Playing songs they love to hear

MANILA, Philippines — “There’s a resurgence of the band scene again.” That was what Lakan Hila, vocalist and lead guitarist of the group The Bloomfields, has strongly observed lately. “It’s actually exciting, with all the new bands coming up.”

The Bloomfields is a four-man group that particularly dishes out music of the ‘60s when they entertain people. They play rock n’ roll, with sporadic ballads and mellow hits. Aside from Lakan, the three other members who all singers are Dino Pascual on rhythm guitar, Rocky Collado on drums and Louie Poco on bass.

Formed way back in 2003, The Bloomfields, with Rocky, Louie and Jay Jay Lozano, started playing in high school fairs, parties and later, they also played in corporate events and weddings.

“When things got serious, we decided to get some really good musicians, so we got Lakan, who is adept in music,” Louie relates. “He started out as a violinist, then played guitars and a lot of our music.”

Jay Jay eventually decided to move forward by starting his own group and migrating to the US. Dino came into the picture and was invited by the remaining boys for a jam session, playing Beatles’ tunes. “We loved how the chemistry worked out, so here we are today, now 2018, with much energy and enthusiasm in doing our craft,” Louie shares.

The choice to render music from the ‘60s was not a formidable decision made by The Bloomfields. In the first place, ‘60s modern, rock n’ roll has been the influence of the guys way back in high school. Their idols were The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Birds and many others.

“We had no plans on targeting a market,” Louie explains. “We simply wanted to play the songs that we love to hear. After a few years of playing, we decided to go into this direction, as opportunities kept on coming to us.”

With four, different personalities performing together, The Bloomfields members have admirably ironed out their respective differences and settled their occasional misunderstandings.

“We set aside our egos, we just produce music,” Louie says. “Whatever comes out that everyone likes, we keep it. In Pinoy terms, Bigayan lang. Same as it is generally when jamming and performing as a band.”

Meanwhile, Dino reasons out. “I guess being together for so long, you just learn how to give and take. We’re basically family by now, so we treat and deal with each other the same way.”

It’s understandable that the group’s common influence may be The Beatles. Yet, each one has his own playlists and tastes. For instance, Dino’s personal musical influences are carried between folk singers James Taylor and Noel Cabangon. “I also love Marvin Gaye’s groove and music,” Dino attests.

At present, Louie loves listening to soul, blues and a bit of funky music. “Vulfpeck, James Brown and Charles Bradley to name a few artists in my playlist,” he offers. While Lakan prefers to listen to Teenage Fanclub, Bjork, Birds and yes, The Beatles.

The Bloomfields recently signed up with Curve Entertainment and is now preparing for its new album of all-original songs. “There’s no real, specific form to it,” Dino says of the forthcoming album. “There are, for sure, flavors of The Beatles and such, but for the most part, we just let the music flow organically.”

Though the album will be a mix of their individual influences, Louie insists they want to keep it “The Bloomfieldisque.” That means, “Vocal harmonies, rock n’ roll, guitars and a bit of psychedelia.”

Music aside, the boys are also very accomplished. They are all educated, intelligent and eloquent young men.

Rocky is fondly called “Doctor of the Drums” because of his unparalleled talent in playing the drums. Sometimes, he is even hailed as the “Gene Krupa of the Philippines.” The latter was an American jazz and big band drummer known for his flamboyant style.

Lakan comes from a family of musicians. That explains his proficiency in a number of musical instruments he attempts to play. He soars with his amazing leads during instrumentals, often playing the keyboards with his guitar firmly strapped to his chest.

Louie is the master of showmanship. He is often seen jumping off stages, standing on tables and doing all sorts of maneuvers. He is also the go-to guy for blaring numbers. He has raspy, high-pitched voice, ideal for rock n’ roll.

Dino is the youngest member of the group. Also the resident balladeer, he has a strong but soothing voice that is always a hit with the female crowd. His acoustic roots have also allowed him to bring diversity to the band’s repertoire.