Central Figures was originally formed in 1982 around the emerging songwriting of singer/guitarist Jim McGinty. For four years and through many changes in the line up, Jim McGinty and steadfast drummer Rusty Crowe played for small but enthusiastic crowds throughout the Philadelphia area. When the band split again during the summer of 1986, Rusty Crowe left to pursue other musical directions, including brief stints with local roots rockers The Stand, and the pop metal band Aria. Jim McGinty attempted to continue with Central Figures, recording a four song demo EP in 1987. After spending the next year writing, he put together a short lived version of the band which never made it past the rehearsal stage. Then in 1990, he quit altogether to study classical voice and sing with an amateur opera company. As he put it, "I was extremely bored and disenchanted by the local music scene and when the opportunity came to do something different, I took it". Jim McGinty's interest in songwriting never diminished and after meeting up with some old music business friends, a new interest in pop music took hold of him. Jim McGinty began to consider making a serious attempt as a solo artist, but the need to form a band remained. That is when he met bassist Chris Coward at an open mic night at a club. Chris Coward was impressed with what she heard and expressed an interest in forming a band. Jim McGinty in need of a drummer to audition Chris Coward, asked old friend Rusty Crowe to sit in. The audition was a huge success and the newly developed trio formed into a dynamic band rapidly. Jim McGinty who was reluctant to take the spotlight, wanted to take on a band identity. In December 1994, a newly minted band, Central Figures, took to the stage. In November of 1995 the band released their first album True To Life, and began to play regularly promoting the album in the Philadelphia area. They also received airplay locally on WXPN and WDRE and at a number of college stations on the east coast. However, this success was stunted by the unexpected departure of drummer Rusty Crowe in early 1996. Central Figures continued to play as an acoustic duo while Jim McGinty and Chris Coward searched for a suitable replacement for Rusty Crowe. In 1997 they were recording new material with producer Tim Bomba (Rusted Root, The Clarks) for possible release. ~ Larry Belanger, All Music Guide