The Movin' Morfomen
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Headquarters | Espanola , United States |
| Products | Garage rock, psychedelic music recordings |
The Movin' Morfomen—occasionally listed simply as the Morfomen—were a 1960s American band from Espanola known for their contributions to garage rock and psychedelic music. They achieved considerable popularity within New Mexico, scoring multiple hits at local and regional levels. Their complete recordings were later compiled in the 1997 anthology titled Flashbacks!.
History
Originating in 1965 among high school peers in Espanola, the group comprised Dave Rarick (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rudy Maestas (vocals, guitar), Anthony Martinez (bass), Danny Gavurnick (vocals, guitar, trumpet), and Ed Valdez (drums). The majority of their original material was penned by Rarick. Drawing inspiration from the Beatles and American acts such as the Standells, their musical style varied from raw and unrefined to melodious arrangements featuring intricate three-part vocal harmonies. The band's name was inspired by a roadie nicknamed "Morfo," who was known for mimicking monster characters; this name was adopted quickly to meet a gig requirement.
Their recording debut came with the single "Run Girl Run" backed with "When You Were Mine," released on Delta Records in February 1967. This was followed by "Don't Go Baby" paired with "Only the Young" on Lance Records later that year. These tracks received substantial radio rotation throughout New Mexico, establishing the band as a significant regional act. After 1967, they began integrating psychedelic elements into their music but reduced live performances as members explored other pursuits. Nevertheless, they continued studio work and occasional shows. In 1968, they issued "We Tried, Try It" on Nel-Ric Records—a song referencing the contentious "Try It," originally by Ohio Express and also covered by the Standells. By mid-1969, the ensemble was largely inactive but managed to record a final single, "Write Me a Letter" with "When Wise Men Cry," at Norman Petty Studios in January 1970; this release appeared in March of that year. The group officially disbanded before the close of 1970.
During the 1990s, former members Rarick, Gavurnik, and Valdez reunited under the name Flashbacks to perform in New Mexico. The Movin' Morfomen's full catalog was eventually brought together in the Flashbacks! compilation released in 1997, which underscored their musical range beyond their garage and psychedelic beginnings.
Membership
- Dave Rarick (vocals, guitar, keyboards)
- Rudy Maestas (vocals, guitar)
- Anthony Martinez (bass)
- Danny Gavurnick (vocals, guitar, trumpet)
- Ed Valdez (drums)
Discography
- "Run Girl Run" b/w "When You Were Mine" (Delta 2242, February 1967)
- "Don't Go Baby" b/w "Only the Young" (Lance 107, May 1967)
- "We Tried, Try It" b/w "Distant Drums" (Nel-Ric 301, 1968)
- "Write Me a Letter" b/w "When Wise Men Cry" (Tewa 1001, March 1970)