Blues is the Truth Podcast By Ian McHugh cover art

Blues is the Truth

Blues is the Truth

By: Ian McHugh
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About this listen

 Blues is the Truth is a weekly 2 hour radio show, featuring some of the very best new Blues Music alongside some classic tracks that define the genre. Presented for a decade by Ian McHugh, frontman and guitarist with the band Blues is Truth and compere of the Ealing Blues Festival main stage, The show is informative, entertaining and sometimes a little different.... Music
Episodes
  • Blues is the Truth 761

    Blues is the Truth 761
    Jul 5 2025
    Time to plug in, turn it up, and let the blues take over. The latest edition of Blues is the Truth is here, and it’s one of those shows where everything just clicks. Proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, this week’s episode is overflowing with energy, soul, grit, and groove.

    Host Ian McHugh brings you a show that leans into blues with personality — raw, refined, and rebellious in equal measure. There’s guitar fire, heartfelt storytelling, and deep rhythm from start to finish.

    The playlist features modern giants like Larry McCray, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Albert Castiglia, and Tommy Castro and the Painkillers. You’ll also hear from foundational icons including Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, and Muddy Waters. The always mighty Buddy Guy makes an appearance too, alongside the raw soul of Jontavious Willis and the tight swing of The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

    We shine a light on UK legends with tracks from Robert Hokum and the Guv’nors, Norman Beaker Blues Trio, Jimmy Regal and the Royals, and a rare spin from Crawdaddy Club alumni The Others. Also featured are Benny Turner Band, Eric Bibb, Kai Strauss, Kerry Kearney, and Lonnie Brooks.

    This week’s show goes even further, with the swampy stomp of Brownsville Station, the cool jazz-blues of Raphael Wressnig, the rich textures of The Bluesmasters featuring Cassie Taylor, the Chicago grit of Willie Buck and Bob Corritore, and the unexpected charm of Mad Dog Blues featuring Nic Clark.

    Rounding things off are Hamilton Loomis, Dave Ferra, and a gem from Tommy Castro. It’s a setlist that covers the full spectrum of blues — fierce, tender, timeless, and fresh.

    Hit the link, share it around, and let the good stuff roll.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 760

    Blues is the Truth 760
    Jun 28 2025
    The brand new Blues is the Truth is ready to roll, bringing you another rich and raucous mix of blues from across the decades. As always, the show is proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, keeping live blues right at the heart of the community.

    In this week’s edition, Ian McHugh guides you through an hour and a bit of heartfelt vocals, razor-sharp guitar work, and swampy grooves. Expect all the regular features plus some gig news, a few unexpected turns, and a setlist packed with heavy hitters and hidden gems.

    You’ll hear Willie Kent, Ken Saydak, and Buddy Guy laying down Chicago grit, with powerful performances from Magnus Berg, Zac Harmon, and the legendary Muddy Waters. Willie and the Bandits and Patrick Sweany bring their unique spin, while Thørbjorn Risager and the Black Tornado shake things up with their trademark power and soul.

    There’s vintage flavour from Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Sippie Wallace, Big Joe Williams, and Howlin’ Wolf, alongside modern fire from Gary Clark Jr, Sonny Landreth, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and Charles Wilson. Also in the mix are Smilin Jack Smith, David Sinclair Four, Lee Ainsley’s Blues Storm, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kai Strauss, Eddie Blue Lester, and the unmistakable Tom Waits.

    It’s another wide-ranging, foot-tapping, speaker-shaking episode of the show that never stops digging deeper into the blues.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 759

    Blues is the Truth 759
    Jun 21 2025
    The new edition of Blues is the Truth is live and louder than ever! We’re proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, keeping the spirit of live blues well and truly alive.

    This week, host Ian McHugh brings you a finely tuned mix of legends, modern greats and rising stars, with all the regular features and a few surprises along the way. Expect a soulful ride through the best in blues music.

    On the playlist for Show 759: the mighty Freddie King, the raw energy of Robert Hokum and Devil Drives, and powerhouse vocals from Elles Bailey and Emma Wilson. Mississippi MacDonald returns, along with stunning collaborations from Hans Theesink and Terry Evans, and some groove-laden guitar work from Dave Specter and the Chris Corcoran Trio.

    You’ll also hear blues royalty in the form of Mike Vernon Y Los Garcia, Neil Sadler, Alan Glen, Benny Turner Band, Breezy Rodio, Terry Hanck and Leavin’ Trunk. Plus there’s Ry Cooder, Robert Cray Band, and an absolute classic from Etta James. The lineup rounds out with Ben Waters, Eric Clapton, DVL, and a searing track from Gary Moore.

    Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or new to the genre, there’s something here to move you. Hit play and let the music do the talking.
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    2 hrs
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