Name: Magical Dog at The Cooler
Start: 2025-09-04T19:30:00+01:00
Location: The Complex Dublin

Jazz fusion with works from John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, Steve Grossman, and more.
Named after an explosive Jan Hammer composition, ‘Magical Dog’ is a new quartet dedicated to the high energy and explorative approach of the classic jazz fusion period. Their focus is on the raw driving grooves and collective improvisation associated with the genre. With a combined deep knowledge and experience playing this genre, each member also brings their own unique voice to the ensemble.
Expect tunes from some of the most important composers from the fusion era, including John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer and Steve Grossman.
The quartet includes four stalwarts of the Irish improvised music scene. Keys player Darragh O’Kelly’s fluid lines and inventive approach has received critical acclaim “O’Kelly’s lithe solo… steal[s] the show…”, while Derek Whyte on bass brings “his lithe rhythmic lines… driving the music forward” [All About Jazz] into the mix.
Guitarist Joe O’ Callaghan, known as “...a skilled improviser who isn't beholden to any particular idea about what a "jazz tone" should be,” contributes his inventive chord shapes and sense for extended line. Shane O’Donovan on drums is lauded for his energetic force and command of metric flexibility, noted for “...pounding stick-work… propelling the ensemble into highly-charged terrain.”
Joe O'Callaghan - guitar
Darragh O'Kelly - keys
Derek Whyte - bass
Shane O'Donovan - drums