Stranger Songs with Mike Regenstreif finds connections and develops themes in various genres. The show is broadcast on CKCU, 93.1 FM, in Ottawa on Tuesdays from 3:30 until 5 pm (Eastern time) and is also available 24/7 for on-demand streaming.
This episode of Stranger Songs was recorded and can be streamed on-demand, now or anytime, by clicking on “Listen Now” at … https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/595/74653.html
Theme: Remembering Paul Geremia, Roy Book Binder, John Hammond, Dolores Keane and Country Joe McDonald.
Remembering Country Joe McDonald (1942-2026)
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| Country Joe McDonald (1979) |
Country Joe McDonald – who died from complications of Parkinson’s disease on March 7 at age 84 – was co-founder with Barry “The Fish” Melton, of Country Joe & The Fish, and then a solo artist for many decades.
Country Joe & The Fish- I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die-Rag
The Life and Times of Country Joe & The Fish from Haight Ashbury to Woodstock (Vanguard)
Country Joe & The Fish- Flying High
The Life and Times of Country Joe & The Fish from Haight Ashbury to Woodstock (Vanguard)
Country Joe McDonald- When the Curfew Blows
Thinking of Woody Guthrie (Vanguard)
Remembering Augie Meyers (1940-2026)
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| Augie Meyers |
Augie Meyers – who died on March 7 at age 85 – was an organist, pianist, accordionist and singer best known as a founding member with Doug Sahm of the Sir Douglas Quintet and with Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez of the Texas Tornados. He was also a studio musician who worked with many artists including Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, John Hammond and Tom Russell.
Sir Douglas Quintet- Goin’ Down to Mexico
Live from Austin TX (New West)
Texas Tornados- Guacamole
Hangin’ on by a Thread (Reprise)
Tom Russell with Augie Meyers- And God Created Bordertowns
Mesabi (Shout! Factory)
Remembering Dolores Keane (1953-2026)
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| Dolores Keane |
Dolores Keane – who died on March 16 at age 72 – was one of the greatest Irish folk singers. She was a founding member of the band De Dannan and a solo artist. She also collaborated with such artists as Tom Russell, John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Tommy Sands.
Dolores Keane- Fare Thee Well a Stór
Night Owl (Alula)
Dolores Keane- Mary Clare Molloy (American Wake)
The Man from God Knows Where (HighTone)
Remembering John Hammond (1942-2026)
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| John Hammond |
John Hammond – who was sometimes known as John Hammond, Jr. and John Paul Hammond – died from cardiac arrest on February 28 at age 83. John said he was introduced to the blues in 1949 at age 7 when his father, the legendary record producer John Hammond, Sr., took him to see Big Bill Broonzy. In the early-1960s, John emerged as one of the great revivalists of the blues.
John Hammond- Mean Old Frisco
John Hammond (Vanguard)
John Hammond- Fore Day Rider Blues
Found True Love (Pointblank)
John Hammond- Love Changin’ Blues
Trouble No More (Pointblank)
John Hammond with Augie Meyers- Jockey Full of Bourbon
Wicked Grin (Pointblank)
Remembering Roy Book Binder (1943-2026)
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| Roy Book Binder |
Roy Book Binder – who died on March 3 at age 82 – took up the guitar while serving in the U.S. Navy in the early-1960s. After leaving the navy, he studied with Reverend Gary Davis and then became his chauffeur and touring companion for several years. He also became close with several other blues legends, perhaps most significantly, Pink Anderson. In addition to being a great interpreter of Piedmont-style blues, Roy was also fine songwriter in the blues tradition. Roy remained an active touring artist until his death.
Roy Book Binder- Travelin’ Man
Travelin’ Man (Adelphi/Genes)
Roy Book Binder- Stack O Lee
Ragtime Millionaire (Blue Goose)
Roy Book Binder- Let Us Get Together
Polk City Ramble (Rounder)
Roy Book Binder- The Preacher Picked the Guitar
Singer-Songwriter Bluesman (PEGleg)
Roy Book Binder- Travelin’ Man Blues
Singer-Songwriter Bluesman (PEGleg)
Remembering Paul Geremia (1944-2026)
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| Paul Geremia & Mike Regenstreif (2012) |
Paul Geremia – who died on March 14 at age 81 – was one the greatest blues revivalists. No less a figure than Dave Van Ronk said he was THE greatest. Paul was also a great songwriter. Sadly, Paul suffered a debilitating stroke in 2014 and spent his remaining years in a nursing home in his home state of Rhode Island.
Paul Geremia- I’ll Be Goin’
Just Enough (Folkways)
Paul Geremia- Elegant Hobo
Paul Geremia (Sire)
Paul Geremia- Dying Crapshooter’s Blues
Live from Uncle Sam’s Backyard (Red House)
Paul Geremia- Dr. Jazz
Love My Stuff (Red House)
Paul Geremia- The Truth is on the Streets
Self Portrait in Blues (Red House)
Next week: A Tribute to Buddy Holly.
--Mike Regenstreif
