Episodes

  • Blues is the Truth 783

    Blues is the Truth 783
    Dec 19 2025
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is up now and it is another one of those shows that just feels good to put together and even better to listen back to. Hosted by Ian McHugh, this week is all about letting the music do its thing, with the regular features ticking along and plenty of moments that stop you in your tracks.

    There is a brilliant spread of music this time from Tad Robinson, Emma Wilson, The Greaseland All Stars, Monster Mike Welch, Buddy Whittington, Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa, Del Bromham, Tim Aves and Wolfpack, The Hoax, Chad Strenz, The Vibrationists, The Notting Hillbillies, Guitar Shorty, John Lee Hooker, Rock Candy Funk Party, Little Walter, Royal Enfield, Mary Lane, Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite, Steve Howell and the Mighty Men, Angela Strehli, Chuck Jackson’s Big Bad Blues Band and Lil’ Red and the Rooster. It is a mix that moves easily between roots, soul, grit and groove, with every track chosen for a reason.

    If you fancy a couple of hours in good company with some great music, this one is well worth your time. Stick it on, turn it up a little and enjoy.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 782

    Blues is the Truth 782
    Dec 13 2025
    The new edition of Blues is the Truth is ready to go and this one carries a little extra weight and meaning. Hosted by Ian McHugh, the show brings all the regular features together with a wonderful run of music and a heartfelt nod to one of the true legends.

    This week includes music from the legendary Steve Cropper, whose passing has been felt right across the music world. His influence, feel and unmistakable touch run through so much of the music we love, and it feels right to celebrate that legacy alongside so many great artists.

    You will hear tracks from Otis Redding, Booker T and The MGs, GA 20, Connolly Hayes, Andrew Duncanson, Aaron Pollock, Katie Bradley, Otis Grand, Laura Tate, Zac Schulze Gang, Mark Knowell, Tinsley Ellis, Fantastic Negrito, David Sinclair 4, Lightning Hopkins and His Guitar, Duwayne Burnside, Madeline Peyroux, Buddy Guy, Breezy Rodio, Donna Herula, Eddie Boyd and His Blues Band, Matt Schofield, Jesse Guitar Taylor and Morblus. It is a rich and soulful listen that moves easily between classics and modern favourites.

    Blues is the Truth is about taking time with the music, letting it breathe and enjoying the shared experience. Settle in, turn it up and enjoy the journey.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the truth 781

    Blues is the truth 781
    Dec 6 2025
    A fresh episode of Blues is the Truth is ready for you and there is a touch of Christmas spirit starting to sneak into the mix. Nothing too full on yet but just enough to put a little shine on your week while the blues keep rolling strong.

    This one is packed with amazing music from the very best including Bessie Smith, Christopher Waze and the Tellers with the wonderful Emma Wilson, Eddie Cotton, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Texas Fire, Etta James, Cleveland Blue, Greg Coulson, Jimmie Vaughan, John Mayer, Reckless and Blue, Dwight Yokum, Mike Bourne Band, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Sharon Lewis, Dave Kelly, Mark Cameron, Yuri Apsy, Duwayne Burnside, King Curtis, Eric Clapton, Lloyd Spiegal, Royal Southern Brotherhood and Mississippi Heat. It is a beautiful blend of legends, favourites and a few surprises to keep you smiling.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 780

    Blues is the Truth 780
    Nov 29 2025
    The new Blues is the Truth has landed and it is a beauty. Ian is back with all the familiar features and a playlist that runs from raw roots grit to smooth late night soul. This week you will hear Juke Joint Johnny, Dave Specter, Eddie Boyd, Tail Dragger, Andy Twyman, Willie J Laws Jr, Jim Allchin, Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle, The Headhunters Blues Band, Ry Cooder, Mississippi Shakedown, Buddy Guy with John Mayer, JB Lenoir, Kenny Neal, Miss Emily, Milwaukee and Friends, Jason Ellmore and Hoodoo Witch, Marcia Ball, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Etta James, Lachy Doley, Joe Louis Walker, Chris Duarte, Brooks Williams and Dave Thomas. It is a feast from start to finish and a perfect way to brighten your day.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 779

    Blues is the Truth 779
    Nov 22 2025
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is packed with the spirit of the music we love. Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues set the tone before GA 20, Will Johns and Mike Welch and the Repeat Offenders keep the energy flowing. You will also hear The Crusaders with BB King, The Tangiers Blues Band, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Arthur Big Boy Crudup, Brinsley Schwarz, Paul Michael Band and one of those magic moments from Buddy Guy with Jack Bruce and Buddy Miles.

    Eddie Boyd and Freddy King add real depth to this week’s journey, Quintus McCormick and Linsey Alexander bring serious soul and National Gallery offer something a little different that fits beautifully. Kirk Fletcher and Robert Cray show why they are among the modern greats and Jimmy Johnson reminds us just how good he always was. Shemekia Copeland, Omar Coleman, Elmore James and Mississippi MacDonald round things off with style.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 778

    Blues is the Truth 778
    Nov 15 2025
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is ready for you and it is packed with soul, grit and some real fire from across the blues world. Ian McHugh guides you through a fresh batch of brilliant tracks including Wailin’ Walker, Trev Turley and Yve, Mr Smood, Roomful of Blues, Aaron Burton, the Rolling Stones, Mud Morganfield with Kim Wilson, Tom Hambridge, Lonnie Mack and Ron Hendee.

    You also get Joe Bonamassa, Booker T and the MGs, Buddy Guy, BB and the Bullets, Robin Kapsalis, Mark Cameron, Keb’Mo’, Sonny Landreth, Mike Bourne Band, Dave Acari, Randy Lee Riviere, Big Daddy Wilson, Manu Lavin’, Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe and Breezy Rodio. It is a proper ride from start to finish with all the regular features in place and some real surprises along the way.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 777

    Blues is the Truth 777
    Nov 9 2025
    It’s back to business this week on Blues is the Truth with host Ian McHugh guiding you through another two hours of the finest blues on the planet. All the regular features are here, and the music is top shelf from start to finish.

    You’ll hear from Robert Cray, Hubert Dorigatti and Jason Ricci, Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse, David Sinclair Four, Emma Wilson, Anthony Geracci, Larkin Poe, Chris Corcoran, Ian Parker, and Chuck Jackson’s Big Bad Blues Band. Plus The Teskey Brothers, The Cashbox Kings, Buddy Guy, Mighty Sam McClain, Stevie Watts Organ Trio with Alice Armstrong, Kenny Neal, John Lee Hooker, Albert Castiglia, Fran McGilivray and Mike Burke, Steel Union, Fleetwood Mac, Robert Johnson, Jerry Portnoy and the Streamliners, Bob Stroger and the Headcutters, and Dominic Shoemaker.

    It’s the real sound of the blues – no gimmicks, no filler, just pure feeling. Dive in and tell us what you think of this week’s picks!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 776

    Blues is the Truth 776
    Nov 2 2025
    This week’s episode of Blues is the Truth takes a slightly different path — a little less chat from Ian, but a whole lot more music! Sometimes the best thing to do is just let the blues do the talking, and this show does exactly that.

    Paul’s back with another stellar Blues Driver choice, keeping the wheels spinning and the mood just right. It’s wall-to-wall great tracks, handpicked for anyone who loves that deep, soulful groove.

    Give it a listen, turn it up, and let us know what you think — we love hearing your thoughts!
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    2 hrs