The first hour of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise unfolds like a walk through the golden age of jazz and blues vocals, guided by the commanding presence of big voices and the smooth glide of horn arrangements. The program opens with Walter Brown’s “Mary B,” a track that immediately sets a mood of relaxed sophistication. Brown’s smooth phrasing bridges the gap between classic blues storytelling and the polish of post-war jazz-inflected blues.
Joe Williams, one of the most distinctive baritones in jazz, follows with a run of tracks that showcase his versatility. In “A Woman” and “Come On Blues,” Williams delivers a masterclass in emotional delivery—never overplaying the moment, but letting his tone and phrasing carry the weight. “That Face” and “The Song Is You” move closer to the world of jazz standards, revealing the singer’s ease in shifting genres without losing the deep blues feeling at the core of his voice. His “Was It Like That” rounds out his set with a touch of wry resignation.
Dinah Washington steps into the spotlight next, and the mood shifts to her signature blend of sass, vulnerability, and impeccable timing. “It’s a Mean Old Man’s World” hits with bracing honesty, while “If It’s the Last Thing I Do” glides with elegance. “I Used to Love You” taps into heartache, and “Flamingo” showcases her ability to take a jazz standard and make it entirely her own.
The hour’s focus on instrumental sophistication comes into full bloom with Benny Carter, whose tracks here—“Blue Star,” “Sunday Afternoon,” and “Street Scene”—demonstrate why he was revered as a master arranger, composer, and soloist. “Monkey & the Baboon” reveals his playful side, mixing sly humor into polished swing.
The Five Red Caps’ “Feeling Tomorrow Like I Do Today” injects a dose of tight harmony and rhythmic bounce, paving the way for Meadelux Lewis to add a smile with “Ah Still Suits Me,” a bluesy duet laced with humor. Paul Robeson follows with the stately beauty of “Congo Lullabye” and “Night Sounds,” bringing an almost operatic gravitas to the program.
The hour closes with Ernie Freeman, whose crisp, stylish piano and arrangement work send listeners off into Hour 2 with a toe-tapping sense of anticipation.
This first segment of the night’s broadcast is a carefully woven tapestry of voices and arrangements, illustrating how the blues often shares the stage with jazz sophistication, popular songcraft, and even theatrical flair. By pairing powerhouse singers with brilliant instrumentalists, Hour 1 reminds listeners that the blues is as much about style and delivery as it is about the stories being told.
Playlist – Hour 1
- Mary B – Walter Brown
- A Woman – Joe Williams
- Come On Blues – Joe Williams
- That Face – Joe Williams
- The Song Is You – Joe Williams
- Was It Like That – Joe Williams
- It’s a Mean Old Man’s World – Dinah Washington
- If It’s the Last Thing I Do – Dinah Washington
- I Used to Love You – Dinah Washington
- Flamingo – Dinah Washington
- Blue Star – Benny Carter
- Sunday Afternoon – Benny Carter
- Street Scene – Benny Carter
- Monkey & the Baboon – Benny Carter
- Feeling Tomorrow Like I Do Today – Five Red Caps
- Ah Still Suits Me – Meadelux Lewis
- Congo Lullabye – Paul Robeson
- Night Sounds – Paul Robeson
- [Untitled Track] – Ernie Freeman