their decision to expand their style and repertoire by adding R&B and acoustic influences to their melody. With the help and guidance of Ronnie Henares who has nurtured Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, just to name a few, these guys are poised to ride a bigger wave of success.

For details, call 0917-8454545 or 502-7132.