Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise brings everything to a smooth and unhurried close, blending jazz sophistication, vocal ballads, and deep Chicago blues into a late-night atmosphere that feels both reflective and grounded. After four hours of movement through styles and eras, this final stretch settles in, letting the music breathe.

The hour opens with the soft, polished harmonies of the Charioteers on “With Every Breath I Take.” It’s a gentle beginning, immediately shifting the mood into something calm and intimate. From there, the tone deepens with Charlie Parker’s “Dancing in the Dark.” Parker’s phrasing is fluid and expressive, bringing a cool, almost weightless quality that sets the stage for the rest of the hour.

Arthur Prysock follows with “It’s Too Late Baby,” his rich baritone adding emotional weight without ever becoming heavy-handed. That same sense of control carries into Ella Fitzgerald’s “Single-O,” where her effortless delivery provides a perfect balance of precision and feeling.

The instrumental mood continues with Larry Young’s “Flamingo,” adding a subtle, atmospheric groove that keeps things moving without disrupting the relaxed pace. Then comes Sam Cooke, whose “Lonely Island” and “Let’s Go Steady Again” bridge gospel roots and early soul. Cooke’s voice carries warmth and clarity, making these tracks feel personal and inviting.

The blues begins to take a stronger hold as the hour progresses. Howlin’ Wolf steps in with a trio of performances—“Love Me Darlin’,” “I Walked From Dallas,” and “I Better Go Now.” His raw, commanding voice cuts through the smoother textures that came before, reintroducing grit and intensity into the mix.

Jr. Parker’s “Sometimes” eases that intensity slightly, bringing a more melodic and measured approach. Then Magic Sam delivers two standout tracks, “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Mama Talk to Your Daughter,” both rooted firmly in the West Side Chicago blues sound—clean guitar lines, steady rhythm, and an understated confidence.

John Lee Hooker’s “Goin’ Down Highway 51” shifts the feel again, stripping things back to a hypnotic, driving groove. His style is minimal but powerful, pulling the listener into a rhythm that feels almost trance-like.

The closing stretch keeps the focus on raw blues expression. Frank Frost’s “Catfish Blues” brings a deep, earthy sound, while Ricky Allen’s “Cut You A-Loose” adds a final burst of energy before the hour winds down.

As always, the program closes with “Albatross” by Fleetwood Mac. Its calm, spacious guitar lines provide a perfect ending—cool, reflective, and just distant enough to signal that the journey is complete.

Hour Five doesn’t try to compete with the earlier hours—it complements them. It’s quieter, more spacious, and more reflective, giving the listener a chance to absorb everything that came before. It’s the sound of the night winding down, one last groove before the sun comes up.

Playlist – Hour Five

With Every Breath I Take – Charioteers

Dancing in the Dark – Charlie Parker

It’s Too Late Baby – Arthur Prysock

Single-O – Ella Fitzgerald

Flamingo – Larry Young

Lonely Island – Sam Cooke

Let’s Go Steady Again – Sam Cooke

Love Me Darlin’ – Howlin’ Wolf

I Walked From Dallas – Howlin’ Wolf

I Better Go Now – Howlin’ Wolf

Sometimes – Jr. Parker

Sweet Home Chicago – Magic Sam

Mama Talk to Your Daughter – Magic Sam

Goin’ Down Highway 51 – John Lee Hooker

Catfish Blues – Frank Frost

Cut You A-Loose – Ricky Allen

Albatross – Fleetwood Mac