Hour 2 of the August 24, 2025 broadcast of Blues Before Sunrise shifts the focus from the intimate sounds of pre-war blues to the high-energy world of jump blues, rhythm & blues shouters, and gospel harmonies. This hour is packed with lively arrangements, dancefloor-ready numbers, and spirited performances that capture the explosion of blues into popular culture during the 1940s and 50s.
The set opens with Bullmoose Jackson’s “Sneaky Pete,” a sly and swinging track that shows why Jackson was one of the smoothest saxophonists and singers of his era. His ability to balance humor and groove made him a fixture of the jump blues scene.
The energy continues with the dynamic voice of Anisteen Allen. First with “How Big Can You Get Little Man” and then with “I Know How to Do It,” Allen proves herself a commanding vocalist capable of wit and attitude. She was one of the few women to break through in the male-dominated jump blues world, and her recordings remain fiery and bold.
Gene Phillips brings a guitar-driven edge with “Snuff Dippin’ Mama” and “Short-Haired Ugly Woman,” showcasing the West Coast blend of blues, swing, and early R&B guitar flash. His music pointed toward the guitar heroics that would dominate blues and rock in the decades to come.
From the same post-war period, Eillie Egan’s “Sad Sad Feeling” brings a dose of heartfelt vocal blues, while Smiley Lewis’ “Big Mamou” channels New Orleans R&B flavor. Lewis’ easy blend of rhythm and Creole influence was a precursor to the rock ’n’ roll sounds of Fats Domino and Lloyd Price.
Speaking of New Orleans, Professor Longhair’s “Ball the Wall” makes an appearance. Fess’ quirky piano style and rhumba-infused rhythms became the DNA of Crescent City rhythm & blues. No one else played quite like him, and his influence reverberated through Dr. John and Allen Toussaint decades later.
Lil Palamore’s “Believe I’ll Go Back Home” and Sonny Thompson’s “4:30 in the Morning” bring things back into a Chicago-style club groove — moody, late-night blues with heavy piano and walking bass lines.
The set then introduces Albinia Jones’ “What’s the Matter With You,” a showcase of a powerful singer who could hold her own against the era’s best. Following that, the legendary Lovin’ Sam Theard takes the mic with “I Wonder Who’s Boogyin’” and “Til I Die,” both witty songs that balance comedy with sly double meanings.
Christine Chatman’s “Bootin’ the Boogie” is pure piano-driven fun, echoing the boogie-woogie craze that swept across America. Her light, playful touch is a reminder of how female artists contributed to shaping the genre.
Ethel Waters’ “I Want My Sweet Daddy Now” shifts the mood with a more dramatic, cabaret-influenced blues vocal, showcasing her ability to bridge vaudeville and R&B.
The gospel connection closes out the hour with Wings Over Jordan’s “Stand the Test in Judgement” and the Swan Silvertones’ “What Could I Do.” These two performances provide a spiritual counterpoint to the secular jump blues that dominated the earlier half of the set. The Silvertones, in particular, offered harmonies and phrasing that influenced soul groups of the 1950s and beyond.
Hour 2 is a vibrant reminder that blues didn’t just stay in the Delta. It spread into dancehalls, nightclubs, and churches, growing into the jump blues and gospel traditions that laid the foundation for R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and soul.
Hour 2 Playlist – Jump Blues, R&B Shouters, and Gospel Power
- Sneaky Pete – Bullmoose Jackson
- How Big Can You Get Little Man – Anisteen Allen
- I Know How to Do It – Anisteen Allen
- Snuff Dippin’ Mama – Gene Phillips
- Short-Haired Ugly Woman – Gene Phillips
- Sad Sad Feeling – Eillie Egan
- Big Mamou – Smiley Lewis
- Ball the Wall – Professor Longhair
- Believe I’ll Go Back Home – Lil Palamore
- 4:30 in the Morning – Sonny Thompson
- What’s the Matter With You – Albinia Jones
- I Wonder Who’s Boogyin’ – Lovin’ Sam Theard
- Til I Die – Lovin’ Sam Theard
- Just a Jitterbug – The Five Breezes
- Bootin’ the Boogie – Christine Chatman
- I Want My Sweet Daddy Now – Ethel Waters
- Stand the Test in Judgement – Wings Over Jordan
- What Could I Do – Swan Silvertones