by Ian McHugh
Blues is the Truth is a weekly 2 hour radio show, featuring some of the very best new Blues Music alongside some classic tracks that define the genre. Presented for a decade by Ian McHugh, frontman and guitarist with the band Blues is Truth and compere of the Ealing Blues Festival main stage, The show is informative, entertaining and sometimes a little different....
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/26/2020
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
See how your show performs across every key metric
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
March 21, 2026
The new episode of Blues is the Truth is out now. Ian McHugh back in the chair, and as ever it is supported by the Tuesday night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. This one feels like a proper wander through the blues. You dip into one corner, then another, and before long you are somewhere completely different but it all still hangs together. That is the joy of it. There is real pedigree running through the show this week. Bob Margolin brings that deep connection to the Muddy Waters sound, and you will hear Muddy himself in the mix too, along with a nod to the Muddy Waters 100 celebrations. Albert Collins turns up with that sharp, stinging guitar, and Buddy Guy reminds you why he is still one of the greats. There is plenty of character elsewhere. Rick Estrin and the Nightcats doing what they do so well, Joanna Connor bringing serious fire, and Matt Schofield alongside Will Johns showing just how strong the modern scene is. You will also hear Marco Pandolfi, Papa George, Junior Watson and Tail Dragger, each bringing their own flavour. Closer to home there is some really nice stuff in there too. Leoni Jane Kennedy, Andrew Duncanson, Tim Staffell and Paul Stuart all make an appearance, along with Mark Harrison and Slim Butler. There is also music from Anderson East, Devon Allman, Chris Duarte, Vanessa Collier, Ton O Blues and Doc Stenson and the Amazing Hot Shots. It is one of those shows you can just stick on and let it roll. Plenty of groove, a few surprises, and more than a couple of moments that make you stop and listen properly.
March 14, 2026
The new episode of Blues is the Truth is up now. Ian McHugh is back at the helm and, as always, the show is supported by the Tuesday night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth. It is one of those weeks where the playlist just seemed to fall into place. You start with a couple of tracks and before long the whole thing takes on a life of its own. There is some proper heavyweight blues in the mix too. Stevie Ray Vaughan turns up in fine form, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers take things right back to the British blues boom, and there is early Fleetwood Mac reminding everyone just how good they were when the blues was front and centre. This week’s show also includes a couple of respectful nods to people who meant a great deal to the music. There is a tribute to Mike Vernon, whose work helped shape the British blues scene, and another to John Hammond, a true keeper of the tradition who left an enormous mark on the blues world. You will also hear the great Freddie King, Albert Collins, Junior Wells and Otis Rush. That alone would make for a decent show, but there is plenty more going on. Selwyn Birchwood brings a modern edge, Duke Robillard is on terrific form as always, and John Hammond appears twice with a couple of tracks that are well worth the space. Elsewhere there is music from Nick Curran, Jordan Officer and Laura Chavez, plus a welcome appearance from Connie Lush. Terry Marshall and Friends keep things moving nicely, the Paul Michael Band are in there again, and you will also hear Mike Vernon and the Mighty Combo, Doc Stenson and the Amazing Hot Shots, Richard Carr, Boogie Beasts, Jerry Portnoy and the Streamliners, and Studebaker John. It is a cracking mix this week. Old school blues, newer sounds, a few surprises along the way. Give it a spin and see what you think.
February 28, 2026
A new episode of Blues is the Truth is ready to go, and this one carries a real sense of connection, past and present. Hosted by Ian McHugh and supported by the Tuesday Night Blues Jam at the Rising Sun in Isleworth, the show brings together legends, rising stars and some very special tributes. There is beautiful, heartfelt music from the album With a Little Help from my Friends, a Tribute to Matt Long, celebrating a musician who meant so much to so many. Alongside that, you will hear the unmistakable voices and guitars of John Lee Hooker, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Albert King, sitting naturally alongside the contemporary brilliance of Sunjay, Alice Armstrong, The Paul Michael Band, Omar Coleman and Igor Prado, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Crystal Shawanda and Duke Robillard. There is space too for the deep roots and storytelling that make this music what it is, with sounds from Andy Cohen, Eleanor Ellis and William Lee Ellis, Studebaker John, Hurricane Howl, Theo Sieben, Brother Ray Lemellin and the Matinee Kings, and a moment featuring Matt Long alongside Joe Bonamassa that feels especially meaningful. This is what the show has always been about. Keeping the music alive, respecting where it came from, and sharing where it is going next.
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Blues is the Truth is a weekly 2 hour radio show, featuring some of the very best new Blues Music alongside some classic tracks that define the genre. Presented for a decade by Ian McHugh, frontman and guitarist with the band Blues is Truth and compere of the Ealing Blues Festival main stage,
The show is informative, entertaining and sometimes a little different....
This podcast updates daily.
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.
