In Rotation: The Mixtures' 'Stompin' at the Rainbow'

With apologies to the Who, who coined the term, the music that the Mixtures made in the Southland in the early 1960s can best be described as “maximum r&b.” The hard-driving sound is captured on “Stompin’ at the Rainbow: The Complete Mixtures,” a release of the Oxnard six-piece’s collected work between 1962 and 1964, as well as a live recording from the Rainbow Gardens, a Pomona club that brought famed acts such as Perez Prado, Roy Orbison, and Frankie Avalon. The Mixtures were the backing band at the Rainbow, and honed their skills playing every Friday night.

As a musical document, “Stompin’ at the Rainbow” isn’t revolutionary; the Mixtures were no better or worse than any number of bands playing early '60s R&B at the time. But as a document of a unique cultural collision, it’s fascinating. The “mixture” of their name was literal. While the American south was embroiled in civil rights struggles, the Mixtures, comprised of Hispanic, black, white and Native American members, were performing for a remarkably integrated audience. “We had Hispanics, we had blacks, we had Asians, we had everything. Rainbow Gardens fit perfectly,” says Mixtures saxophonist Delbert Franklin in the liner notes. Also included are the band’s dozen studio tracks, which are grittier, deeper, and more menacing than the live recording. 

--Randall Roberts

The Mixtures
“Stompin’ at the Rainbow”
Minky Records

Comments

[Chick Carlton]

I remember those Friday nights at the Rainbow Gardens, and working with the Mixtures live and in the studio. They were the first mixed band that everyone admired from Watts to East LA. I should know; they backed me up on their live recording where I sang Little Richard tunes live and was scared to death - because it just happened, Eddie Davis asked me to sing on their show and they backed me up perfect. I will never forget that night..Chick Carlton of the Majestics.

[Johnny L. Wells]

Chick Carlton ..
I remember you very well . Just like it was yesterday in the studio and on the stage ,At the Rainbow Gardens .Hope you are doing well and ,also Health wise .Man that was almost 50 years ago !!
Iám doing well ,still working and living in Europe now ,for almost 30 years now . Live and working in Amsterdam ( Holland ) . Also nice to see your remarks ..
Johnny L. Wells ..

P/S Think the Guys would like to here from you ...

[Eddie De Robles]

Hey guys,I was the drummer.Remember driving from Oxnard to the Rainbow Gardens EVERY Friday night.It was so cool man.Even one time that I blew the engine out on my 1950 chevy.I am still doing good also!!!