Event Date: Sept 10, 2011; 7:30-9:30pm
Event Venue: 2F Corte de las Palmas
Alabang Town Center
Visit Freestyle Fanpage
About:
Members
JINKY VIDAL - VOCALS
JOSHUA DESIDERIO - VOCALS, KEYBOARDS
MIKE LUIS – VOCALS, KEYBOARDS
TAT SUZARA - LEAD GUITARS
ROMMEL DELA CRUZ- BASS
GERALD BANZON- DRUMS
Biography
When Freestyle hit the Manila bar scene in 1998, it was a case of young musicians being at the right place at the right time, with the right sound. Those five guys and a girl had then what Manila was looking for- a new band with vast appeal and the knack for filling venues with their blend of pop, R&B and original hits. After seven years of doing what they do best, Freestyle has grown into an OPM heavyweight with four studio-recorded albums (two of which made platinum), a string of local and international concerts, and industry accolades under their belts, thus making them one of the country’s best-loved and most sought-after group.
Ushering a new era for Freestyle are the fresh voices of Mike Luis (former Brand New Funk, Next Level), and Joshua Desiderio (former Kindred Garden, Art & Soul), themselves seasoned musicians. Also, since the migration of one of the founding members, Carlo Tapia, Freestyle is proud to welcome Rommel de la Cruz on bass, formerly of Barbie’s Cradle. Continuing members are Gerald Banzon (drums), Tat Suzara (guitar), and Jinky Vidal (vocals).
Six seems to be a good number for the group who, after only a few rehearsals have blended together seamlessly. The addition of Mike and Joshua (who each play synths on stage) has revitalized Freestyle’s sound to a level of funk and soul that builds upon Jinky’s solid vocals and the band’s tight playing. The result is a powerhouse of rich harmonies and robust music, flavoring their cool mix of old and new school R&B, Hip Hop, funk, neo soul and ballads.
Freestyle is positive of the path they are taking. A new vibe was introduced by the new members. From watching their gigs, it’s clear that Freestyle is happy to be where they are now, and is very much here to stay.
After a long search for replacements, subs and new members the band finally set out to promote their 9th album last June 2006--Freestyle Live! @ 19 East. The album, a live recording of their performance in 19 East, Sucat is a compilation of the bands favorite love songs. Included in the CD are One Hello, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Ebony and Ivory and crowd favorite Half Crazy. The songs showcased the talents of new vocalists Mike Luis and Joshua Desiderio as well as ex Barbie's Cradle bassist Rommel de la Cruz. The Live album features a sound which is distinctively their own without compromising the styles of each individual member. The band has discovered a new sound which was the result of their chemistry and growth as musicians.
