Take 2 and San Angelo's History of Producing Great Music

A Brief History of Texas Gold, The Swigs, and Clearwater

Texas Gold:  Back in the 1970s, when some of its members were still in junior high, up until the early 1990s, San Angelo was home to one of the most influential Country Music bands called Texas Gold. Notable band members included musicians such as Steve Mandile, 1999 SESAC songwriter of the year; Jay Weatherby, a local attorney at the time; Kelly Wilson, OBGYN at Shannon Hospital; 12-year-old Ronna Reeves; Chris Mickelson, emergency room physician in Alaska; and Wade Spradley, local upholsterer and member of the band The Strays. Also, Daryl Cates, a local band member of The Swigs, would sometimes fill in for Mickelson when needed.  Essentially, Mandile joined up with Reeves, who lived in Big Spring, and performed with a group there. Weatherby soon came on board, and when Reeves moved to San Angelo, the three began forming what would later become Texas Gold. All of these musicians would go on to accomplish amazing things inside and outside of the music world.

Mandile said of his days with Texas Gold, "The very infant stages of any band, that's where we were - just kids trying to have fun playing music, and if we got a chance to work somewhere that was great." 

With many singles and a Songwriter of the Year award to his credit, the Nashville legend said if it were not for his days with Texas Gold any future good fortune, or even fame he's enjoying today, probably would not be possible.

Mandile, the songwriter behind Tim McGraw's chart-topping track "For A Little While," reflected on his time with Texas Gold, emphasizing its profound impact. "It was everything, it was the complete package," he remarked. Mandile credits his experiences with Texas Gold, particularly in understanding the dynamics of being part of such a band, for shaping his approach both in the music industry and business. These formative experiences continue to influence his current mindset, illustrating the lasting imprint of his tenure with Texas Gold on his professional journey.

The Swigs and Clearwater were also popular country music bands during the 1980s and '90s that opened up one of the concerts for famous musician Neal McCoy, where they performed for the entire Angelo State University student body. Notable band members of The Swigs included Chunky Nelms, CCMA nominated artist; Daryl Cates; and Billy Scott, an Angelo State University graduate. Robert Harris was a member of the band named Clearwater during that time and would occasionally hang out and play with the other local legends from Texas Gold, The Swigs, and other talented musicians from San Angelo.

How Take 2 is Born

Former members of Texas Gold, The Swigs, and Clearwater joined together to create some exceptional Music! Take 2 was unofficially formed in 2019 when a few of the guys decided to start participating in regular weekly jam sessions to relieve stress and spend time hanging out. The five friends share a passion for music and genuinely enjoy the process of creating and playing music together. Lead singer Nelms explained that Take 2 doesn't technically fall into one specific genre.

He said, "We love to write our own stuff and create original songs together but we also love covering popular songs and trying to reproduce versions of songs that are as close as possible to the originals."

The most remarkable thing about Take 2 is their ability to perform a wide variety of music genres from Country Western to Alternative Rock, to pop. Each band member is truly masterful at their craft and outwardly passionate about playing music together.

The band members share an intrinsic, motivating factor that pushed them to make the music a priority. Each band member was asked the question, "Why is this so important to you? Why is it so important for you to meet up every single week on the same day, at the same time, and devote a few hours to rehearsing?"

Each band member provided the same answer.

"I do it because I love playing and singing with my friends and am truly fulfilled when I get to do that."

Take 2 drummer Daryl Cates expanded on the question like this, "It's hard to explain to someone if they're not a musician. It's like, when you get to play and sing and perform and create music, especially with other talented musicians who are your best friends, you feel like your soul is complete or whole. When you don't get to do that it's like there is a piece of your soul missing, a hole or a void."

Take 2 modernized, adopting technology to rehearse and perform together as a band. Weatherby mentioned that former Texas Gold member Steve Mandile encouraged them to go fully digital. Mandile was referring to a new style of live music performance that incorporates studio headphones and sound mixing that virtually eliminates any stage sound or feedback the audience typically hears when a band performs live. Each musician in the band has their very own studio-quality sound mixer that are connected with auxiliary chords and headphones.

This allows each band member to hear everyone else playing but it also allows them to customize their own sound by adjusting certain components. In other words, each band member can increase the feedback of their own instrument and voice which enables them to play more accurately and to find and stay on pitch more easily. While connected to their own sound mixer, they are also connected to a central sound mixer that acts as the brain or the computer mainframe.

This technology allows the band to create and deliver a studio-quality sound and experience for the audience. The audience can see the band playing and performing as usual but the sound is mixed by their sound guy and projected through a sound system to the crowd. This unique style of incorporating technology and making everything digital is new to most people.

Judge Weatherby said, "Yep, we are all digital now, us old guys, can you imagine? I'm pretty sure we are the only musicians that are doing this in town. Even the young guys aren't playing like this yet." 

Upcoming Performances

Take 2 books regular performances both locally and regionally and is scheduled to perform this weekend at the Junior League on Saturday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. The Junior League is shooting for a “70’s/80’s Retro Vibe. According to a Facebook post The Junior League announced, "This is what we do. From the 70s through today. A little something for everybody! Come out and eat, drink, play casino games, bid on the auction, dance a bit, or just sit and sing along."

The Junior League encouraged residents to come dance to live music by Take 2, play fun casino games, and raise their paddles for the live auction! They will be offering amazing silent auction items and casino prizes too! Funds raised through Western Dance will support a variety of programs hosted throughout the year.

Event Details:

Host:

• Junior League of San Angelo

Location:

• 630 S Oakes St, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA, TX

Date & Time: 

• January 27, 2024, 06:00 pm CST - 11:00 pm CST

Cost:

• General Admission Tickets: $75 

•  VIP table that seats 8 for $1,200

San Angelo has an eclectic array of talented musicians and artists of all kinds who contribute beautiful and masterful music to the community, which has spawned a culturally rich environment in this west Texas Oasis.

Judge Weatherby believes that, “San Angelo has one of the largest reservoirs of undiscovered artistic talent that often goes unnoticed and uncelebrated. Our city is home to more talented musicians and artists than any other city of equal size. Most outsiders usually think that we are all just a bunch of uneducated, uncultured, close-minded, racist rednecks out here in West Texas."

Wetherby feels that contrary to popular belief, the majority of San Angolans are receptive to diverse music, art, and culture stating that most locals are often open-minded and willing to explore various various music genres and appreciate unfamiliar concepts and ideas.

Take 2 is currently playing regular gigs both locally and regionally and has built quite a reputation and following. People recognize talent when they see it and they certainly recognize good music when they hear it. The level of talent, skill, and experience among all five band members along with a shared passion and love for making music together has resulted in consistent lucrative performances. Many West Texans are drawn to the old classic country music roots and attracted to the new studio-like experience of the band.