JAZZ FEST 2015 WEEK TWO
SATURDAY • MAY 2 PAGE 41
Rogers and drummer Eric Harland in the mid-2000s, and the 77-yearold saxophonist has enjoyed something of a renaissance with the group, issuing well-regarded albums including Mirror and Rabo de Nube. The 2013 release Hagar’s Song features Lloyd and Moran as a sax/flute and piano duo. In addition to its own compositions, the quartet mixes classic jazz and popular tunes into its live sets, including pieces by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and The Beach Boys. 4:10 p.m.-5:20 p.m. Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent
Taj Mahal Trio
Fingerpicking polyglot Taj Mahal is a familiar face at Jazz Fest, first appearing at the festival in 1973 and as recently as 2013. Through the years, he’s pursued the blues with a broad approach, blending folk, jazz and R&B and incorporating a wide range of African, Caribbean, Latin and Cajun influences. With more than two dozen albums to his name, the raspy-voiced Harlem native continues to challenge the mushy concept of “world” music. The trio lineup includes drummer Kester Smith and bassist Bill Rich. The three have played together since the 1970s. 4:20 p.m.-5:35 p.m. Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage
Sir Elton John last visited New Orleans for a concert at the Smoothie King Center in March 2014. He typically eschews outdoor festivals, and following his summer tour he’ll return to Caesars Palace Las Vegas, where he signed a contract to perform regularly for the next three years. He’s released nearly 30 albums, not including his soundtracks (The Lion King), and his performances typically pull from a slew of 1970s hits, including “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and the rock ’n’ roll jam “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” 4:50 p.m.-7 p.m. Acura Stage
Ed Sheeran
It’s been hard to miss the ascent of Ed Sheeran over the past year and a half. At age 24, the English singer-songwriter has helped write hits for Taylor Swift and One Direction, while launching his multi-platinum solo career. Anyone who’s
T.I.
Fifteen years into his career, Atlanta-born rapper T.I. doesn’t get as much respect as you might think. Perhaps longtime collaborator Pharrell oversold him when he called him “the Jay-Z of the South” — not an easy billing to live up to — but he’s the biggest hip-hop act at Jazz Fest and can live large this weekend. His latest album Paperwork didn’t fare as well as its conceptual predecessor, 2008’s Paper Trail, but T.I. has more than enough business savvy to compensate. In addition to preparing a trilogy-completing album titled Paperwork: Traps Open, he’s a mentor to Australian rap star Iggy Azalea and is pursuing a burgeoning acting career with roles in Get Hard and the upcoming Marvel film Ant-Man. 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m. Congo Square Stage
Gulf Coast Cuisine with a South Louisiana Flaire
The Terence Blanchard E-Collective
Just when you thought you were familiar with New Orleans trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, he changes it up with an electric quintet — hence the “e” in “E-Collective.” The combination featuring pianist Fabian Almazan, guitarist Charles Altura, bassist Donald Ramsey and drummer Oscar Seaton brings energy and groove to Blanchard’s newly unbridled horn playing. Keep an eye open for the Cuban-born Almazan, a rising star in his own right. The 31-year-old has worked with Blanchard since 2007 and in October released a second record, Rhizome, under his own name. The E-Collective currently is gearing up for its debut Breathless, which is set for release in May on Blue Note Records. 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m. Zatarain’s/WWOZ Jazz Tent PAGE 44
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Elton John
missed the soulful strains of his love ballad “Thinking Out Loud” likely will hear the hit covered at a wedding reception sometime soon. With his boyish looks and earnest, heart-on-his-sleeve delivery, Sheeran attracts passionate devotion from fans who call themselves “Sheeranators.” 5:15 p.m.-6:55 p.m. Gentilly Stage
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444 St Charles Ave, Ste 100 New Orleans, LA 70130
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