Épisodes

  • 23 Blues is the Truth 791

    23 Blues is the Truth 791
    Feb 21 2026
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is now live, hosted by Ian McHugh and supported by the wonderful Tuesday night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. This week’s show is a beautiful journey through the heart and soul of the blues, bringing together legends, pioneers, and artists who are carrying the music forward today.

    You will hear the unmistakable partnership of Smokin’ Joe Kubeck and Bnois King, the raw energy of Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, and the timeless brilliance of Savoy Brown and Traffic. There is deep blues feeling from BB King and Lowell Fulson, Elmore James, King Curtis, and Mike Bloomfield, alongside modern voices like Mississippi MacDonald, Mike Ross, Larkin Poe, and Gary Clark Jr, all proving just how alive this music remains.

    There are wonderful moments too from JJ Grey and Mofro, Rufus Thomas, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Rory Block, Mad Dog Lester Davenport, The Steady Rolling Revue, Dave Kelly, Muddy What?, Professor’s Blues Review, and Paul Boddy, each bringing their own voice and spirit to the show. And of course, no episode would be complete without the unmistakable presence of Buddy Guy, reminding us why the blues continues to inspire generation after generation.

    Settle in, turn it up, and enjoy the journey.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 790

    Blues is the Truth 790
    Feb 14 2026
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is up now, hosted as always by Ian McHugh and kindly supported by the Tuesday night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. This week there is something genuinely special, with not one but two world exclusive first plays from the Paul Michael Band. Brand new music, heard here first, and a real privilege to share it with you.

    Alongside those exclusives, the show travels through the roots and branches of the blues, from the unmistakable sound of Junior Wells and Big Bill Broonzy, through to the modern fire of When Rivers Meet, Burning Rope and Thomas Heppell. There is soul and feeling from Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Kyla Brox, Nicole Hart and Percy Sledge, and timeless class from Eric Clapton, BB King and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

    You will also hear Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes, Marcus Bonfanti, Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow, Michael Messer, Andy Watts with Joe Louis Walker, Mad Dog Lester Davenport, Farmhand, The Untouchables, Voodoo Men, and more. It all comes together in the way Blues is the Truth always does, with great music, real feeling, and that sense of discovery that keeps the blues alive.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 789

    Blues is the Truth 789
    Feb 7 2026
    This week’s Blues is the Truth is one of those shows that gently pulls you along, track by track, without ever feeling rushed. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is built around the music, letting different voices and styles sit side by side and speak for themselves.

    The playlist opens out across a wide stretch of blues and soul, with music from The Reverend Shaun Amos bringing his deep rooted storytelling, alongside the unmistakable sound of Snooks Eaglin and the raw influence of Robert Johnson. There is modern British blues in the mix too, with Mick Clarke, Mississippi MacDonald, Otis Walker Band and Mason Jar Music and Friends all adding their own flavour.

    Ian Siegal appears with his trademark grit and wit, while Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow bring a more reflective touch. Gladys Knight and the Pips remind us just how close blues and soul have always been, before Buddy Guy steps in with that voice and guitar that still command attention every single time.

    Elsewhere in the show you will hear Charlie Barath, AC Reed, Spencer Mackenzie and Tommy Castro, each offering something distinct, alongside the laid back authority of Keb’ Mo’. There are also contributions from Yuri Apsy, Christina Crofts and Johnny Burgin, adding texture and contrast as the show unfolds.

    The deeper cuts come from Jimmy Witherspoon, Farmhand and Ed Almstrom, while Johnny Max Band keeps things moving with a strong band feel that ties everything together.

    It is a varied episode, but one that hangs together naturally, moving between eras, styles and moods without forcing the pace. If you enjoy blues that feels chosen rather than programmed, this one is well worth your time.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h et 1 min
  • Blues is the Truth 788

    Blues is the Truth 788
    Jan 31 2026
    This week on Blues is the Truth the show has a real easy going feel, the kind you can sink into and just enjoy from start to finish. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is one of those episodes where the playlist does a lot of the talking, moving smoothly between big names, deep roots and a few lovely surprises along the way.

    The music this time comes from Gary Clark Jr, Gregg Allman, James Brown, Derek Trucks Band, The Steady Rollin’ Revue, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters 100 with James Cotton, Paul Garner Trio, Taj Mahal, Billy Price, Albert Castiglia, RL Burnside, Devon Allman, Burning Rope, Andy Fairweather Low, Pee Wee Crayton, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, BB King and Clarence Gatemouth Brown.

    There is a great sense of flow through this episode, from gritty blues and southern soul to groove heavy moments and tracks that just make you smile when they come on. It feels like a shared listening session rather than a show that is trying too hard, and that is very much the point.

    If you fancy an hour or two with music you trust, artists you love and a few tracks you might want to go back to again, this one is well worth your time. Stick it on, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 787

    Blues is the Truth 787
    Jan 24 2026
    This week on Blues is the Truth the show rolls along in its usual relaxed way, with all the regular features and a playlist that takes a few unexpected turns while staying rooted firmly in the blues. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is one of those episodes that feels easy to sink into, letting the music do the talking.

