Blues is the Truth

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...

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, w...

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 Wil...

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...

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,...

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...

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 Ba...

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 Jo...

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...

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...

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 T...

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 K...

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 featur...

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 performance...

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 tim...

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 p...

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 an...

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...

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 Eri...

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...

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,...

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 som...

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 musi...

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 branche...

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, r...