Episodios

  • Blues is the Truth 763

    Blues is the Truth 763
    Jul 19 2025
    The latest edition of Blues is the Truth is packed with deep grooves, red hot solos and all the soul you could ask for. Whether you’re a fan of electric fire or acoustic grit this show has something for every kind of blues lover. As always you’ll get all the regular features including the Blues Driver with Paul Michal and the latest gig news from across the scene.

    This week’s episode features music from Big Three Trio, Connor Selby, Freddie King, The Cinelli Brothers, Eric Gales, Katie Bradley, Larry McCray, Jimi Hendrix, Willy Buck and Bob Corritore, Bessie’s Blues, Boz Scaggs, Kirky TG and Sinkin’ Down, Trev Turley, Lonnie Brooks, Jimi Primetime Smith, Billy Walton Band, Gary Moore, Nick Curran, Howling Wolf, JW Jones, Dave Ferra, Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe and Lurrie Bell.

    Proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth where the music is always alive and kicking.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 762

    Blues is the Truth 762
    Jul 12 2025
    The new edition of Blues is the Truth is live and ready to roll! Proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, this week’s show shines a spotlight on some of the incredible talent appearing at this year’s Ealing Blues Festival. The first half is a celebration of the artists taking the stage in Walpole Park, and the second half digs deep into the roots and branches of the blues.

    Host Ian McHugh kicks things off with a setlist packed full of artists featured at this year’s festival, including the powerhouse energy of Little Mike and the Tornados, the double-shot of Robert Hokum and the Guv’nors, the smooth intensity of Bluez’d, and the explosive talent of Toby Lee. Also appearing are the Paul Cook Blues Band with Katie Bradley, Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, Geoff Garbow Band, and the raw Mississippi power of Cedric Burnside.

    The festival focus wraps up with the slide-driven magic of Jack Broadbent, the ever-impressive Elles Bailey, and a brand new track from Ian McHugh himself.

    In the second half, the show shifts into wider territory, showcasing stone-cold classics and standout deep cuts. You’ll hear the unmistakable growl of John Lee Hooker, the ice-cool sting of Albert Collins, and the smooth soul of Johnny Rawls. There’s also a star-packed turn from Bonnie Raitt et al, plus timeless sounds from Robert Nighthawk, Big Mama Thornton, and John Mayall and the Blues Breakers.

    To round things off, there’s a taste of local legacy with Papa George and a rare track from Crawdaddy legends The Others.

    It’s a show rooted in tradition and bursting with contemporary fire. Whether you’re heading to the Ealing Blues Festival or tuning in from afar, this one’s got your weekend soundtrack sorted.
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    2 h
  • 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