Craig Bailey

Brooklyn

Evidence ECD 22221-2

Craig Bailey, alto sax, flute; Derrick Garner, trumpet, flügelhorn; Dupor Georges, trombone; Kelvin Sholar, piano;Eric Lemon, bass; Vincent Ector, drums, with guest musicians Olivier Gatto, Rufus Reid, Antonio Ciacca, Tim Armacost

This is Craig's second album, which shows a lot of promise. A neat sextet, they play cool modern Jazz in a spirited manner. Several guest sit in and play on the ten originals plus "Along Came Betty" which for me is the most rewarding. On "It's the Nights I Like" Craig and Derrick both play eloquent solos on their second instruments, flute and flügelhorn and follow this with a down home blues "home Made Blues." "Forbidden Love Affair" is an attractive Latin piece with Craig again featured on flute. Both Sholar and Ciacca play well and the three different bassists match strides with Vincent's drumming to cook up a storm. Gardner is a powerful trumpet soloist, but it is Craig who takes the top honors for his imaginative alto solos, occasional flute and his slick arrangements. Give this one a spin.

by Al Merritt

More New Sounds