Tangier (band)

Tangier was a popular Philadelphia-based American rock band active in the late 1980s and early 90s.

Biography

Tangier formed in Philadelphia by songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon 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 their second major tour. The first, independent self-titled debut album, comprising Bill Mattson (vocals), Doug Gordon (guitar, songwriter), Rocco Mazzella (guitar, songwriter), Mike Kost (bass) and Mark Hopkins (drums). After minor local success, Doug decided to disband Tangier, take time off and start fresh. Doug wrote material and put together a new version of Tangier, utilizing only Mattson from the previous lineup. Douglas Gordon's competence as a rock lead guitarist was "PRO-FILED" by Guitar World in its October 89 issue, p. 118: "..... And on "Sweet Surrender," the album's tour de force. Gordon, after a growling 1-3-5 bass-note riff, launches into a dizzying, double tracked barn burner that suggests a summit meeting between Winter and Danny Gatton. This man can blaze." Garry Nutt was brought on board, as well as Gari Saint on guitar and Jimmy Drnec on drums. The new, unnamed band recorded demos and sought management and hooked up with Larry Mazer. The band showcased for many labels and was finally signed by Derek Schulman, who was to head up the newly reborn and revamped ATCO label. Veteran producer Andy Johns was selected for "Four Winds." Bobby Bender was secured for the drums prior to recording "Four Winds." The name Tangier was again used out of convenience and familiarity. It produced the hit singles "On The Line" and "Southbound Train".

For their 2nd major label album Stranded there were some line-up changes again. Separating with both Mattson and Saint, the band brought in vocalist–guitarist Mike LeCompt. LeCompt's gruff soulful vocals brought a heavier edge to the band. This album produced the hit single "Stranded", featuring Pamela Anderson in its music video.

Doug Gordon, Mike Lecompt and Garry Nutt are the only former members still active in the music business. LeCompt has his own band that performs regularly in the greater Philadelphia area. Bassist Nutt has been involved with Arcade, Laidlaw, Davy Jones, Mike Tramp, Cinderella, Jean Beauvoir, Skinny Molly, Dave Hlubek, Mike Estes,and is currently touring with Chubby Checker. Doug Gordon went on to co-produce, play sessions and write with other artists. He played guitar on Myles Goodwin's (April Wine) solo album, co-produced a "I Just Can't stop Lovin You" on Linear's 1992 album "Caught in the Middle", produced the MOJO's album "Not for Nothin", Co-Produced "Bakers Pink" album (1993), and co-wrote "Babylon" on Tom Keifer's solo album "That The Way Life Goes" (2013).

Former members

• Bill Mattson - lead vocals (1985-1990)
• `Michael "Mike" LeCompt - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1991-1992)
• Doug Gordon - guitar, backing vocals (1985-1992)
• Garry Nutt - bass guitar, backing vocal (1986-1992)
• Gari Saint - guitar, backing vocals (1986-1990)
• Rocco Mazzella - guitar, backing vocals (1985-1986)
• Mike Kost - bass guitar, backing vocals (1985-1986)
• Bobby Bender- drums (1989-1992)
• Jim Drnec - drums (1986-1988)
• Mark Hopkins - drums (1985-1986)

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

• "On The Line" - 1989 #67 US Hot 100
• "Southbound Train" - 1989
• "Stranded" - 1991

External links