Épisodes

  • Blues is the Truth 787

    Blues is the Truth 787
    Jan 24 2026
    This week on Blues is the Truth the show rolls along in its usual relaxed way, with all the regular features and a playlist that takes a few unexpected turns while staying rooted firmly in the blues. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is one of those episodes that feels easy to sink into, letting the music do the talking.

    The tracks this week come from a rich and varied lineup including Tim Penn and the Second Line, Jimi Barbiani, Thørbjørn Risager and the Black Tornado, Hans Theesink and Terry Evans, Joe Houston and his Rockets, Paul Cowley, Alan Glenn, Junior Wells, Miss Emily, Keb’ Mo’, Tony Joe White, Stef Paglia, Elles Bailey, Alice Armstrong, Burning Rope, Eliza Neals, Giles Robson, Nick Moss, Frenchie Moe, Preston Shannon, Joe Carley and the Old Dry Skulls, Frankie V and the Lonely Club, and Charlie Parr.

    There is plenty of range here, from deep roots blues and swampy grooves to modern, soulful sounds and high energy moments. Some tracks lean back and take their time, others grab you straight away, but they all belong together and tell part of the same story.

    If you like your blues varied, honest and thoughtfully put together, this episode has a lot to offer. Set some time aside, turn it up a little and enjoy where the music takes you.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 786

    Blues is the Truth 786
    Jan 17 2026
    This week Blues is the Truth settles back into its usual groove, with all the regular features in place and a proper spread of blues to ease you through the show. Hosted by Ian McHugh, it is one of those episodes that feels like a good conversation, familiar voices, trusted picks and plenty of moments that remind you why you keep coming back.

    The music this week comes from a wide and wonderfully varied lineup, taking in Junior Watson, Adam Norsworthy, John Hammond, Hubert Dorrigatti, Alex Lopez, BB King, Sean Taylor, Buddy Guy, Clarence Jolly, Gary Grainger, Errol Linton, Chuck Berry, Joe Louis Walker, Cheryl Lescome and the Tuscon Choir Boys, Dave Ferra, Roy Buchanan, Maria Muldaur, Charles Tiner, John Primer, Sugaray Rayford, Long John Hunter and Muddy Waters.

    There is a real sense of balance running through the playlist, from deep roots blues to modern sounds, from raw grit to laid back soul. It is not about rushing from track to track, but letting the music breathe and tell its own story.

    If you like your blues honest, varied and thoughtfully put together, this episode has plenty to enjoy. Stick it on, turn it up just a little, and let the music do the rest.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 785 Sort of Best of 2025

    Blues is the Truth 785 Sort of Best of 2025
    Jan 10 2026
    This week on Blues is the Truth we take a step back and look across the last twelve months with a sort of best of 2025 show. It is not about charts or hype, just a chance to spend time with some of the music that really stood out and stayed with us over the year. The records that got replayed, the tracks that made us stop what we were doing and listen properly, and the artists who reminded us why this music still matters so much.

    Hosted as ever by Ian McHugh, the show brings together a rich spread of contemporary blues and blues rooted sounds, with music from Matt Schofield, Buddy Guy, GA 20, Emma Wilson, John Primer, Monster Mike Welch, Zoe Schwarz Rob Koral and Friends, Andy Twyman, Johnny Burgin, Burning Rope, Roomful of Blues, Robbin Kapsalis, Maria Muldaur, Andrew Duncanson, Richard Clarke, Andy Fairweather Low, Larry McCray, Bob Corritore and Friends, Taj Mahal, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, The Terraplanes Blues Band, Janiva Magness, Bluebird Blues with Ronnie Earl Dave Specter and Barking Bill Smith, and Dave Specter.

    There is no single theme other than quality and feeling. Some of these tracks are fiery and loud, some are subtle and soulful, but they all earned their place by being honest and memorable. It is a reminder of just how strong the blues scene is right now and how much great music is still being made.

    If you have been with the show all year this is a lovely way to revisit some highlights. If you have dipped in and out, or are new to Blues is the Truth, this episode is a great place to jump in. Sit back, turn it up a little and enjoy some of the finest blues sounds of 2025.
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    2 h
  • Blues is the Truth 784 Christmas Special

    Blues is the Truth 784 Christmas Special
    Dec 24 2025
    The 2025 Christmas Special of Blues is the Truth is here and it really does feel like one to settle into with a cup of something warm and the lights turned down low. Hosted by Ian McHugh, this is a full length festive edition packed with great music, familiar voices and that sense of shared celebration that comes with the end of the year.

    There is Christmas spirit running right through the show, with seasonal gems and blues classics from Charles Brown, Christopher Waze and the Tellers with Emma Wilson, Big Harp George, Albert King, Lil Red and the Rooster, John Lee Hooker, Greg Martinez, Eddie C Campbell, Laurence Lebo, Earl King, Vanese Thomas, Chris Daniels and the Kings featuring Lenny Garrett and Jake Schroeder, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Museum Creators New York, Deli Counter Union Springs!, Jimmy Carpenter, Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke, BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert Castiglia, Jim Koeppel, Anson Fundeburgh, The Cash Box Kings, Mike Zito, Floyd McDaniel, Victor Wainwright, Eric Clapton, Laura Cheadle and Ray Charles. It is a wonderful mix of festive warmth, deep blues soul and moments that just make you smile.

    There is also a very special Christmas Blues Driver from Paul Michael, which fits the mood perfectly and rounds the show off in style. It is one of those picks that reminds you why this music means so much and why sharing it matters.

    This Christmas edition is about enjoying the music, remembering a few legends, celebrating the here and now and saying thank you to everyone who listens and keeps Blues is the Truth alive. Stick it on, let it play and enjoy the ride.
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    2 h
  • 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 h
  • 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 h
  • 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 h
  • 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 h