About Us

The Black Magic Big Band,which made its debut in 1995,is an 18 piece band playing the music made famous by the Dorsey, Basie, Herman, and Ellington bands through to funk and fusion of the modern era. The band is led by jazz trumpeter John Fleming with fine soloists like Stefano Muscovi on trumpet, Steve Hanks and Bertrand Huvé on sax, and Evan Ryder and Pat Corless in the trombone section. Driving the whole band is ace drummer Declan O'Donaghue. Out in front there is the amazing vocal talent of singer and trumpeter Keith McDonald, the smooth, polished tones of Garrett Phillips, and the dynamic Barbara Vulso who "takes the paint off the walls".

Since February 2000 the band has had a Monday night residency at Galway's popular live venue BarCuba* (now renamed to Bar 903) where they play to packed houses. Aged from 18-70, they come along either to dance or just listen to the exciting performances. Visitors from all over Ireland, UK, mainland Europe and USA tell us that they have never had such a fantastic nights entertainment. To underline these comments, the band has appeared at the Westport Arts Festival, Carrick Watermusic Festival, Ennis Music Festival, and Galway and Claribridge Oyster Festivals as well as the Cork, Galway, and Derry Jazz Festivals.

The big band has recorded one CD to date (excerpts available in the 'Listen to the Band' section) and is in the process of recording another which will hopefully be released before the end of the year.   The band has also performed live on radio (e.g. Lyric FM) and TV (e.g. The Late Late Show - RTE1).

A popular choice for corporate entertainment, this big band has been the highlight of the opening of Raddisson or Hilton Hotels in Galway, Cologne (Germany), Cork, and Limerick. The band is regularly seen at corporate functions and charity balls across the length and breadth of the country.

The Black Magic Big Band is also extremely popular for wedding celebrations all over Ireland and are recommended to clients by venues such as Dromoland Castle. View a sample wedding play list in our 'What we Play' section.

The band is currently working on their second CD, which is hoped to be launched by late 2007.

Booking enquiries can be made via the contact page on this web site.