Episodios

  • Blues is the Truth 771
    Sep 27 2025
    A brand new episode of Blues is the Truth is now live, hosted by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. As always, it is packed with the very best blues from across the decades and around the world.

    This week you’ll hear the icy fire of Albert Collins, the soulful sound of Emma Wilson, the raw grit of Watermelon Slim and the Workers, the timeless groove of Roomful of Blues, and the uplifting power of David Sinclair Four. We have classics from Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell, Willie Buck, and Little Hat, alongside contemporary energy from Rashad the Blues Kid, Chris Rand and the Heavy Echo, Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, and Miss Emily.

    The journey continues with the Reverend Shaun Amos, Pierre Lacoque’s Mississippi Heat, Andy Twyman, Jerron Paxton, the Alabama Lovesnakes, BB and the Bullets, Sherman Robertson, Pops Fletcher and the Hucksters, Robert Finley, Dan Hubbard, Ronnie Earl, and Hubert Dorigatti. From legends to fresh talent, this show has it all.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Tuth 770
    Sep 14 2025
    It’s time for another brand-new edition of Blues is the Truth with your host Ian McHugh, proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. As always, it’s packed with the finest blues from across the decades alongside gig news, stories, and the features you love.

    This week’s show brings together a rich mix of legends, rising stars, and fresh voices. You’ll hear the piano mastery of Professor Longhair, the slide guitar fire of Dave Acari, the soulful tones of Maria Muldaur, and the Chicago grit of Muddy Waters. There’s raw energy from Mad Dog Blues, Earl Thomas, Johnny Burgin, and Juke Joint Johnny, alongside powerhouse performances from Roomful of Blues, Buddy Guy, and The Blues Band.

    Albert Castiglia teams up with Alabama Mike, while Eric Clapton joins Tracy Chapman in a remarkable live performance. The new generation is represented with tracks from Tom Hambridge, Selwyn Birchwood, Monster Mike Welch, Son Henry, and Andy Twyman, while Koko Taylor, Paul Lamb, and John Lee Hooker bring timeless blues authenticity. Rounding out the set are gems from Guy King, Guy Bélanger, Big Joe Shelton, and Charlie and the Bluescats.

    It’s two hours of nothing but the best in blues — old and new, familiar and surprising — all tied together by Ian’s trademark passion for the music.

    Tune in and let the blues take hold.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 769
    Sep 6 2025
    The latest episode of Blues is the Truth is live, hosted as always by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth. This week’s show is packed with the regular features you love, plus some very special news — there’s gig news to share and details of a brand new festival being planned in tribute to the late, great Robert Hokum.

    The music is as rich and varied as ever. You’ll hear the guitar mastery of Duke Robillard, the unforgettable partnership of Monster Mike Welch and Mike Ledbetter, and the soulful fire of Larry McCray. Blues royalty is in the spotlight with tracks from BB King, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the one and only Muddy Waters.

    The British scene is well represented too, with the Chris Corcoran Trio, Robert Hokum and Devil Drives, Connie Lush, Michael Messer, Dave Kelly, Kai Strauss, and Chris Youlden and the Slammers all stepping up to the plate. You’ll also catch standout performances from Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, The Forty4s, John Lee Hooker, Coco Montoya, and the team-up of Jimmie Vaughan and Omar Kent Dykes.

    It’s a show that mixes legends with modern greats, delivers plenty of news alongside the music, and celebrates the very best in blues from both sides of the Atlantic.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 768
    Aug 30 2025
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth, hosted by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth, is ready to roll.

    This week’s show features a huge spread of blues. You’ll hear the power and passion of Bernard Allison, the soulful fire of Earl Thomas, and brand-new sounds from Tom Hambridge. There’s wit and charm from Andy Twyman, and a dose of guitar royalty from Eric Clapton.

    The groove keeps flowing with Benny Turner and Cash McCall, Latin spice from Santana, and deep cuts from Brother Ray Lemolin and the Matinee Kings alongside the Joel Dupuis Band. The classics stand tall too, with Muddy Waters, the red-hot fretwork of Monster Mike Welch, and stylish performances from Jacques Peña and Chris Vincent and the Raw Deals.

    The late, great Lucky Peterson makes an appearance, joined by the smooth tones of Chad Strentz, acoustic intensity from John Hammond, and the full-tilt sound of Otis Grand. Add in BB and the Bullets, Lil’ Red and the Rooster, heartfelt songs by Scott Low, and the mighty Quintus McCormick Blues Band, and you’ve already got a feast. To top it all off, the show closes with three legends together: Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.

    It’s two hours of blues in every shade — modern, classic, soulful, electric, acoustic — and you don’t want to miss it.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 767
    Aug 23 2025
    The latest edition of Blues is the Truth is ready to roll and it’s packed with a huge variety of sounds from every corner of the blues. You’ll hear the raw power of Big Mama Thornton, Otis Rush, Albert King and T-Bone Walker alongside the modern fire of Breezy Rodio, Luca Kiella, The Cinelli Brothers, Kathy and the Kilowatts and Half Deaf Clatch.

