This week on Blues With A Feeling, we shine a warm and grateful spotlight on one of the great architects of modern guitar playing: Hubert Sumlin. His 1998 album Wake Up Call sits at a remarkable point in his life — late in his career, seasoned by decades of triumph and heartbreak, yet still playing with that unmistakable spark that shaped generations.

Sumlin spent his life as the heartbeat behind Howlin’ Wolf, creating guitar lines that became part of the DNA of blues and rock. Clapton, Richards, Page, Beck, Santana — they all heard something in Hubert that changed the way they played. But Wake Up Call is different. It’s not a sideman record. It’s Hubert stepping forward with clarity, confidence, and a band who lift him beautifully.

Across three sets, we explore the emotional depth of this album: the warmth, the spontaneity, the late‑life fire, and the way the band create a perfect vehicle for Hubert to sing and play with more ease and presence than he’d shown in years. Tracks like I’m Coming Home, Wake Up Call, Hubert Runs the Hoodoo Down, and Get This Love Straight reveal a musician reconnecting with himself — relaxed, expressive, and still capable of surprising you.

Surrounding the feature, we’ve got a full spread of new releases and contemporary blues from Sean McDonald, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Harrell Davenport,  Kyle Rowland, Aaron West, Jason Ricci, John Primer & Friends, Keb’ Mo’, and Hussy Hicks.

It’s a rich, generous two hours — a celebration of the past, the present, and the artists who keep the blues alive. Join us for a heartfelt journey into the life and legacy of Hubert Sumlin.