Blues is the Truth

The new episode of Blues is the Truth is up now. Ian McHugh is back at the helm and, as always, the show is supported by the Tuesday night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth.

It is one of those weeks where the playlist just seemed to fall into place. You start with a couple of tracks and before long the whole thing takes on a life of its own. There is some proper heavyweight blues in the mix too. Stevie Ray Vaughan turns up in fine form, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers take things right back to the British blues boom, and there is early Fleetwood Mac reminding everyone just how good they were when the blues was front and centre.

This week’s show also includes a couple of respectful nods to people who meant a great deal to the music. There is a tribute to Mike Vernon, whose work helped shape the British blues scene, and another to John Hammond, a true keeper of the tradition who left an enormous mark on the blues world.

You will also hear the great Freddie King, Albert Collins, Junior Wells and Otis Rush. That alone would make for a decent show, but there is plenty more going on. Selwyn Birchwood brings a modern edge, Duke Robillard is on terrific form as always, and John Hammond appears twice with a couple of tracks that are well worth the space.

Elsewhere there is music from Nick Curran, Jordan Officer and Laura Chavez, plus a welcome appearance from Connie Lush. Terry Marshall and Friends keep things moving nicely, the Paul Michael Band are in there again, and you will also hear Mike Vernon and the Mighty Combo, Doc Stenson and the Amazing Hot Shots, Richard Carr, Boogie Beasts, Jerry Portnoy and the Streamliners, and Studebaker John.

It is a cracking mix this week. Old school blues, newer sounds, a few surprises along the way. Give it a spin and see what you think.

A new episode of Blues is the Truth is ready to go, and this one carries a real sense of connection, past and present. Hosted by Ian McHugh and supported by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, the show brings together legends, rising stars and some very special tributes.

There is beautiful, heartfelt music from the album With a Little Help from my Friends, a Tribute to Matt Long, celebrating a musician who meant so much to so many. Alongside that, you will hear the unmistakable voices and guitars of John Lee Hooker, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Albert King, sitting naturally alongside the contemporary brilliance of Sunjay, Alice Armstrong, The Paul Michael Band, Omar Coleman and Igor Prado, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Crystal Shawanda and Duke Robillard.

There is space too for the deep roots and storytelling that make this music what it is, with sounds from Andy Cohen, Eleanor Ellis and William Lee Ellis, Studebaker John, Hurricane Howl, Theo Sieben, Brother Ray Lemellin and the Matinee Kings, and a moment featuring Matt Long alongside Joe Bonamassa that feels especially meaningful.

This is what the show has always been about. Keeping the music alive, respecting where it came from, and sharing where it is going next.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.