The past year has presented immeasurable challenges for bands across the globe, and Birmingham's Winston Ramble is no exception. With the outbreak of COVID-19 causing a global pandemic, the world would quickly change, and no one would feel the effects more than that of the music industry. While concerts and music festivals came to a screeching halt, musicians were forced to take a step back and reevaluate their creative outlook. Live streams became the new norm, with the hope that music fans would also adjust and be willing to make online donations in order to keep their favorite bands alive.
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Here we are thirteen months later, and slowly but surely, the concept of live music (with actual fans in attendance) is making its way back. If there is one positive that has come out all of this madness, it is the amount of time that musicians have found to write new, original material. It's safe to say that fans can expect an onslaught of new releases in 2021, and we're already seeing that theory prove to be true.
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Winston Ramble has been a staple of the Alabama music scene since releasing their debut self-titled album in 2016. The band's popularity has expanded far beyond their home base of Birmingham, and they have continued to build a notable fanbase across the southeast. While a handful of singles have been released since 2016, fans like myself have been itching for a fresh collection of Ramble originals. Just a few weeks ago, the band delivered exactly that with an incredible five-song EP titled 'See It Through'.
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The EP starts off with a warm, catchy tune called "Feel It," which embodies every quality of the band that fans have come to expect. Justin Oliver leads the way with some beautiful work on the mandolin, and frontman Drew Benefield's one-of-a-kind, raspy vocals are in full effect from the get-go. This marks the band's first studio effort with new lead guitarist Taylor Goodwin, and he and Oliver couldn't possibly compliment each other any better than they do here.
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The band slows things down a bit with "Some Folks Say," which definitely has somewhat of a ballad feel to it. Once again, Oliver and Goodwin join forces to create a beautifully harmonic vibe for what is surely one of the more blissful tunes in the Ramble catalog. Goodwin's blistering guitar solo will prove to be a highlight for any and all future live performances.
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Listeners will need to prepare and buckle up for the EP's title track, "See It Through." Oliver sends the band into high gear right away, and the rhythm section of Coty West (drums) and Max Chubb (bass) set the tone for an absolute rocker. This band has always done a fantastic job of leading their audience into a dancing frenzy, and this tune may be the best example to date. "See It Through" will no doubt be a highlight in the live setting, with Oliver and Goodwin dueling it out in epic fashion.
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One common thread of any great band is their ability to take a cover and make it their own, while making sure to respect the integrity of the song. Winston Ramble has shown their ability to accomplish this time and time again, whether it be Grateful Dead, Alice In Chains, Jason Isbell, or even Blind Melon. While they have mastered countless covers, I honestly believe they have reached the peak with this studio take on Al Green's "I'm a Ram." It's almost as if Benefield was born to take on these vocals. While Oliver is an absolute beast on the mandolin, he's equally as dangerous with the harmonica. It adds the perfect touch to an already flawless cover, and I've found myself listening to this one on repeat many times in the past few weeks. There is no doubt that Green would be proud of this effort.
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The final track on See it Through is titled "Ain't What It Seems," and while Benefield has delivered some fantastic lyrical efforts in the past, these are undoubtedly amongst his best yet. I believe that this is a tune that just about anyone can relate to on many levels. This particular line summarizes many of life's challenges in a clever fashion: "Ain't always the path of least resistance that takes you where you wanna be. Maybe that place off in the distance ain't got any grass that's green, and it ain't what it all would seem." West and Chubb once again provide a powerfully dynamic rhythm/beat for yet another Ramble classic.
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The Alabama music scene continues to thrive with an impressive variety of bands across the musical spectrum, and Winston Ramble is absolutely amongst the head of the pack. While fans waited patiently for this release, I feel confident that I can confirm the band exceeded all expectations. The addition of Goodwin on lead guitar has only proven to raise the bar for these boys from Winston County. This is as unique of a band as you'll find in any region of the country, and the sky is truly the limit. With the world of music beginning to open back up, you can expect big things from Winston Ramble in the years to come.
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Stream the new EP in it's entirety via Spotify here:
Share this article and tag a friend in the comments of our Facebook post for a chance to win a pair of tickets to this show!
The past three months have presented the music industry with a tremendous challenge. As the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality across America, live music was put on hold for the foreseeable future. This unfortunate scenario immediately left artists, booking agents, production companies, and so many others across the entertainment industry out of work. Live streams and archived video footage have become the primary source of any potential revenue, and this industry continues to need our support now more than ever.
As we have all become accustomed to the "new norm" of a socially distant life, opportunities are beginning to surface for safe and controlled events. One of the first of such will occur this Friday night at Avondale Brewing Company, as local favorites Winston Ramble & Little Raine Band join forces in the heart of Birmingham. In an effort to create the safest possible environment, the venue has reduced capacity to 350 tickets with social distancing guidelines enforced.
