Craig Bailey began his interest in music at age eight, when he was taught how to play the recorder by a small group. He joined the All City Boys Choir, Cincinnati, Ohio, shortly after that. In junior high, he enrolled in the beginning program and began playing the clarinet and saxophone. He continued to learn all three instruments throughout high school and college. After receiving his University of Miami undergraduate degree, he moved to New York City in 1986. Craig was a young musician in New York and worked with Charli Persip’s Superband. Craig met many musicians and was able to hear some of the best young lions and veterans in jazz. Craig discovered traditional swing music after he joined the internationally acclaimed Panama Francis and his Savoy Sultans. He traveled to Europe with Francis’ group and was able to experience the immense appreciation of European audiences. After two years of playing with the Savoy Sultans, Craig was invited to audition for Ray Charles. He became the leading alto saxophonist from 1988-2004. Craig also worked with Ray Charles’ TanaReid Quintet (co-led by Rufus Reid and Akira Tana), Bobby Watson’s Tailor Made Big Band (1993-1996) and the Tom Harrell Big Band (1999–2001), to name just a few. While he was a student of the mentioned artists, he developed his writing and playing style in small groups. He draws on the rich experiences of having played with some the most renowned composers and arrangers in the world, as well the knowledge gained from international travels and exposure to many musical genres. When asked what the most important lesson that he has learned from his performances, he said that it was to bring to life music written and/or arranged for the composer/arranger for whom he is performing. He is passionate about arranging and writing music, having performed great pieces of music. He enjoys playing jazz standards, but nothing beats the excitement of performing music he composed and arranged. His debut CD, “A New Journey”, was praised by critics and is included in “The Encyclopedia of Jazz” (revised to be edited by Ira Gitler). His second album, “Brooklyn”, received a positive review in Jazztimes Magazine. Ron Wynn, a jazz critic, wrote that there are no stilted performances and no ragged edges that constantly surface during blowing sessions or hired gun dates. These songs have been played by this band for a long time, and the result is refreshing. Bailey’s compositions are also given a purpose by the group. . . . He isn’t confident. . . His impact on Brooklyn is significant. Bailey is currently working on new music for the Brooklyn Big Band’s upcoming cd. From www.rrcnet.org