    The tracks this week come from a rich and varied lineup including Tim Penn and the Second Line, Jimi Barbiani, Thørbjørn Risager and the Black Tornado, Hans Theesink and Terry Evans, Joe Houston and his Rockets, Paul Cowley, Alan Glenn, Junior Wells, Miss Emily, Keb’ Mo’, Tony Joe White, Stef Paglia, Elles Bailey, Alice Armstrong, Burning Rope, Eliza Neals, Giles Robson, Nick Moss, Frenchie Moe, Preston Shannon, Joe Carley and the Old Dry Skulls, Frankie V and the Lonely Club, and Charlie Parr.

    There is plenty of range here, from deep roots blues and swampy grooves to modern, soulful sounds and high energy moments. Some tracks lean back and take their time, others grab you straight away, but they all belong together and tell part of the same story.

    If you like your blues varied, honest and thoughtfully put together, this episode has a lot to offer. Set some time aside, turn it up a little and enjoy where the music takes you.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 786

    Blues is the Truth 786
    Jan 17 2026
    This week Blues is the Truth settles back into its usual groove, with all the regular features in place and a proper spread of blues to ease you through the show. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is one of those episodes that feels like a good conversation, familiar voices, trusted picks and plenty of moments that remind you why you keep coming back.

    The music this week comes from a wide and wonderfully varied lineup, taking in Junior Watson, Adam Norsworthy, John Hammond, Hubert Dorrigatti, Alex Lopez, BB King, Sean Taylor, Buddy Guy, Clarence Jolly, Gary Grainger, Errol Linton, Chuck Berry, Joe Louis Walker, Cheryl Lescome and the Tuscon Choir Boys, Dave Ferra, Roy Buchanan, Maria Muldaur, Charles Tiner, John Primer, Sugaray Rayford, Long John Hunter and Muddy Waters.

    There is a real sense of balance running through the playlist, from deep roots blues to modern sounds, from raw grit to laid back soul. It is not about rushing from track to track, but letting the music breathe and tell its own story.

    If you like your blues honest, varied and thoughtfully put together, this episode has plenty to enjoy. Stick it on, turn it up just a little, and let the music do the rest.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 785 Sort of Best of 2025

    Blues is the Truth 785 Sort of Best of 2025
    Jan 10 2026
    This week on Blues is the Truth we take a step back and look across the last twelve months with a sort of best of 2025 show. It is not about charts or hype, just a chance to spend time with some of the music that really stood out and stayed with us over the year. The records that got replayed, the tracks that made us stop what we were doing and listen properly, and the artists who reminded us why this music still matters so much.

    Hosted as ever by Ian McHugh, the show brings together a rich spread of contemporary blues and blues rooted sounds, with music from Matt Schofield, Buddy Guy, GA 20, Emma Wilson, John Primer, Monster Mike Welch, Zoe Schwarz Rob Koral and Friends, Andy Twyman, Johnny Burgin, Burning Rope, Roomful of Blues, Robbin Kapsalis, Maria Muldaur, Andrew Duncanson, Richard Clarke, Andy Fairweather Low, Larry McCray, Bob Corritore and Friends, Taj Mahal, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, The Terraplanes Blues Band, Janiva Magness, Bluebird Blues with Ronnie Earl Dave Specter and Barking Bill Smith, and Dave Specter.

    There is no single theme other than quality and feeling. Some of these tracks are fiery and loud, some are subtle and soulful, but they all earned their place by being honest and memorable. It is a reminder of just how strong the blues scene is right now and how much great music is still being made.

    If you have been with the show all year this is a lovely way to revisit some highlights. If you have dipped in and out, or are new to Blues is the Truth, this episode is a great place to jump in. Sit back, turn it up a little and enjoy some of the finest blues sounds of 2025.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 784 Christmas Special

    Blues is the Truth 784 Christmas Special
    Dec 24 2025
    The 2025 Christmas Special of Blues is the Truth is here and it really does feel like one to settle into with a cup of something warm and the lights turned down low. Hosted by Ian McHugh, this is a full length festive edition packed with great music, familiar voices and that sense of shared celebration that comes with the end of the year.

    There is Christmas spirit running right through the show, with seasonal gems and blues classics from Charles Brown, Christopher Waze and the Tellers with Emma Wilson, Big Harp George, Albert King, Lil Red and the Rooster, John Lee Hooker, Greg Martinez, Eddie C Campbell, Laurence Lebo, Earl King, Vanese Thomas, Chris Daniels and the Kings featuring Lenny Garrett and Jake Schroeder, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Museum Creators New York, Deli Counter Union Springs!, Jimmy Carpenter, Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke, BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert Castiglia, Jim Koeppel, Anson Fundeburgh, The Cash Box Kings, Mike Zito, Floyd McDaniel, Victor Wainwright, Eric Clapton, Laura Cheadle and Ray Charles. It is a wonderful mix of festive warmth, deep blues soul and moments that just make you smile.

    There is also a very special Christmas Blues Driver from Paul Michael, which fits the mood perfectly and rounds the show off in style. It is one of those picks that reminds you why this music means so much and why sharing it matters.

    This Christmas edition is about enjoying the music, remembering a few legends, celebrating the here and now and saying thank you to everyone who listens and keeps Blues is the Truth alive. Stick it on, let it play and enjoy the ride.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    2 h