Episodes

  • Blues is the Truth 729

    Blues is the Truth 729
    Nov 15 2024
    In the latest edition of Blues is the Truth, hosted by the always engaging Ian McHugh, we bring you another electrifying mix of blues that’s sure to keep your toes tapping and your heart singing. As always, the show features beloved segments like Blues Driver, Title Track Tango, and The Song Remains the Same, offering unique takes on the genre we love.

    This week’s lineup includes incredible music from Freddie King, The Terraplanes Blues Band, ZZ Top, Jimi Barbiani, Jerron Paxton, Corey Harris, Lowell Fulson, Leavin’ Trunk, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Ian Siegal meets Johnny Mastro, Ori Naftali Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ruthless Blues, Robert Hokum and Devil Drives, Breezy Rodio, The Hitman Blues Band, Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson, Larkin Poe, Albert Castiglia, Eva Carboni, Bjorn Peter Thissel, Mandolin Jack, and Buddy Guy.

    Don’t miss a beat – listen now and immerse yourself in the sounds of legends and rising stars alike. Subscribe, share, rate, and review to help us keep spreading the blues love and growing the community!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 728

    Blues is the Truth 728
    Nov 8 2024
    Get ready for another electrifying episode of Blues is the Truth, hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Ian McHugh! This week’s show is packed with an incredible lineup of blues legends and emerging talent, bringing you both classic and contemporary sounds. You’ll hear tracks from the iconic Ry Cooder, the soulful Mississippi MacDonald, and the powerful Kyla Brox, as well as new favourites like The Cinelli Brothers, Murali Coryell, and Patrick West.

    Don’t miss the show’s beloved regular features, Blues Driver, Title Track Tango and The Song Remains the Same where we dive into the stories behind the songs, showcasing the heart and history of the blues. Also featured are tracks by Oscar Wilson, Giles Robson, John O’Leary and Point Blank, Rob Millis, and the legendary Dave Kelly. Fans of powerful vocals and intricate guitar work will love performances from artists like Warren Haynes, CW Ayon, The Two Bad Jims, and the Chris Bevington Organisation.

    We’re also spinning timeless tunes from blues legends Freddie King, Sweet Papa Lowdown, Jimmy Rogers, and the captivating Robert Finley, among others. Join us as we dive deep into the world of blues with this unbeatable playlist, celebrating the genre’s raw energy and emotional power.

    Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review Blues is the Truth to keep the blues alive and never miss an episode!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 727 Tribute to Robert Hokum

    Blues is the Truth 727 Tribute to Robert Hokum
    Nov 1 2024
    Blues is the Truth - Tribute to Robert Hokum

    In this special episode, Blues is the Truth pays tribute to the late, great Robert Hokum. We’re celebrating his life and legacy with an intimate look back at his work and impact on the blues scene. This episode includes a 2020 interview with Robert where he opens up about his “musical DNA” and shares stories from the Ealing Blues Festival, which he helped shape into a landmark blues event in the UK.

    The episode features music from Robert himself and some of his standout projects, including Blues Sans Frontiers, Robert Hokum and the Guv’nors, The Great West Groove, and The Robert Hokum Revue. You’ll also hear from artists who influenced and inspired him, like BB King, The Shadows, Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, and Doris Henderson with the Robert Hokum Blues Band. Rounding out the lineup are tracks from other notable blues talents including Delta MacLeod, Northsyde, Earl Thomas, Terry Marshall and Friends, and more.

    Tune in for a heartfelt musical journey honoring the unforgettable Robert Hokum and the legacy he left in British blues. 🎶
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 726

    Blues is the Truth 726
    Oct 28 2024
    In Blues is the Truth episode 726, host Ian McHugh turns the playlist over to the “shuffle gods” for a thrilling “random play” special. With each track selected at random, the episode promises a fresh, eclectic mix that keeps both Ian and the audience on their toes. Expect the unexpected as the show explores a range of blues styles, eras, and artists.

    Alongside the shuffled tracks, Ian presents beloved segments that listeners have come to count on each week. “Title Track Tango” highlights songs that share their names with their albums, offering a closer look at tracks that encapsulate the spirit of entire records. In “The Blues Driver” segment, Paul Michael picks out powerhouse blues tracks that push the genre forward, introducing fresh talent and innovative sounds to fans. Another staple, “The Song Remains the Same,” focuses on different interpretations of iconic songs, examining how diverse artists have reimagined these classic pieces, lending their own styles and voices to timeless tracks.

    With Ian’s insightful commentary and wide-ranging musical selection, episode 726 delivers a unique and immersive listening experience. Tune in and discover where the shuffle takes you!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 725

    Blues is the Truth 725
    Oct 18 2024
    In this week’s episode of Blues is the Truth, host Ian McHugh brings another fantastic blend of blues, rock, and soul, featuring a special tribute to Matt Long of Catfish, who sadly passed away last week. The show honors his incredible talent and lasting influence on the blues community, with several appearances by Catfish throughout the episode.

