Episodes

  • 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
  • Blues is the Truth 721

    Blues is the Truth 721
    Sep 14 2024
    This week’s edition of Blues is the Truth is set to be an exciting and diverse mix of the best blues artists from past and present, all brought to you by host Ian McHugh. As always, the show includes its regular features: “Blues Driver,” where Paul Michael shares a classic blues track; “Title Track Tango,” highlighting standout album title tracks; and “The Song Remains the Same,” exploring multiple versions of iconic blues songs.

    In this episode, Ian showcases a stellar lineup of artists. Nick Curran opens the show, followed by the legendary Duke Robillard, one of the finest modern blues guitarists, then John Mayer takes the spotlight. The legendary BB King also graces the playlist with his timeless, soulful guitar work. Howlin' Wolf brings his signature powerful vocals, a cornerstone of Chicago blues, to the mix. There’s music from The Mustangs, BlueZ’d from the Powerjam Project, Rob Millis and Ian McHugh himself who all perform as part of the Memorial for Mike Rivers at the Crawdaddy Club. The soulful guitar prodigy Johnny Lang, known for his passionate performances is in the mix along with Eric Bibb, Tom Waits, Keb’Mo’, and British blues legend Dave Kelly. Martin Harley contributes his acoustic magic with skilled slide guitar playing, and the Andreas Diehlman Band brings their tight, groove-filled blues sound. The show will also feature tracks from blues pianist Eddie Boyd, whose emotive playing has left a lasting mark on the genre, and Ry Cooder, as well as Sonny Landreth reveal their mastery of bottleneck slide guitar. Additionally, Little Steam, give their take on a classic before Gary Moore closes out the set.

    This episode promises to be a deep and engaging dive into the world of blues, mixing both legends and rising stars. Tune in for two hours of top-notch blues and let Ian McHugh guide you through this rich musical landscape.
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    2 hrs
  • Blues is the Truth 720

    Blues is the Truth 720
    Sep 7 2024
    Join Ian McHugh for the latest edition of Blues is the Truth, where he presents two hours of hand-picked blues tracks, both classic and contemporary. Ian, known for his deep love of the genre, brings you the best of blues, with regular features like The Song Remains the Same, which explores interesting blues covers, and Title Track Tango, where Ian spotlights album title tracks. The show also includes the ever-popular Blues Driver segment with Paul Michael, ensuring a journey through blues history with a modern twist.

    This week’s episode is packed with an eclectic mix of artists, after starting with thenPete Harris R&B All Stars we get to enjoy Bruce Mississippi Johnson’s soulful vocals and Tab Benoit’s Louisiana blues. You’ll also hear the fusion of jazz and blues from Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton, alongside the laid-back sounds of Nothing in Rambling. Thomas Heppel and Terry Marshall and Friends add a touch of British blues, while Khalif Wailing Walter brings a modern edge to the mix.

    Regular listeners will be pleased to hear the return of Martin Harley with his rootsy acoustic slide guitar. Lou Pride and Betty Padget provide soulful blues, while Gary Clark Jr. showcases his guitar-driven blues-rock sound. Rounding out the show is the legendary Freddie King, reminding us of the timeless power of electric blues.

    Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or a newcomer, this episode of Blues is the Truth is sure to keep you entertained with its rich variety and deep appreciation for the blues.
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    2 hrs