Hour One of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise opens with a strong focus on classic blues vocalists and jazz-influenced performances, setting a rich and expressive tone that carries through the rest of the program. It’s an hour built on voices—powerful, nuanced, and deeply rooted in the blues tradition—supported by tight ensembles and just enough instrumental variety to keep the sound moving.
Marion Abernathy starts things off with “Crying the Blues,” a performance that immediately grounds the hour in emotional honesty. From there, Joe Williams takes center stage with a commanding run of recordings including “Everyday I Have the Blues,” “Mean Mistreater,” “Keep Your Hand on Your Heart,” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll.” His delivery is confident and full-bodied, blending big band polish with blues grit. Williams represents a key link between swing-era vocalists and the emerging rhythm and blues style, and this set highlights that balance perfectly.
Dinah Washington follows with a series of standout performances—“I Wanna Be Loved,” “Fine Fine Daddy,” “Big Deal,” and “I Cross My Fingers.” Her voice moves effortlessly between styles, equally comfortable with blues phrasing and more pop-oriented material. She brings both control and emotional depth, adding a layer of sophistication to the hour without losing its blues foundation.
Louis Armstrong anchors the middle portion with “Love Walked In,” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” “Elder Eatmore’s Sermon,” and “The Song Is Ended.” His presence reinforces the deep connection between jazz and blues, his phrasing and tone unmistakable. Whether leaning into humor or delivering a heartfelt ballad, Armstrong’s recordings provide both contrast and continuity.
The Cats & the Fiddle contribute “Mr Rhythm Man,” adding vocal harmony and rhythmic precision, while Albert Ammons’ “Mecca Flats Blues” brings the piano into focus with a driving boogie-woogie style. His performance acts as a subtle reminder of the instrumental force that underpins much of the blues tradition.
Miller & Lyles offer a brief comedic interlude with “The Lost Aviators,” keeping the mood from becoming too heavy, before Bill Doggett closes the hour with “Hi Heels.” His organ-driven sound adds a modern touch, hinting at the direction rhythm and blues would continue to take.
Hour One succeeds by blending vocal strength, instrumental depth, and stylistic variety. It doesn’t rush—it builds. By the time the hour ends, the listener is fully immersed, ready to follow the music as it branches out into rhythm and blues, gospel, and beyond.
Playlist – Hour One
Crying the Blues – Marion Abernathy
Everyday I Have the Blues – Joe Williams
Mean Mistreater – Joe Williams
Keep Your Hand on Your Heart – Joe Williams
Shake, Rattle & Roll – Joe Williams
I Wanna Be Loved – Dinah Washington
Fine Fine Daddy – Dinah Washington
Big Deal – Dinah Washington
I Cross My Fingers – Dinah Washington
Love Walked In – Louis Armstrong
I Can’t Give You Anything but Love – Louis Armstrong
Elder Eatmore’s Sermon – Louis Armstrong
The Song Is Ended – Louis Armstrong
Mr Rhythm Man – Cats & the Fiddle
Mecca Flats Blues – Albert Ammons
The Lost Aviators – Miller & Lyles
Hi Heels – Bill Doggett