Both bands will perform 90-minute sets, with Little Raine Band playing from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, and Winston Ramble playing from 8:50 PM - 10:20 PM. The amazing team at Big Friendly Productions is producing this show, which ensures that this will be an incredible experience from start to finish. BFP has worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to create opportunities for bands to live steam performances and allow fans to get their live music fix from home. If there has ever been a time to show support for your local music scene, that time is now.
Those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets immediately, as less than 100 tickets remain available. This show expected to sell out in advance, so don't wait until it's too late. Click here to learn more and grab your tickets today.
Earlier this week, we had a chance to catch up with Davis Little (Little Raine Band) and Taylor Goodwin (Winston Ramble) to learn more about the band's perspective on this show. It goes without saying that this is an exciting, special occasion that falls under very unique circumstances. Check out quotes from both artists below, and make sure to RSVP to the official Facebook event page for all of the latest updates on this show.
“This show is very much needed. No doubt this has been the longest we’ve gone without playing a show since high school, we’re really itching to play. The date is on Juneteenth, so this is going to be a real fun celebration for Freedom Day & a display of unity within our small community. Our main hope is for everyone to be safe, wear masks, & socially distance. But ultimately have a good time, relax, & enjoy being back in the groove for the moment.”
- Davis Little of Little Raine Band
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“Honestly it’s just awesome to know that some live music is back on the table again. It’s a thrill to get to be a part of it, and I can’t wait to get back in action.”
- Taylor Goodwin of Winston Ramble
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Watch Little Raine Band's official video for "Other Side" here:
Watch Winston Ramble's official video for "Wiser Time" here:
We have officially entered uncharted territory, as the reality surrounding COVID-19 increases throughout each day. The devastating effect that this virus has had on industries across the globe is immeasurable at this point. For the first time in American history, we've seen a total shutdown on all public gatherings, including professional sports, NCAA March Madness, and live music as a whole.
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The widespread cancellations have put the well-being of so many in jeopardy. The music industry is one of many which has come to a complete halt; leading to a very harsh reality for musicians, managers, booking agents, promoters, venue employees, and so many more. How long will this last? When will it be safe to return to our normal lifestyle? These are perfectly reasonable questions, which seem impossible for anyone to provide a definite answer.
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We do have a bit a good news to share today. Our friends at Big Friendly Productions have officially launched a new live stream series called Hunker in the Bunker, which kicks off on Friday, March 20th with performances from Little Raine Band and Desert Island Monster Mash. The series will continue on Saturday with Winston Ramble and Zach Austin & The Lonesome, while Taylor Hunnicutt and The Yellow Dandies will close out the weekend on Sunday. HITB will continue on a Thursday through Sunday basis for the foreseeable future.
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Here's the really cool part. This series gives you the opportunity to financially support all parties involved. As the amount of cancelled gigs continues to pile up, the music industry's total revenue is plummeting. Hunker in the Bunker allows you to make a donation of any amount to support both the artists and Big Friendly Productions, while enjoying the luxury of live music from your couch. Make sure to follow Big Friendly Productions on Facebook in order to tune in to all future live streams.
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We caught up with Alex Cape, the founder of Big Friendly Productions, to learn more about the specifics of this unique live stream series. Check out the quotes below to learn more about Hunker in the Bunker, and feel free to reach out to Alex@bigfriendlyproductions.com for further details.
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"In the past four days, we have had all shows in until May 9th cancel or postpone until further notice. It is hitting the pause button right at the beginning of our very busy spring / summer season."
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"It's massive for us. We have been planning and preparing for the last 3 months for the spring and summer festival and private event seasons. We have had over $100k in lost revenue in the last four days."
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"We have activated a rehearsal space in downtown Birmingham to host local and regional artists that have also had cancellations. We have started with many of the bands that we work with on a regular basis. We plan on streaming as much as we can until whenever we can go back to work."
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"Our first live stream will be this Friday, March 20th from 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM. We are going to broadcast from our company's Facebook page. We will take donations via Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App and hopefully pick up local business sponsors. Donations will be split appropriately between Big Friendly Productions and the participating bands"
Live & Listen is giving away a pair of tickets to Saturday night's show with Winston Ramble & Miss Mojo at Avondale Brewing Company. Share this article directly from our Facebook page and tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win.
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Birmingham's local talent will be on full display on Saturday, February 29th, as Winston Ramble returns to Avondale Brewing Company for a big homecoming show. This particular show is a special occasion for the band, as it will be the first opportunity for many to see new lead guitarist, Taylor Goodwin, in action with his new band mates. Many will recognize Goodwin from his work with several other Alabama-based groups, such as The Pearl, Taylor Hunnicutt, and Melobeat. Considering the rapid growth and continued success of Winston Ramble over the past few years, one can only imagine that the best is yet to come.
