From his thrilling jousts with avant-garde bad boy John Zorn in Masada to his more accessible compositions for numerous award-winning solo projects, NYC trumpeter Dave Douglas bridges the chasm between mainstream and underground jazz like few other contemporary bandleaders. His latest combo, Brass Ecstasy — four horns (including tuba) plus drums — takes its cue from the late Lester Bowie's irrepressible Brass Fantasy. Picture raucous N'Awlins–style jams, funky R&B beat happenings, joyful collective improvs, lazy-afternoon melodies, and rich Ellingtonian arrangements that give the quintet the feel of a big band.
