Episodios

  • 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 h
  • 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 h
  • 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 h
  • Blues is the Truth 758

    Blues is the Truth 758
    Jun 14 2025
    The latest edition of Blues is the Truth is out now! Proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth, this week’s show brings you another hand-picked mix of the finest blues sounds around. Expect all the regular features, a touch of gig news, and a whole lot of great music.

    Your host Ian McHugh guides you through a packed playlist featuring Mississippi MacDonald, Chris Rand and Heavy Echo, Little Steam, Neil Sadler, and All Things Swamp. You’ll also hear killer cuts from Colin James, Mick Simpson, John Fogerty, Buddy Whittington, Terry Hanck, and a powerful vintage track from Lonnie Johnson and Texas Alexander.

    Rounding out the show are When Rivers Meet, DK Harrell, Doug MacLeod, Jimmie Vaughan, George Benson, Larry Griffith, Lord Bolt, Mitch Laddie, Mae Powell, Aki Kumar, Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe, Walter Trout, and Johnny Otis.

    It’s a journey through blues past, present and future. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, review, and share the show with anyone who loves the blues.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 757

    Blues is the Truth 757
    Jun 6 2025
    Blues is the Truth – Edition 757

    There’s something special in the air this week as we proudly announce a brand-new sponsor: the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth! Huge thanks to them for supporting the show and keeping the blues alive in west London.

    As always, we’ve got a packed edition featuring gig news, your regular favourite features, and an incredible selection of blues from across the decades and around the world.

    This week’s soundtrack comes courtesy of Larry McCray, Ledfoot, Neil Sadler, Rusty Ends and Hillbilly Hoodoo, Robert Hokum, Buddy Guy, Cassandra Wilson, Louis Bertinac, Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, Brad Guitar Wilson, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Gina Coleman, JP Soars, Mississippi MacDonald, Dave Specter, Ben Waters, Bad Temper Joe, Coco Montoya, Merel Van Der Keer, and Little Willie Leftfield.

    Whether you’re a lifelong blues lover or discovering new favourites, this episode has something for you.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 756

    Blues is the Truth 756
    May 31 2025
    The latest edition of Blues is the Truth is packed with deep grooves, driving rhythms, and heartfelt playing from some of the best in the business. Hosted by Ian McHugh, the show features all the regular favourites, including the Blues Driver section, and delivers a fresh and fiery playlist that blends blues from across the spectrum.

    This week’s episode kicks off with the powerhouse sound of The Altered Five Blues Band and rolls on through the soulful guitar of Tutu Jones and the unmistakable tone of Stevie Ray Vaughan. You’ll also hear from Will Johns in collaboration with OYME, the New Orleans spirit of Dr John, and the emotive voice of David Houston.

    The UK scene is well represented by Neil Sadler Band, The Cinelli Brothers, Sister Suzie, and Thomas Heppell, while international highlights include Moe Joe, Cyril Neville, the ever-popular Bob Lanza Blues Band, and the gritty elegance of Henrik Freischlader.

    The show also features new and classic tracks from The Terraplanes Blues Band, Dave Kelly, Gracie Curran, 24 Pesos, The Hoax, Barbara Blue, and East, all capped off by the timeless groove of Booker T and the MGs.

    Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or just discovering the genre, this show offers a soulful ride through the heart of the blues. Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave a review to keep the blues alive and heard!

    🎧 Listen now: https://hearthis.at/ian-mchugh/blues-is-the-truth-749/
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 755

    Blues is the Truth 755
    May 23 2025
    It’s time for another journey through the heart and soul of the blues on Blues is the Truth, hosted by Ian McHugh. This week’s episode delivers a fresh and fiery mix of timeless legends and modern masters, with all the regular features you love—plus a spotlight on the inimitable Blues Driver section presented by Paul Michal, bringing you high-octane blues every week.

    On the playlist this time around: the raw power of Albert King, the soulful picking of Muireann Bradley, the spiritual swagger of Reverend Freakchild, and the deep London groove of Errol Linton. We’ve also got Joe Bonamassa delivering his signature style, Brooks Williams with his smooth Americana-blues blend, and Andrea De Luca holding down the contemporary Italian blues scene.

    Bob Stroger and The Headcutters give us a taste of classic Chicago tones, while Lachy Doley shakes the room with his powerhouse organ work. There’s slide-driven fire from Dave Arcari, timeless licks from T-Bone Walker, and some British humour and grit from The British Bluescasting Corporation.

    Jimmie Rogers and Lowell Fulson roll back the years, David M’ore brings some serious edge, Cathy Lemons adds smoky soul, and Jerron Paxton continues to charm with his rootsy authenticity. Bywater Call brings soaring vocals and searing guitar, Ian McHugh gets in on the act himself, Samantha Fish turns it up as only she can, and Amy Helm brings soulful serenity. Rounding things out are Travellin’ Blue and the always electric Ruzz Guitar’s Blues Revue.

    Whether you’re a blues purist or a curious newcomer, this episode has something to lift your spirit and stir your soul. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Your support keeps the blues alive and well!

    🎧 Listen now: https://hearthis.at/ian-mchugh/blues-is-the-truth-755/
    🔵 Follow, like, and tell your blues-loving friends!
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 754

    Blues is the Truth 754
    May 17 2025
    This week’s Blues is the Truth is packed with soul, grit and powerful music from across the blues spectrum, hosted as always by Ian McHugh. There’s a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Joe Louis Walker, who features heavily in the show, and Ian also brings news about two outstanding new blues films you won’t want to miss.

    Musically, it’s a journey through classics and new favourites, including the raw emotion of John Primer and the powerful collaboration between Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush. Katie Bradley and Chris Corcoran light up the speakers with their distinctive style, and we’ve got searing guitar work from the likes of Eric Clapton, Popa Chubby, Matt Schofield, Robin Bibi, Sean Chambers, and Eric Johansen.

    The iconic sounds of Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, Charlie Musselwhite, and the Vaughan Brothers sit comfortably alongside the soulful voices of Janiva Magness, Kyla Brox, Lou Pride, and Ally Venable. There’s also music from Darcy Perry, Jordan Officer, and a brilliant track from Joe Louis Walker that reminds us just how much he’s shaped the modern blues landscape.

    Don’t miss this emotional, exciting and expertly curated episode. As always, like, follow, share, subscribe, and leave a review—it all helps spread the blues even further!

    🎧 Listen now: https://hearthis.at/ian-mchugh/blues-is-the-truth-754/
    #BluesIsTheTruth #JoeLouisWalker #BluesPodcast #NowPlaying #BluesMusic #IanMcHugh
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    2 h