When I watch a local band, Eastbourne, play around the Long Branch area this summer, I'm reminded of a group I enjoyed seeing in clubs during the mid/late-1970s, Wowii. Like Eastbourne, Wowii was mostly comprised of young Latinos who created outstanding original music and performed great covers of familiar songs. Wowii had a strong following of fans who appreciated the energy they projected from the stage, just like Eastbourne. Wowii's powerpop/glam-rock sound was different than Eastbourne's reggaeish-based sound, but the vibe to their young fans was similar.
Based in New Rochelle, N.Y. while playing in clubs throughout the New Jersey/New York City area, Wowii was comprised of Rafael Melendez (rhythm guitar, vocals), Heppi Pettit (lead guitar), Mark "Wolfie" Resnick (guitar), Peter "Zepol" Lopez (bass, vocals) and Chino Cabal (drums). Mother's in Wayne and the Towpath in West Paterson were among the many New Jersey clubs they played at regularly during 1977-78.
After signing with a major label, Wowii's first album was never released. The band splintered by the early 1980s and, except for reunion shows in the Miami area many years later, they never got back together. A Facebook page about them, Wowii Eightiesband, exists.
Thanks to YouTube, some of Wowii's wonderful original music is still accessible, as are some photos of the band from their '70s' heydays. In fact, old fans of Wowii can even enjoy a short documentary about the band: http://youtu.be/Ln7oVj7duzc
Three Wowii singles available on YouTube are:
-- I'm So Bad: http://youtu.be/SSz1FY30iMY
-- Hoods: http://youtu.be/0JXlUGdP1fI
-- Rock 'n' Roll Singer: http://youtu.be/rmAqg90aWvM
A live version of another of the band's original songs, Dream Angel & Juranda, recorded at Trax in New York City, can also be enjoyed at http://youtu.be/DcO5aWTho1Q.
And, thank you, Eastbourne, for unknowingly rekindling memories of Wowii. Here's hoping you have much success with your first album and many more years of making great music!
(Wowii photo from limestonelounge.yuku.com)
