Formed U.S.A.
Albums:
1985
Tangier
1989
Four Winds
1991
Stranded
History:
Tangier were an unsuccessful band who released three albums with different
line-ups and different musical styles. The debut was straight-up AOR, but their sound gradually evolved
until they became a fairly impressive bluesy rock band, sounding a lot like Tyketto at
times.
Tangier formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in the clubs with bands
such as Cinderella, who would later help the group out by having Tangier open for them on occasion.
The first album comprised of Bill Mattson (vocals), Doug Gordon (guitar), Rocco Mazzella
(guitar), Mike Kost (bass) and Mark Hopkins (drums) and is relatively hard to find these days.
It wouldn't be until the follow-up, released some four years later with Gari Saint (guitar),
Garry Nutt (bass) and Bobby Bender (drums), that the band finally received some recognition and
a major label deal.
However Four Winds failed to match the success of their Philly cohorts, and Tangier was forced to
go back to the drawing board once again.
Separating with both Mattson and Saint, the band brought in vocalist/guitarist
Mike LeCompt in an attempt to start fresh. LeCompt's gruff soulful
vocals brought a heavier edge to the band, but by this time few people noticed. The band separated shortly after,
unable to reach the heights of their hometown peers. LeCompt currently
fronts his own band called LeCompt that has at one time included Britny
Fox drummer Johnny Dee. Nutt resurfaced in a similar band called
Laidlaw.
Links:
The Official LeCompt Page
The Official Laidlaw Page
Buy Tangier CDs:
Purchase at Amazon.com
Purchase at eBay.com