Christian McBride Big Band (Second Jazz Fest Weekend) Sunday, May 3, Allison Miner Stage, 3:15p Zatarains/WWOZ Jazz Tent, 5:35 p.m.

Asked to describe the musical common denominator he shares with Dianne Reeves and Jeffrey Osborne, bassist Christian McBride responds without hesitation.

“Soul,” he says, the timbre of his deep voice adding a layer of emphasis to the word. “Classic soul music.”

In recent years, McBride’s live performances have focused heavily on post-bop material ...