Album Notes

"Straight from the Heart "

"Al Molina's album, "Straight From The Heart", is exactly That...........so lyrical,sensitive to the point of being "fragile" yet on fire throughout. It's been a long time since I've heard such pretty, honest music released, seemingly unaffected by all of the heavy industry marketing currently going on. I hope the entire world gets to hear this beautful album ....." Bobby Shew

"One of the most lyrical,tasteful and melodic trumpet players on the jazz scene today" ........LarryVuckovich:

"The Gift "

"As a jazz expression, it is a positive experience. At first listening I find your sound ( and I definitely mean this as a compliment) very comparable to Tom Harrell's."...............Orrin Keepnews

"The blend between Molina ( who doubles on flugel horn) and Al Bent is appealing and the music is often gentle even when the tempoes are a little hotter. Recommended." .............Scott Yanow, LA JAZZ SCENE

"Amigos Todos "

" It is obvious that this is an infectious session with catchy Latin Rhythms, high- quality solos and an irresistible group spirit." Scott Yanow

"Molina's skilled trumpet delves out a warm and polished sound with experienced control. His flugelhorn glows." ... Mark F. Turner, Jazz Improv Magazine

Abridged list of Al Molina's credits

1966 - "Jazz From San Francisco" Pat Britt. Crestview Records
1983 - Award - "Best Jazz Trumpet in S.F.," Bay Area Jazz Society.
1986 - Sir Douglas Quintet. Mercury Records
1991 - "Straight From the Heart" ........Jazzer Records
1997 - San Jose Jazz Festival
1997 - 1st Latino Jazz Festival
1998 - Toured Europe - Spain, Paris, France ,Germany and Amsterdam
1999 - "The Gift" ............Jazzer Records
2001 - Listed in "Trumpet Kings," by Scott Yanow
2003 - "Amigos Todos" ...........Jazzer Records
2003 - Russian River jazz Festival
2004 - San Jose Jazz Festival
2005 - Petaluma Jazz Festival
2006 - Petaluma Waterfront Jazz Festival
Featured guest artist at the first and second "Bay Area Loft Jazz Festival"

Monterey Jazz Festival.
Russian River Jazz Festival.
The Movie "Tucker" By Francis Ford Coppola.
Toured in Hawaii the Philippines, Korea, and Japan.

Musicians that Al has shared the stage with:

Eddie Henderson Pete Escovedeo Red Holloway Colin Bailey

Monte Budwig Jack Sheldon Bill Watrous Louis Gasca

George Cables Merv Griffin Larry Vuckovich Eddie Marshall

Tootie Heath Mark Isham Tom Harrell Jessica William

Flip Nunez Al Plank Johnny Griffin Al Porcino Randy Vincent