Episodes

  • Blues is the Truth 767

    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 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 766

    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 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 765

    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 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 764

    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 hrs
  • 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 hrs
  • 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 hrs
  • 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 hrs
  • 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 hrs