History

The Black Magic Big Band was founded in August 1994 by an enthusiastic young trumpeter,Daniel Healy, then aged 15. He brought together local musicians of all ages,many ex-showband players, others culled from local brass bands and vocalist Garrett Phillips. The band,which was originally called the Black Magic Jazz Orchestra, made their first public appearance in the Salthill Hotel in February 1995. Over the next 3 or 4 years they played at venues around Galway including Rosín Dubh and the Queen Street Club.

It was when jazz pianist and composer John Dunne became the musical director that the band really improved. John, with saxophonist Steve Hanks as his assistant, obtained a Monday night residency for the band at BarCuba. With intensive rehearsals and the weekly gig the band had people sitting-up and taking notice. Another major turning point for the band was when John Dunne and Bob Parsonson,who had somehow become the band's manager, persuaded entrepreneur Declan Ganley of Ganley International Ltd to sponsor the further development of the band. The funds enabled John to set-up regular training sessions at St.Patrick's bandhall for aspiring musicians to learn the art of big band music. The only requirements were the ability to read music, be proficient with their instrument and the desire to work like mad.

John and his team of tutors drawn from the Black Magic Big Band obviously got things right, because several of the musicians have made it all the way and play in the band at BarCuba. Declan Ganley is not just a sponsor of the band,but is also a frequent visitor to BarCuba where he has actually sung with the band a few times.

John stepped down as Musical Director in 2005, ably replaced by Stefano Muscovi, and in turn by John Fleming in 2007.