by Amy Modesti
Josh Bloomfield was a top blues drummer and vocalist who contributed so much in his 41 years of life. Although short in stature, his large personality and musical talents made a splash in the Capital Region. He had a passion for music; playing in many area bands including “Soul Serenade” and “Soul Sky.” He loved to discuss and dissect music with his friends and never said anything bad about a musician he heard play. Josh enjoyed sports, primarily boxing and fishing. And he loved being around young children, especially spending quality time with his three young nephews whom he loved as his own kids.
Josh was a giver. Whenever anyone needed a helping hand, Josh would happily perform at any local benefit event including charitable events, most notably “The Dustin Mele Memorial Concert,” “Foodstock,” “Buckstock,” and even at his own benefit, “Jam for Josh.”
Josh Bloomfield died on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from stage three Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) and his passing left an everlasting hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and the music community. Two months into his passing, Bloomfield’s “Soul Sky” band members and close friends, Mark Emanatian and Joe Mele, wrote and recorded an original song, ‘I Can’t Believe You’re Gone’ with Tony Perrino’s contribution of strings added to the tribute, ‘I Can’t Believe You’re Gone’ is beautiful but solemn. Hard times may come and go but the memories had and the feelings felt for the love of their friend will always remain in their hearts. The realization that Josh is indeed gone, but never forgotten, is made clear in this emotional piece.
Along with the song, came a video tribute, created, and assisted by Mele’s daughter, Lindsay, Jenn Newman Mele and video production by Jeremy Walz, “Soul Sky” guitarist and vocalist and Bloomfield’s best friend.
Facebook followers can donate money towards the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, a foundation conducting research for the cancer that ultimately ended Bloomfield’s life.
According to Emanatian, 5,000 people in the United States get cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and 5,000 people die from it yearly. It’s a 98%-100% probability the disease is fatal. On Facebook, $1,765 was raised for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and with additional checks that were mailed in, the total donations came to over $2,500.
Once COVID-19 settles down, Emanatian and Mele, with the approval of Bloomfield’s parents, would like to have an event in September at The Hangar on The Hudson in Troy, for a memorial/benefit gathering and have his friends perform some live music. Mele and Emanatian would like to record the tune with remaining “Soul Sky” band mates, Tom Dolan, Jeremy Walz, and Jeff Prescott in the future.