The Bloomfields rock Del Rio tonight
Metromanila and Cebu have gone gaga over this fabulous five -- a group of young musicians extolling music from the 60s. Tonight, they're all set to conquer Iloilo as Hotel del Rio celebrates its 41st anniversary in full retro party mode with The Bloomfields.
Formed during their days in La Salle Green Hills high school, they champion the music of Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Jerry Lee Lewis, bringing to life some of the most-loved and cherished songs from that revolutionary decade of flower power, vinyl records and California surfing.
"It's simply the most beautiful music we've ever heard," says Jay-Jay Lozano, the band's effervescent lead vocalist and songwriter.
"The songs of the '60s were so simple, yet they were so catchy and energetic!" enthused Harry-Potter look-alike Rocky Collado is the band's feisty drummer and spokesperson.
"We try to go wholesome, because music today is too grungy, angsty," adds bassist Louie Poco. His powerful arms, honed during his brief stint with the UP Diliman rowing team, are the glue that keeps the band's explosive rhythms tight. Lead guitarist and CSB Accounting major Pepe Lozano looks at this phenomenon at a financial angle. "Many artists today in their desire to please their listeners change their passion and love for music, to money." A Chinito version of Jimi Hendrix, he insists that musicians go back to their roots, and rediscover the true spirit of music -- the language of the soul. Out of the five, Lakan Hila, the chubby, porcelain-skinned keyboardist prefers to let the other four talk. Like Brian Wilson, the legendary Beach Boys composer and producer, the soft-spoken banker is the resident genius, able to play four instruments, and working side by side with JJ as fellow musical arranger.
But why would such a hard-hitting retro band get stuck with the name "Bloomfields?" While they initially played with names like "The Pencilcases", "The Reverbs" and "The Paperback Writers", they felt none of them sounded unique. Like early '60s bands such as Cliff Richard and the Shadows, they thought "Jay-Jay and the Moondogs" would work. But despite his role as the charismatic band leader, the bubbly vocalist didn't like being the lone star of the show. "I wanted equal sharing in everything," Jay-Jay says.
Fate would intervene 3,000 miles away. On a summer vacation in the States, he came across a road called Bloomfield Avenue. "I thought the name sounded happy and fun, so when I came back, I proposed the name "Bloomfield." However, the others didn't share his enthusiasm.
"I thought it sounded gay," jokes Rocky, whose rich bass voice and machine-gun drumming skills clearly contrasted the image of a flowery band name. "But we didn't have any other ideas, so we stuck to it."
Having "Bloomfield" for a name isn't exactly the best way to draw respect from your peers in an all-boy high school. But now, the band's mockers may have to think twice. Having guested in several TV shows, having been raved by critics and celebrities, and recently commended as one of FHM magazine's 30 Best Indie Bands, The Bloomfields have built a solid reputation by fusing classic Sixties hits with a kick ass attitude. Step into any of their performances and you'll see the fun-loving quintet spark a dazzling whirlpool of pure, unadulterated rock n' roll.
Any rock band's story wouldn't be complete without an encounter with their adoring female fans -- whether they're serenading the women of their dreams, or weaving through a horde of star struck fanatics. "When we like someone, we invite her to our gigs, and then we dedicate a song to her," Rocky says. "And the whole crowd would be like, 'Whoaaaah!' She feels very special when we do that." Jay-Jay, baduy by heart, has done it the most. "Style Bulok!" Louie teases. He recalls an instance where they've tasted Beatlemania, ambushed by a screaming mob of high school girls on the way to their dressing room. "Everybody was following us as we ran through the corridors. And when we opened this door, Waaaaahhhh!!!" He screams as he stretches out his arms. Another instance happened after opening for a Parokya Ni Edgar show. "We were rushing to another gig, then these girls went to the changing room shouting 'I wanna see them! I wanna see them!' And we were half-naked! Thankful enough, the girls let them dress up before taking a picture with the band. "It was very flattering though."