Formed in 1974, NYC’s Marbles were brothers Howard (guitar) and David Bowler (drums) with Eric Li (keyboards) – who Dave met while a freshman at Columbia University – and Jim Clifford (bass).
All four members wrote and sang (their harmonies were sublime), and electric pianist Li brought something very mid-60s, even psychedelic, to their power pop sound. Their matching post-Beatles page-boy haircuts predated the Flamin’ Groovies.
The group released two singles – Red Lights (1976) and Forgive and Forget (1977) – and were regulars at CBGBs, headlining with bands such as Blondie, The Ramones, The B-52’s and Talking Heads.
Their career was curtailed after a falling-out with their manager (writer Alan Betrock), and after the band dissed The Cramps and slagged off Max’s in an interview, pissing off CBGB owner Hilly Kristal. It was all over by 1978.
Bassist Jim Clifford became a teacher in Minneapolis, and the rest of the band formed a production company called Atomic Records, writing and producing songs for other artists.
Keyboardist Eric Li died from a drug overdose in 1989.
A belated self-titled album was finally released in 2006, featuring singles, demos, and live material, showcasing the breadth of their talent.
Howard Bowler
Guitar, vocals Jim Clifford
Bass, vocals Eric Li
Keyboards, vocals David Bowler
Drums, vocals
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