The 17th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival

"A lot of black people are always surprised that they know it, and a lot of white people are surprised 'cuz they didn't know everybody that knew it," says David. "It shows a lot about how universal some good songs are, you know."

For fans of original, mature, contemporary R&B, the kind performed by adults and not some rubbery-limbed 17-year-old (not that there's anything wrong with that), having both Roberson and David on the bill is more than a treat, it's a godsend. So thank you, Houston International Jazz Festival, for looking past your criteria (and your name) and giving us some soul to savor during this sultry, hot-ass summer.

Eric Roberson and Anthony David perform at the 17th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival, 7 p.m. Sunday, August 5, Jones Plaza, 601 Louisiana, 713-839-7000, www.jazzeducation.org.