    There’s room for some legendary names too, with Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Lightning Hopkins all taking their place in the mix. We revisit the grit of George “Wild Child” Butler and the Howlin’ Wolf Band, the guitar fireworks of Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and the Chicago shuffle of Smokin’ Joe Kubek. There are surprises with Tomiko Dixon, Maria McKee, the Slimline Shufflers and The Steady Rollin’ Revue making appearances, plus the soulful swing of Chris Corcoran and the energy of the Kerry Kearney Band.

    Whether it’s the timeless edge of Howlin’ Wolf himself or the fresh perspectives of today’s rising stars, this episode is a reminder of why the blues remains as vital as ever.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 766
    Aug 16 2025
    Blues is the Truth – Episode 766

    This week’s episode of Blues is the Truth is a rich tapestry of legends, modern voices, and heartfelt farewells. Sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, it blends deep grooves with emotional resonance and classic fire.

    Host Ian McHugh presents a set full of soulful power, from the swampy swagger of The 251s to the guitar mastery of Steve Howe. There’s classic blues-rock from Derek and the Dominos, while Andres Roots and Keb’Mo’ keep the contemporary flame alive. Emma Wilson and The Terraplanes Blues Band bring UK blues passion, Delaney and Bonnie add soulful chemistry, and Giles Robson & The Dirty Aces light the strings on fire.

    Deepening the mix, Taj Mahal taps into foundational roots, and Johnny Iguana brings his inventive piano energy. A historic collaboration between Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton delivers electric resonance, while Maria Muldaur drips soul. The exotic tones of Vintage 18, the bluesy grit of Sheryl Youngblood, and the grooves of Andrew Duncanson, Big Mamas Door, and Breezy Rodio keep things lively and varied.

    Adding a nostalgic twist, George Harrison brings his folk-blues warmth, Brother Buffalo adds fresh acoustic poignancy, and Rory Block serves finger-picked storytelling. Tommy Castro and the Painkillers fuel modern energy, followed by the deep resonance of Muddy Waters and the refined vocality of Robert Cray.

    We also pay homage to Bobby Whitlock, whose music—and life—passed this week. Whitlock’s influence, particularly through his songwriting and keys in Derek and the Dominos, helped shape the blues-rock lexicon. His passing is felt across the landscape we celebrate each episode.

    This one’s a soulful journey through blues past, present, and future—full of heart, history, and fire.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 765
    Aug 9 2025
    Blues is the Truth is back with edition 765 and it is overflowing with great music and pure blues spirit. This week’s playlist takes you from gritty roadhouse grooves to soul-soaked vocals and hard-hitting guitar licks.

    We open with the powerhouse playing of Popa Chubby and keep the energy high with Sister Suzie and Papa George. Jimmie Vaughan and Koko Taylor bring the Texas and Chicago flavours, while Bad Temper Joe and Buddy Guy deliver the kind of deep emotional playing only the blues can give.

    The Rolling Stones show their love for the genre, Garry Burnside and Kent Burnside keep the Mississippi juke joint spirit alive, and Bobby Blue Bland shows why he is one of the great soul-blues voices. Shannon Curfmann and The Cinelli Brothers bring fresh fire, while The Bobettes and Mike Henderson add their own unique twists.

    Smokin’ Joe Kubeck and Bnois King, Albert Collins, and Bob Margolin keep the guitar greatness flowing. We also feature John Christopher Morgan, Long John Baldry, The Untouchables, Yates McKendree, The Altered Five Blues Band, Quintus McCormick Blues Band, and Larry McCray to round out a packed set.

    As always we are proudly supported by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. There is no better place to experience the blues up close and personal.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 764
    Jul 25 2025
    This week’s edition of Blues is the Truth is bursting with energy, soul, and some seriously good playing. From legendary names to fresh discoveries, show 764 takes you deep into the heart of the blues.

    We’ve got Oscar Wilson bringing Chicago grit, Otis Rush delivering timeless intensity, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band lighting things up with that powerhouse sound. Matt Schofield and 24 Pesos add some British fire, while Magic Slim and the Teardrops pull us deep into the raw groove of classic blues.

    There’s stellar guitar work from Hans Theesink with Terry Evans, and the unmistakable touch of Bob Margolin, Otis Grand, and Mike Ross. Paul Michael and the Blues Recruits bring the modern edge, while Sleepy John Estes and Charlie Parr give us rootsy honesty.

    Also featuring the Johnny Max Band, Patrick Verbeke, the Jimmys, ZZ Top, Jerry Portnoy and the Streamliners, and Tad Robinson.

    Proudly supported by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, where the spirit of live blues is alive and kicking every week.
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    2 h