Face to Face

Face to Face, formed in Manchester, NH, was a Boston-based New Wave act that recorded three albums for national labels before it disbanded in 1988. The band melded high-octane vocals with savvy arrangements and steely guitar work. The group actually cracked the top forty in the early 80’s with the tune “10-9-8.” Originally signed to Epic Records, that debut album included fiery rockers like “Over The Edge” and “Out of My Hands” as well as smart mid-tempo tunes such as “Heaven on Earth.” Band members included vocalist Laurie Sargent, guitarist Stu Kimball, guitarist/keyboardist Angelo Petraglia, bassist John Ryder, and drummer Billy Beard. The band also did some soundtrack work and can be seen in the flick Streets of Fire. Its members continue to work in the music scene today, some in the Boston area, where Sargent, in particular, has been a mainstay on the local scene (often working with the Twinemen). Kimball has recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Carly Simon, Debbie Harry and many others. He recorded, produced, and toured for several years with Peter Wolf most recently on the critically-acclaimed 2002 LP Sleepless. Since 2004 he has been a member of Bob Dylan’s constantly touring caravan, recording with Dylan on Modern Times. Two of Face to Face’s three discs are available on Wounded Bird Records.
(by Dean Johnson)

Published on December 28, 2012