Take 2 Band

by Kari Kramer

“What is unique in this band is that we have absolutely nothing to prove or anyone to please but ourselves – for the love of the music. We aren’t trying to ‘make it,’ but we all take it very seriously ..."

Long before Greg Murphy, 55, of Tyler, started the Take 2 Band, he was playing steel guitar at the age of 9. A few years later, after his brother played a Led Zeppelin album for him, he switched to a six-string electric guitar.

A lot of time passed after that, but Murphy stuck with music and in 2002, decided to form a band with a friend. The Take 2 Band was born, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“The band has changed greatly from its original lineup,” he said. “Our goal starting out was to have a little fun and play a few clubs or parties. It was never to make money or to become songwriters.”

Today, the band consists of Murphy (guitar and vocals); Paul “Turk” Henry (lead vocals); Jack Harris (keyboard); Tom McGowan (drums and vocals); Phil Rumbley (bass and vocals) and Tony Marsh (lead guitar).

Take 2 Band members (from left to right): Paul “Turk” Henry, lead vocals; Jack Harris, keyboards; Tom McGowan, drums and vocals; Greg Murphy, guitars and vocals; Phil Rumbley, bass and vocals and Tony Marsh, lead guitar. —Photo by Peggy Parker

The band performs a few times a month at private parties, corporate events, weddings and other gatherings. Take 2 plays covers, which draws a wide audience.

“We cover the hits primarily from the 60s through the 90s and some 2000s, but mainly what you would term ‘classic rock,” said Murphy. “We appeal to all ages who love rock classics. It’s obvious that folks our age will remember those timeless tunes, but their children in their 20s and 30s are also enjoying them. I think people enjoy this music because I firmly believe these tunes are the best ever written – The Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin and Eagles are on everyone’s list.”

Murphy said the band’s taste is a product of their age and upbringing, but they have slowly added more songs to their lineup to appeal to a wider audience.

“I can speak for the entire band and say that our inspiration for what we play came from what we grew up on,” he said. “Most of us are in our 50s except for the drummer and the lead guitar player who are in their 40s. Therefore, we have a great mix of 60s, 70s and 80s tunes. We threw in those later tunes because we have played a lot of weddings for people in their 20s.”

Like Murphy, most of the band members started playing at a young age and have played in other bands prior to joining Take 2. Though two of the band members are professional musicians, Murphy said Take 2 is a hobby for the most part.

“What is unique in this band is that we have absolutely nothing to prove or anyone to please but ourselves – for the love of the music,” explained Murphy. “We aren’t trying to ‘make it,’ but we all take it very seriously. We rehearse every week for three hours, and that also serves as time to build friendships and catch up on things.”

Take 2 hasn’t been hitting the club scene with their music in a while. Instead, they are devoting themselves to private events and have had success in the past at popular venues including a sold-out show at Liberty Hall in Tyler. Murphy said he would enjoy the opportunity for the band to perform with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra in the future. In the meantime, the band is still booking shows. Take 2 will play a public concert Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. at the East Texas State Fair in Tyler.

Despite the changes the band has experienced since 2002, Murphy said Take 2 has evolved and continues to grow and get better.

“The band lineup has changed – everyone but myself from the original band. However, every time we made a change, the band got better. Some guys moved on and some just quit, but there was always someone else out there,” said Murphy. “I’m blessed to be able to play with these fine musicians.”

More information about the Take 2 Band is available on their website or on their Facebook page.