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Saturday night's show will be held in The Upstairs at Avondale Brewery, with music kicking off at approximately 7:30 PM. The band has called on the amazing New Orleans eight-piece act Miss Mojo for direct support. Miss Mojo is known for blending neo-soul sensibilities with high-energy pop and funk music, led by two powerful women on lead vocals. The combination of these two bands should provide something for any and all music fans, and you'd be hard pressed to find a more dynamic option anywhere in the state of Alabama on Saturday night.
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We recently had a chance to catch up with Goodwin to discuss his overall thoughts and feelings regarding this new musical venture. Quotes from this conversation, as well streaming options for Winston Ramble's two latest singles, can be found below. Make sure to RSVP to the official Facebook event for all of the latest updates on Saturday night's show!
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"I'm having an absolute blast with these guys. We’ve been reasonably busy trying to work some different markets around the southeast. This has given me an excellent chance to get to really know all the music the way I want to, as well as spend time with the guys as I get to know them better. It’s so much fun."
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"Acclimating to the new musical space has taught me that I can always be more intentional with my playing. There is plenty of room to be more thoughtful in the parts I choose, as well as when I’m improvising. Sometimes a simple statement is the strongest one you can make."
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"I love how much there is to explore. I love the inspiration that I get from the other guys in this band, whether I’m just trying to pick up on their licks to match on stage, or we’re "nerding out" about music we’re into. There’s tons of fresh territory to check out every time we play. They’ve been turning me onto a lot of very cool music that I hadn’t dug deep enough to find. That’s exciting for me as a listener and has encouraged me to bring new ideas to my playing."
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"I'm stoked to continue writing new material with these guys. We’ve got a couple brand new tunes which are nearly ready to go, and the more rough drafts sitting right behind those at the moment. So the outlook is bright on that front."
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- Taylor Goodwin (lead guitar) of Winston Ramble
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Check out two of Winston Ramble's latest originals, "Always Will" and "Birds," below:
Three of Alabama's hottest rising acts will join forces at Birmingham's Avondale Brewing Company on Friday night. Winston Ramble, Little Raine Band, and Taylor Hunnicutt will kick off what is sure to be a special tour, which also includes stops in Asheville (NC), Atlanta (GA), Montgomery (AL), and Mobile (AL). These three bands are certainly no strangers to one another, as their roots run deep across the greater Birmingham area. Based on what we've seen in the past, we should expect numerous collaborations throughout all three sets.
This has been a busy year, to say the least, for all three of these bands thus far. Winston Ramble continues to draw impressive crowds across the southeast, while having recently completed multiple successful runs out to Colorado. Their most recent single, "1000 Miles," alludes to the band's increasingly busy tour schedule and is more than worthy of an addition to your latest playlist. Back in early March, Little Raine Band released Dreamwalker, their first full length album since 2016. As expected, they have been grinding across the southeast in support of the release, which is one of our favorites of 2019. You can check out a detailed review of the entire album by clicking here. Taylor Hunnicutt has been one of Birmingham's brightest rising stars in recent years, and she sure seems bound to break out in 2019. You simply can't look away when she starts singing, and her "supporting cast" is as strong as any. Click here to check out her latest feature on al.com.
As an added bonus, Friday night's show in Birmingham will feature an opening set from Atlanta's Bird Dog Jubilee. If you're planning on heading over to the brewery, you definitely don't want to miss these guys. If that wasn't enough, you can walk across the street to Saturn and catch LUTHI, The Pearl, and Dirty Lungs immediately after the music ends at the brewery. Long story short: Avondale is the place to be on Friday night.
We took a few minutes to chat with members of Winston Ramble and Little Raine Band to learn more about their vision for this tour. See below for a few quotes from the conversation. Click here to purchase your tickets to see all three bands on Friday night in Birmingham.
“There’s nothing quite like playing music on the road with people you love. We’re all close friends and love making music together, so this is kind of like a family vacation in a way.. We’ve thrown around this idea for a while now and it’s awesome to see it finally come into fruition. There’s really no telling what you could expect from this tour, we have some fun surprises in store, other than that we know it’s going to get rowdy!”- Davis Little of Little Raine Band
"This run has been a long time coming, and I know we're all excited to make it happen. We've been lucky enough to share the stage with each other many times The Avondale show was so much fun last year, and we had to take it on the road. If I could pick any bands to travel and play with, it'd be these two. We love the music these two bands make and love the people who make it. Expect a show full of a many genres, original music, re-imagined covers, and collaborations. It'll be a damn good time." - Justin Oliver of Winston Ramble
Check out the official promo video for the BFT tour here:
If you've paid the slightest bit of attention to this website in the last three years, you're well aware of my affection for CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival and Horse Pens 40. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with the Cuko team in early 2015, and it didn't take long to realize the impact that this festival would have on my life. What once started as a tiny, grassroots festival featuring predominantly Alabama-based bands has evolved into a bi-annual showcase of incredibly diverse talent from across the southeast and beyond.
