The Romancers

In the early and mid-'60s, this group was among the originators of the East Los Angeles Sound, a gritty sort of blue-eyed soul that took root in the Latin-American community in particular. The Romancers' instrumental albums for the Del-Fi label were generic, if solid, sax-driven R&B/rock hybrids, probably good for a high old time at dancehalls, but not that interesting on record. (They did make some vocal recordings for other labels.) Their significance is more historical than musical, as other bands from their neighborhood would take Latino rock to more accomplished heights, particularly Thee Midniters. The Romancers did make their mark known in other ways: they played on the Premiers' hit "Farmer John" and backed the Heartbreakers on an obscure pre-Mothers of Invention single written by Frank Zappa ("Everytime I See You"). Rhythm guitarist Max Uballez also co-produced and arranged Cannibal & the Headhunters' hit "Land of a Thousand Dances." ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide