Episodes

  • 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!
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 775

    Blues is the Truth 775
    Oct 28 2025
    It’s been one of those weeks where the blues feels especially right — a little late getting this one out, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. 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, takes you deep into the heart of the music we love.

    This week, we journey from the smoky Chicago clubs of Hounddog Taylor and the Houserockers to the modern soul of Tedeschi Trucks Band and Vanessa Collier. Along the way you’ll hear legends and rising stars side by side — Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duke Robillard, Doug MacLeod, and Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames all take their turn in the spotlight.

    But there’s more than just big names. There’s the raw, heartfelt playing of Hubert Dorigatti and Roly Platt, the pure energy of the Paul Cook Blues Band featuring Katie Bradley, the groove-laden sound of Mumbo Jumbo, and the always inspired work from Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and Friends. Add to that Pierre Lacoque’s Mississippi Heat, Boy Green, Bon Temps Rouler Sessions, and The Steady Rollin’ Revue — and you’ve got a show that runs from the deep roots of the blues to its ever-evolving present.

    There’s gig news, the regular features you love, and a little bit of that late-night magic that only the blues can bring.

    🎧 Tune in and let the blues take over
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 774

    Blues is the Truth 774
    Oct 18 2025
    The new episode of Blues is the Truth is ready to roll!

    Hosted by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, this week’s show dives deep into the heart of the blues with music from The Phantom Blues Band, Marcus King, Captain Morgan Express, Bon Temps Rouler Sessions, Brooks Williams, Miss Emily, Shirley Johnson, Paul Cook Blues Band featuring Katie Bradley, Hubert Dorigatti and Fabrizio Poggi, Boo Boo Davis, Roberto Ciotti, Thomas Atlas, the Delmark All Stars, Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and Friends, Travellin’ Blue Kings, Paul Garner Blues Band, Big Time Sarah, Fleetwood Mac, Mr G and the Faith Healers, Eric Bibb, Joanna Connor, and Eric Clapton.

    There’s gig news, great conversation, and all the regular features that make this show a must for any blues fan.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 773

    Blues is the Truth 773
    Oct 11 2025
    The brand new episode of Blues is the Truth is out now! Presented by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth, this week’s show brings you another two hours packed with the best in blues, soul, and groove.

    You’ll hear classics and fresh cuts from Pinetop Perkins, Burning Rope, Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, Eddy Boyd and His Blues Band featuring Peter Green, Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and Friends, Matt Schofield, Bon Temps Rouler Sessions, Little Feat, JW Jones, AC Reed, Break Out, Benny Turner and Cash McCall, Emma Wilson, Koko Taylor, the Delmark All Stars, Altered 5 Blues Band, Lurrie Bell, Shirley Johnson, The Cinelli Brothers, Coco Montoya, Delbert McClinton, and Jimmy Burns with the Soul Message Band.

    It’s a soulful, guitar-rich mix celebrating the depth and joy of the blues from Chicago to London and beyond.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 772

    Blues is the Truth 772
    Oct 4 2025
    🔥 The brand new episode of Blues is the Truth is here, hosted by Ian McHugh and proudly sponsored by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun, Isleworth!

    This week’s show is packed with passion, groove, and grit, the kind of blues that moves both your heart and your feet. There’s fresh energy from Burning Rope, soulful class from Jimmy Burns and the Soul Message Band, and powerhouse performances from Emma Wilson, Buddy Guy, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

    You’ll also hear Giles Robson, Jimmy Johnson, Moreland and Arbuckle, John Mayer, Ian Siegal, Mark Harrison, and Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames alongside legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Lucky Peterson Band, and Watermelon Slim and the Workers. Add in a few surprises from Tom Clarence Atlee & Gwen Foster, Greg Coulson, Lachy Doley, and Sean Taylor, and you’ve got one truly unmissable episode.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 771

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Tuth 770

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 769

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs