Bloom

Nov. 16, 2005

Detroit band Bloom - founded in 2001 and originally dubbed The Klaver Project - are in the process of making their third album - or is it their second? Their first album, the 15-track Love Revolves, was released in 2003 and almost sold out, so the boys of Bloom were quick to get back in the studio - but they then allowed themselves a luxury that usually only bands financially backed by a major label can afford. They scrapped the entire second album that they’d already recorded because they weren’t satisfied with it.
“We did make a second album, but we never released it,” Bloom’s Tano Pillot explains, “I think that musicians need to be honest with themselves when they put out an album. I mean, is it really good?”
Well, fans of Bloom’s live shows think they’re pretty good - described most often as a seriously fun band, Bloom - who were put together from the Detroit jazz scene, various jam bands, and a few Wayne State University students - are most often compared to the likes of the Black Crowes or Ben Harper. Between members Reggie Smith (vocals), Bob Degeorge (bass), Nick Klaver (guitars), Mike Kora (drums), and Pillot on guitar (all of whom collaborate to write Bloom’s songs), they play the range of rock from jazz-rock to funk-rock to metal to make a peppy mix that fans appreciate - which is probably why they’re making sure that, this time around, their new CD lives up to their high-energy live performances.
“We’re working on our new album, which will be between 12 and 15 songs, but in the meantime, we do have a three-song sampler of the new album that can be picked up at our shows and on our website,” Pillot confirms. The most loyal fans might even get a Bloom surprise, if they’re lucky - Pillot also explains that they’ve got a live CD, too, that you can only get a chance to snag if you’re seen being particularly enthusiastic at a Bloom show.

MOST FUN UP NORTH
Speaking of those shows, Bloom has pretty much conquered the Midwest already, getting radio airplay on WDET (Detroit Public Radio), WXOU, 89X, and WYCE in Grand Rapids. They’ve been playing live consistently in Michigan and Ohio, and have also hit Chicago, where they’ve received a great reception for their shows. They enjoy sharing the stage with other bands, too - they recently spent some time opening up for the band Emerson Drive, who just got off tour with Shania Twain, and they’ve shared stages with fellow rockers Bump. But even though they’ve obviously been keeping busy, Northern Michigan still remains a favorite touring destination.
“We really do have the best crowds and the most fun up north,” Pillot enthuses, “everyone is always so nice to us, and being on the road is an absolute blast.”
The band actually has a place of their own over on the east side of the state, and they use it as something of a base camp when they do extended touring in Northern Michigan. “Everyone always has a good time at the Northern Michigan shows,” Pillot smiles.

Catch Bloom at City Park Grill, Lake Street, Petoskey, on Friday and Saturday Nov. 18th and 19th, and visit them online at www.bloommusic.com