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In 1966, the world's most loved band played its final concert.
The Beatles then went on to record five more lauded albums that were -- with the exception of "Let It Be" -- full of songs that fans would never hear the band perform in concert.
Peter Mayo, owner of Tulsa's Brady Theater, may not be Lennon or McCartney. But his Brady Orchestra might be the next best thing for fans who want to hear The Beatles' songs live.
This week, Mayo's 18-piece Brady Orchestra is performing two of these later Beatles albums -- "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Abbey Road" -- in their entirety at two concerts in Tulsa, in addition to two songs from "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" and a few Chicago songs.
On Friday, the orchestra will participate in a free concert at the London Square Shopping Center
Donations are being accepted for the Tulsa Autism Foundation.
The band also is playing at a private party on Saturday.
Since its formation six years ago as a house band for the Brady Theater's annual Halloween party, the group has committed itself to faithfully recreating the Beatles' recordings note-for-note.
"We don't try to look like them, but we do try to recreate them musically, and recreate the Beatles' aura," the Brady Orchestra's lead singer Max Wisley said.
This is rarely easy.
For example, the group has struggled to find a way to make the "snake charmer flute" sound in "Baby You're a Rich Man" or to tackle the four-part harmonies in "Because," Mayo said in a recent phone interview.
But it's this attention to detail that sets the Brady Orchestra apart from many Beatles tribute acts.
Dissecting the Beatles' music and creating arrangements for an 18-piece band is a challenge, but Mayo's handpicked group of talented musical minds makes it look easy.
"Most of the musicians have an ear for it. It's in our DNA," Wisley said.
The orchestra contains some of Tulsa's most skilled musicians, including four music teachers.
The orchestra recently added a "world class" three-piece horn section and a "philharmonic quality" string quartet, which allow the group to play songs such as "I Am the Walrus" and "Eleanor Rigby," Mayo said.
The orchestra also requires three audio engineers and 10 stagehands.
"We have some great talent," Mayo said.
But Mayo -- who organized the group and plays keyboard -- is still the mastermind.
"Pete deserves all the credit," said Wisley.
"He's a patron of the arts. He collects and supports this group of local musicians."
"My job is like herding cats sometimes. I have to organize all of these varied musicians," Mayo said.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?articleID=070810_8_ES3_hBrad53676 - Tulsa World
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