Remembering 7 Mile’s Godfather of Jazz

Dear Al, how’s the jazz scene going up there?

A tribute to Almo. We will miss you dearly, good friend.

Al Molina is 7 Mile’s “Godfather” of Jazz and I can still remember the day when we first met, over a decade ago. I told him our worst day was Tuesday and he said, “Okay, I’ll take it.” He promised to get us a following in only a matter of a few weeks and true enough, he made it happen. His nights turned into the Al Molina Jazz Sextet on the first Tuesday of every month and his mission to bring high quality music to 7 Mile House soon became a full blown jazz program.

Al was an integral part of the 7 Mile jazz. He has inspired musicians of all ages with his persistence and hard work. I will forever miss hearing and watching him perform on stage, and the friendship we’ve built through the years.

Al came from a long line of musicians--Al’s paternal grandfather has led a military orchestra in Mexico back in the day. His uncle was a pianist and his father was a drummer. Al also joined the Army and was sent to Korea and Japan. But instead of serving on the front lines, he ended up playing in a marching band, and was a frequent visitor at the jazz clubs. After his discharge, Al attended San Mateo Junior College and joined a big band with fellow musicians including Phil Lesh, Vince Lateano, Vince Wallace, Billy Atwood, and Kurt Glenn among others.

Al first joined the local jazz scene in the early 1960s. He first appeared on record at the 1966 Crestview Records release “Jazz from San Francisco,” and was named as the Best Jazz Trumpet in San Francisco by the Bay Area Jazz Society in 1983. He was able to release three records, with “Amigos Todos” as his most recent release in 2003. He has also held two international tours and has graced the Monterey, Russian River, and San Jose Jazz Festivals.

With Al’s brilliant presence, 7 Mile become one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic jazz venues. He based his 7 Mile Tuesdays on the music of legendary trumpeter, and one of his main influences, Chet Baker. Meanwhile, his later Tuesdays have featured the music of Horace Silver and other greats whose creations he had painstakingly transcribed and arranged for the Sextet.

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved friend who has become a family. I don’t think we, at 7 Mile, will ever get used to your absence but we feel truly lucky to have witnessed your amazing talent and beautiful music. Thank you for the breathtaking performances and enjoyable stages, Al. You and your music will live in us always.

Rest in power, my friend. Thank you for everything.