Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise settles into that familiar after-hours mood—the kind of stretch where the energy cools, the lights dim, and the music takes on a more personal, reflective tone. After four hours tracing the evolution of blues from classic vocal styles through prewar roots and into electrified rhythm and blues, this final hour brings everything back down to earth with a blend of jazz, soul, and deep Chicago blues.

The Charioteers open with “Forget If You Can,” their smooth vocal harmony immediately setting a relaxed, late-night atmosphere. Milt Jackson follows with “Cedar Lane,” his vibraphone adding a soft, floating texture that eases the listener into the hour. Johnny Hartman’s “Wee Small Hours of the Morning” continues that mood—rich, intimate, and perfectly suited for the quietest part of the night.

Georgia Carr and Lou Donaldson keep things moving without breaking the spell, their performances balancing subtle swing with understated blues feeling. Savannah Churchill’s pair of recordings—“I Want to Cry” and “Never Belong to Anyone Else”—bring emotional depth, her voice carrying a sense of longing that fits naturally into the hour’s introspective tone.

From there, the program gradually shifts back toward blues. Junior Wells steps in with “Tomorrow Night” and “Come On In This House (Theresa’s),” grounding the hour firmly in Chicago tradition. His harmonica work and vocal phrasing bring a lived-in authenticity that contrasts beautifully with the earlier jazz influences.

Jimmy Anderson and George “Harmonica” Smith pick up the tempo slightly, adding a touch of groove without losing the late-night feel. Smokey Smothers follows with “Hello Little Schoolgirl” and “Drinking Muddy Water,” his guitar work keeping things raw and direct. Eddie Clearwater continues in that vein, bridging traditional blues with a slightly more modern edge.

The final stretch belongs to Stick McGhee, whose “Jungle Juice” and “Ease My Worried Mind” bring a relaxed, almost conversational close to the vocal portion of the hour. His style feels unhurried, perfectly matching the winding-down atmosphere.

And then, as always, the program closes with “Albatross.” After five hours of vocals, rhythms, and stories, its instrumental calm provides a final moment of reflection—an exhale that lets the entire journey settle.

Hour Five doesn’t try to make a statement—it lets the music speak quietly. It’s a closing chapter built on mood, memory, and the enduring simplicity of the blues.

Playlist – Hour Five

Forget If You Can – Charioteers
Cedar Lane – Milt Jackson
Wee Small Hours of the Morning – Johnny Hartman
Softly Baby – Georgia Carr
Gravey Train – Lou Donaldson
I Want to Cry – Savannah Churchill
Never Belong to Anyone Else – Savannah Churchill
Tomorrow Night – Jr Wells
Come On In This House (Theresa’s) – Jr Wells
I Wanna Boogie – Jimmy Anderson
Rockin’ – George “Harmonica” Smith
Hello Little Schoolgirl – Smokey Smothers
Drinking Muddy Water – Smokey Smothers
A Little Bit of Blues – Eddie Clearwater
Jungle Juice – Sticks McGhee
Ease My Worried Mind – Sticks McGhee
Albatross – Fleetwood Mac