About Us
Club 7 Jazz Band was established in 2004. Michael Almich, the founder and leader of the band, has been surrounded by traditional jazz music since the age of thirteen and has always had a dream of performing this genre of music for a living. His love for the classics has pushed him to excel in an instrument that is not prominent on the jazz circuit today: the Clarinet. Under the influence of such greats as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, and Bob Draga, Michael and his quartet have captured the sound of the 30s and 40’s and made it their own.
These four young musicians have a love for jazz but each has dedicated themselves to the learning and mastery of their instruments through studies in legitimate music. In 2005 Michael graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Classical Clarinet Performance. Easton Stuard, piano, graduated the University of Oregon in 2006 with a degree in Jazz Studies. He is now attending University of Northern Iowa working towards his Masters Degree in Music Education. Dorian Crow, bass, will be graduated from the University of Oregon in 2007 with a degree in Jazz Studies as well. Kyle Owen, raised in Coos Bay, OR, is attending Portland State University with a major of Jazz Studies.
Starting out in hometown local concerts Club 7 has extended its reach all throughout Oregon and down through California. These musicians play for jazz festivals, swing dances, theater performances, and any other venue that you could imagine. In 2005 they recorded a CD, entitled "A Closer Walk", and in 2008 they are releasing their second album "Shine".
Club 7, under the leadership of Michael Almich, is quickly making a name for itself as one of the premiere jazz ensembles of this generation. With the hope of continuing the existence of traditional jazz, Club 7 is looking all over for locations that will provide them the outlet to perform. They refuse to let this music become a memory and hope that others will join them in their cause. |
Meet the Rest of the Band
Name: Easton Stuard
Instrument: Piano
Current Residence: Northern Iowa University, IA
Originally From: Eureka, CA
What I am doing right now: Graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and will be pursuing for his Masters Degree in 2007.
Name: Dorian Crow
Instrument: Stand-up Bass
Current Residence: Eugene, OR
Originally From: Eugene, OR
What I am doing right now: Performing in the Eugene area.
Name: Kyle Owen
Instrument: Drums
Current Residence: Portland, OR
Originally From: Coos Bay, OR
What I am doing right now: Going for his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at Portland State University.
Name: Jessica Owen
Instrument: Vocals
Current Residence: Olympia, WA
Originally From: Coos Bay, OR
What I am doing right now: Working as a Youth Councilor in the Washington state area. |
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