Well here is something unusual- a new release on the Evidence label. Those apprised of the label's quality output in the past should take note when they release records as infrequently as they do anymore. But onto the record itself, which has plenty to say for itself. This is the second record by up-and-coming alto player Craig Bailey, a Cincinnati-born jazzer (rare thing in itself) whom Bobby Watson first recognized as a major talent on alto. Coming up in the bands of Charli Persip, Slide Hampton, and Jimmy Heath. Bobby Watson spotted his talent early on and so he was able to land Bailey some fine gigs. He had a good stint in the band TanaReid, and is also a longtime member of the Ray Charles orchestra, which of course has been an unassuming haven of jazz talent in the past. Bailey had his recording debut as a leader on the Candid Label with a self-titled release. On "Brooklyn" Bailey gives us a dose of pure unadulterated hard-bop, of the kind moreover that is regularly played in jam sessions at the Dean Street Cafe in Brooklyn where Bailey presides. There is well-played, inventive music at hand here, and through it all we get a nice glimpse of a working band that is tapped into some common goals. Bailey's main foil here is Derrick Gardner, an undersung trumpeter who is very much in the same mindset musically as Bailey- playing in the hard-bop style but playing with a zest just as if it were today's music. They are able to convince often enough here that it is truly the case.