The Hal McIntyre Orchestra, directed by Don Pentleton

The Hal McIntyre Orchestra, directed by Don Pendleton, played the fantastic swing that was nurtured and inspired by Glenn Miller at TCAN, The Center for the Arts in Natick, on September 8th.  It was much appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.

Now directed by Don Pendleton, it is still one of the hottest big bands today.  McIntyre was a founding member and played alto sax in The Glenn Miller orchestra for years; Miller thought it was time for him to strike out on his own. With Glenn’s blessing and financial help, Hal formed his own band in 1942.

Hal unfortunately passed away in 1958 in a house fire; Hal McIntyre Jr. (who went to Berklee College of Music) took over.  He kept the band going until he also passed away.

Don Pentleton

Don Pendleton was asked by the McIntyre estate to continue the tradition.  Don is a veteran Big Band drummer who performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.  He also played with the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Skitch Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald and comedians Phyllis Diller, Pat Cooper, Frankie Fontaine, and Georgie Jessel.

After 17 years, Don finally decided to give up the drums and step up in the front of the band.  He’s a skilled, high-energy conductor.

This performance at The Natick Center for the Arts in Natick was their finale of a successful season that started in May at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham.

They began with a rousing instrumental, Stomping At The Savoy.  This music swings with energy and vitality!

Tom Ferrante, alto sax

The word is, if you don’t have arrangements, play solos.  This band still has the original yellowed, dog-eared, 1940’s McIntyre arrangements, but still features virtuosic soloists.

Tom Ferrante’s rapturous alto sax was featured on  I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me,  That Old Feeling; a tune made famous by Robert Goulet, On a Clear Day.

Highlighted were Arthur Bakopoulas on baritone sax with Love Walked In, Wayne Branco trombone on Should I Care?

Bill Kane

Paul Elman’s sax, backed by fine string bass on When You’re Smiling, was accentuated by Bill Kane’s drums.

The Latin touch is always popular at ballroom dances.  The Band complied with George Benson’s version of the 1941 Masquerade, with Dennis Perriccio’s lead trumpet, Ferrante’s alto sax, and string bass giving them a powerful, rhythmic foundation.

Steve Piermarini smoldering trombone was featured on Yesterdays.  Steve takes over directing  the band for Steve Marvin’s vocals.

Steve Marvin

Steve Marvin sings in that poignant, touching, Sinatra style. He began with I’ve Got The World on a String.  The number one tune Sinatra recorded, Cole Porter – Nelson Riddle’s, I’ve Got You Under My Skin.

From Robin and the Seven Hoods, Chicago,  You’re Marvelous, Sinatra’s My Way.  (Paul Anka heard it and wrote the lyrics.)  Steve is noted for his Tributes to Frank Sinatra

There were many fine instrumentals, Days of Wine and Roses, A Train, What Am I Here For? a barn-burning New York, New York.  The Finale was a the tune that always defines the Glenn Miller sound, In The Mood.

The band will pack it up for the winter, and return next spring with more lasting tunes and the same Jack Daniel-stained 1940’s McIntyre arrangements.

yellow, dog-eared arrangements