Blues is the Truth 793

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.