Hour Five of this week’s Blues Before Sunrise settles into a smooth, late-night groove, bringing together jazz ballads, soulful vocals, and deep blues to close out the program with style and subtlety. After four hours of movement through swing, R&B, and electric blues, this final hour feels like a slow exhale—unhurried, reflective, and rich with atmosphere.

The Ravens open with “Lilacs in the Rain,” setting a calm and polished tone. Their harmonies are soft and measured, easing the listener into the hour. That mood continues with Henry Mancini’s “Too Little Time,” an instrumental that adds a cinematic quality, expanding the emotional space without overpowering it.

Johnny Hartman follows with “I’ll Follow You,” his deep, velvety voice bringing a sense of intimacy and warmth. Ella Fitzgerald’s “Dream a Little Longer” keeps that feeling intact, her phrasing effortless and precise, balancing emotion with control.

The instrumental side comes back into focus with Groove Holmes’ “Good Vibrations,” where the organ-driven groove adds a subtle pulse beneath the relaxed surface. From there, Brook Benton delivers two standout tracks, “Endlessly” and “Kiddeo,” blending smooth vocal delivery with a hint of early soul, keeping the hour grounded while still pushing forward.

The blues begins to take a stronger presence as the hour unfolds. Big Bill Broonzy’s “Midnight Steppers” introduces a more traditional feel, while Big Maceo’s “County Jail Blues” deepens the mood with piano-driven intensity. Tampa Red’s “Vacation in Harlem” adds a touch of urban storytelling, bridging older blues traditions with a more modern sensibility.

Yas-Yas Girl’s “You Don’t Know My Mind” brings a distinctive vocal style, adding variety and personality to the set. Mickey Baker follows with two instrumentals, “Old Devil Moon” and “Guitar Rambo,” showcasing clean, expressive guitar work that keeps the hour moving without disrupting its laid-back feel.

Christine Kittrell’s “Sittin’ Here Drinkin’” and “I’m Just What You’re Looking For” inject a bit of attitude and confidence, her vocals cutting through with clarity and presence. Earl Gaines’ “Let Me Down Easy” continues that thread, blending blues feeling with a smoother, more modern delivery.

As always, the hour—and the show—closes with “Albatross” by Fleetwood Mac. Its calm, drifting guitar lines provide the perfect ending, allowing the entire five-hour journey to settle into silence.

Hour Five doesn’t demand attention—it invites it. It’s music for the quiet moments, for reflection, for letting the night wind down. After everything that came before, this hour provides the space to take it all in.

Playlist – Hour Five

Lilacs in the Rain – Ravens

Too Little Time – Henry Mancini

I’ll Follow You – Johnny Hartman

Dream a Little Longer – Ella Fitzgerald

Good Vibrations – Groove Holmes

Endlessly – Brook Benton

Kiddeo – Brook Benton

Midnight Steppers – Big Bill Broonzy

County Jail Blues – Big Maceo

Vacation in Harlem – Tampa Red

You Don’t Know My Mind – Yas-Yas Girl

Old Devil Moon – Mickey Baker

Guitar Rambo – Mickey Baker

Sittin’ Here Drinkin’ – Christine Kittrell

I’m Just What You’re Looking For – Christine Kittrell

Let Me Down Easy – Earl Gaines

Albatross – Fleetwood Mac