Dear Sun Spots: How can I find out about the band called The Malibus? They played at the Country Way Restaurant in Norway. – E.C., Turner.

Answer: Sun Spots tried the restaurant’s phone number, but unfortunately it has been disconnected. According to the Sun Journal’s Norway office, the owner or former owner of the restaurant, has been burned out of his home and a new phone number is not currently available.

Sun Spots has learned that Malo (formerly Malibus) is one of the most successful and enduring Latin rock bands in the world. In 2003, the members celebrated their 31st anniversary. Their biggest hit, “Suavecito” reached number 18 on the Billboard charts in April 1972. They’ve played all over the world and have performed on the bill with the Rolling Stones and Queen. Malo has at least 10 albums and continues to tour. In 1997, along with Tierra and El Chicano, they recorded a live album called “Latin Legends Live.” The three bands have toured extensively since as “Latin Legends.”

The story of Malo begins with lead singer Arcelio Garcia. Arcelio was born in Puerto Rico and moved to San Francisco with his family when he was 3. When he was a teenager, some friends had a singing group and asked him to sing with them because their baritone had gone into the Army. Garcia didn’t know if he could sing, but found that he liked it and started to learn from his more experienced friends. One day a car drove by while he was singing on the sidewalk with his group. The driver asked if he would join the Malibus, a band named after the sporty Chevrolet. They went became popular band in the Bay area in the mid-60s. At first they played mainly R&B, but later started to add Latin music. They also brought in a guitarist named Jorge Santana, brother of the already famous Carlos Santana.

In 1970, the Malibus changed their name to Malo. By 1971, they were recorded their first album, which was simply entitled “Malo.” Garcia co-wrote four of the six songs, including their classics “Nena” and “Cafe.”

In 1972, they released their second album, “Dos,” followed by “Evolution” in 1973. In 1974, Garcia was incorrectly diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. It was yellow jaundice, but he was unable to sing for a year. This was the period when Little Willie G., became their lead singer for Malo. Willie did one album, “Ascención,” and toured with the band.

Back in good health, Garcia, who owns the Malo name and logo, moved to New York and started a new Malo. This resulted in the release of “Malo V” in 1981. Garcia returned to the West Coast, where he’s been based since. In 1986, Malo released an album called “Coast To Coast.” “Señorita” was released in 1995. In 1997, two live albums were issued, “Malo Rocks the Rockies” and “Latin Legends Live,” featuring Malo, Tierra and El Chicano.

Malo’s current lineup includes: Arcelio Garcia, lead vocals; Julian Molina, bass; David George, drums; Gabriel Manzo, lead guitar; Jay Rossette, second lead guitar; Daniel Cervantes, keyboards; Frank Bailey, lead trumpet; Pete Rodriguez, trumpet; Steve Rocha, trombone; Gibby Ross, timbales; and Tony Menjivar, congas. Another addition is Arcelio’s son, Octaviano, an excellent singer.

Malo’s music ranges from romantic ballads to high energy Latin grooves.

Malo has some reissue collections available, “The Best of Malo” in 1991 and a boxed set called “Celebración!,” which includes Malo’s first four albums. Also, Malo’s 1995 CD on GNP Crescendo Records, “Señorita,” is still available on the net at: www.gnpcrescendo.com for $12.98.

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