Mixed Company

Mixed Company originated in 1980 following the breakup of the Jersey City, New Jersey, USA-based a cappella outfit the Street-Tones. That earlier unit’s founding lineup consisted of Joseph Santora on first tenor, Jimmy Woods on second tenor, John ‘Bull’ Zielinski handling baritone, and John Romano supplying bass, with frequent performances delivered on nearby street corners. Patty Zielinski, John’s wife, entered the picture in 1979 and prompted the name change to Patty And The Street-Tones. Their opening single offered a cover of ‘Rendezvous With You’, first recorded by the Desires, while the follow-up single presented another Desires track, ‘Let It Please Be You’, initiating a run of four releases on Clifton Records. Those sides later appeared together on a label compilation that also featured recordings by the Ribitones. Jeff Chambers (ex-Bayonne) had already stepped in for Santora, and David Willis had succeeded John Romano. The Street-Tones dissolved in 1981, after which Mixed Company emerged without delay when Charles ‘Cada’ Brooks joined the Zielinskis, Chambers, and Woods on bass. The refreshed, more focused ensemble began booking shows throughout New York and New Jersey, which led to a deal with Stan Krause of Catamount Records. ‘Are You Ready’ surfaced in 1986 and was succeeded by the album Buzzin’ With Mixed Company. The project earned favorable notice for an a cappella effort appearing after its era, above all in England during the group’s tour there.