    As always, you’ll hear regular features like the “Song Remains the Same” and the “Blues Driver,” along with Ian’s insightful commentary about the stories behind the tracks.

    This episode kicks off with the incredible sounds of Tedeschi Trucks Band, a group that has redefined modern blues with their soulful, Southern-infused rock. We then move on to the raw energy of Catfish, showcasing Matt Long’s dynamic performances and powerful vocals.

    The smooth yet gritty grooves of CW Ayon will take you on a journey into the heart of Mississippi Hill Country, while The Travelling Blue Kings deliver a European take on classic Chicago blues. Samantha Fish brings her fiery guitar and captivating voice, and we honor the legendary Fenton Robinson and his contributions to the blues world.

    Other highlights include the soulful tones of Mississippi MacDonald, the Chicago-born Guitar Jack Wargo, and the iconic harmonies of The Pointer Sisters, showcasing their unique flair for crossing genres. New favorites like Brooks Williams and Kat Riggins share the stage with veteran bluesmen such as Buddy Guy, T-Bone Walker, and Bob Angell.

    Throughout the episode, Ian also highlights the work of King Bee and the Stingers, TJ Wong, Jimmy Adler, and Brick Briscoe. Fans of swamp blues will especially enjoy a powerful track from Tab Benoit, capping off the show with one last appearance by the energetic Catfish in memory of Matt Long.

    Tune in for an unforgettable mix of blues legends, rising stars, and a heartfelt tribute to a truly gifted artist.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 724

    Blues is the Truth 724
    Oct 4 2024
    Join Ian McHugh, your dedicated host, for another thrilling episode of *Blues is the Truth*! This week's show brings you an incredible lineup of artists, featuring some of the biggest legends and freshest voices in blues. You'll hear tracks from *Eric Clapton*, *Ronnie Baker Brooks*, *Roy Milton*, *John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers*, *Little Feat*, and *Jontavious Willis*. But that’s not all — there's also music from *Cecilia and the Candy Kings*, *Neil Saddler*, *Junior Wells*, *Magic Sam*, *J Geils Band*, *Colin James*, *Taj Mahal*, *Chickenshack*, *Bruce Mississippi Johnson*, *Mississippi Fred McDowell*, *Shemekia Copeland*, *Vaneese Thomas*, *Susan Tedeschi*, *Duke Robillard*, *Eddie Cotton*, and *Connolly Hayes*.

    With two hours of exceptional music, Ian McHugh will also bring you beloved features like “Blues Driver,” “The Song Remains the Same,” and “Title Track Tango,” guiding you through the very best of blues past and present. Whether you're a die-hard blues lover or discovering these timeless sounds for the first time, this episode has something for everyone!

    Tune in now to enjoy an unforgettable journey through the heart of the blues!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 723

    Blues is the Truth 723
    Sep 27 2024
    Join host Ian McHugh for another thrilling edition of *Blues is the Truth*, featuring regular segments that fans love. In Blues Driver, Paul Michael selects timeless tracks that capture the spirit of the genre, while The Song Remains the Same showcases different versions of classic blues tunes. Title Track Tango highlights standout album title tracks, offering a deep dive into iconic blues records.

    This week’s show includes music from an incredible lineup: Big Nancy, Murali Coryell, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Chicago Blues Lifters, Alvin Lee, Patrick Verbeke, Vaneese Thomas, Blue Moon Marquee, Eric Bibb, Howlin' Wolf, Jeff Beck, Little Stevie and the Big Beat, Misty Blues, PP Arnold, Albert Collins, Johnny Adams, Michael Messer and Chaz Jankel, DeWolff, Too Bad Jims, The Reverend Shaun Amos, Samantha Fish, Steven Torch Band, Johnny Iguana, and Little Walter.

    Don't miss out on two hours of soulful, engaging blues!
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 722

    Blues is the Truth 722
    Sep 20 2024
    In this week’s episode of *Blues is the Truth*, Ian McHugh brings you another brilliant selection of blues tracks, alongside the regular features you know and love like *Blues Driver*, *The Song Remains the Same*, and *Title Track Tango*. Ian dives deep into the heart of the blues, showcasing both classic artists and contemporary talent. Featured this week are legends like Fleetwood Mac, Magic Sam, and The Yardbirds, alongside modern acts like Southern Avenue, Cyril Neville, and Joanne Shaw Taylor. You’ll also hear performances from Leavin’ Trunk, Robert Hokum, Greaseland AllStars, Karena K, Duke Robillard, and Jontavious Willis, among many others.

    This episode is a true celebration of the diversity of the blues, offering everything from traditional sounds to fresh new takes on the genre. If you’re a fan of artists like Robert Cray, Mae West, Colin James, and Shemekia Copeland, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

    Remember to like, share, and subscribe to help spread the word and keep the blues alive. Tune in and be part of the conversation as we celebrate the past, present, and future of blues music!
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    2 hrs