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Each year, I leave that beautiful property thinking, "How can this weekend possibly be topped?" and the bar continues to be raised. I'll be the first to say that the team at Big Friendly Productions absolutely crushed it yet again, and their work never ceases to amaze me. And I would be remissed if I didn't mention that this festival would not be possible without the support of the title sponsor, Land Rover Birmingham, as well as Birmingham's Avondale Brewing Company, TrimTab Brewing, and Cahaba Brewing Company.
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We should probably start off by talking a little history on Horse Pens 40. HP40 is a privately owned outdoor nature park located in St. Clair County near Steele, Alabama. The park is situated atop Alabama's third-highest mountain, Chandler Mountain, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The park is known among the rock climbing community as a premier bouldering site in the American Southeast.
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The natural rock shelters located in Horse Pens 40 have seen over 15,000 years of human habitation. The park contains ancient Indian burial grounds dating from the earliest inhabitants of this area, all the way up to the time of the Cherokee removal known as the "Trail of Tears". During The American Civil War, the site was used as a hiding place for horses and their owners wishing to avoid invaders from the north and the Confederate recruiters and "bushwhackers". Once it was discovered by Confederate forces, Horse Pens 40 was then used for the storage of supplies to be used by Confederate troops as they passed nearby.
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It was home to one of the first outdoor bluegrass music festivals in the country, and by the 1970s had grown to be one of the largest in the world. The park served as a venue showcasing many legends of the bluegrass genre including Bill Monroe, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Lester Flatt, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, and Norman Blake. Emmylou Harris made her first public appearance at Horse Pens 40, "standing barefoot on a wooden door propped up on the rocks." During this period, the park was designated by the Alabama State Legislature as "The Home of the South's Bluegrass Music".
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Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Those who were lucky enough to make the Thursday night pre-party witnessed something truly special. Winston Ramble and The Pearl each laid down powerful thirty-minute sets, before joining forces for a full hour of blazing hot Grateful Dead covers. The level of collaboration was borderline overwhelming, with special guests such as Davis Little (Little Raine Band), Desmond Sykes (Tragic City), and Connor Broome (The Broomestix) joining the party early and often. A tremendous amount of Alabama talent was on hand for the opening set, only to be followed by Doctor Ocular of Johnson City, Tennessee. I was shocked to learn this band formed in late 2016, as their combination of acid jazz, jamtronica, and roots rock had a very cohesive feel all night.
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Watch Ramble On Pearl perform "Shakedown Street" here:
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Video by Home Team Photography
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The Jauntee and Skydyed made the trek all the way from Colorado, and it's safe to say that they both left their mark on Alabama. Many of us had gotten our first taste of The Jauntee the previous weekend at Saturn Birmingham with Twiddle, and thankfully, we got 90-minutes this go round. A product of Berklee College of Music, it's clear that these guys will continue to climb the ladder of the festival scene.
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One of the most dynamic sets of the weekend came from The Fritz. This was just an all out dance party from start to finish. Frontman Jamar Woods straight up owns the stage and works a crowd about as well as anyone I've seen. It's rare to see the front man standing up behind the keys and synth, but these guys are far from you're average band. A combination of fresh originals, as well as covers of Talking Heads' "Life During Wartime," Michael Jackson's "Black or White" and "Don't Stop 'Til Ya Get Enough," and Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" will certainly remembered for years to come.
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Watch video footage of The Fritz performing "Life During Wartime" here:
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Video by Isom Morgan Photoraphy
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Friday night was capped off with a surprise late night set from The Illuminators, a brand new band out of Birmingham. You wouldn't believe it if you were there, but this was the band's first official public performance. These spontaneous late night collaborations will be amongst my best memories of the weekend. Members of The Fritz, The Jauntee, and the Tragic City horns even joined in on what seemed like a three-hour dance party.
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Saturday began with Huntsville's Lamont Landers Band, a recent finalist on 'Showtime's Live at The Apollo'. I had heard a fair amount of hype about these guys, and festival attendees were buzzing about their performance all weekend. Early James & The Latest was one of the more intriguing acts on this lineup for me. I can't get enough of their sound, which has been described as "a mishmash of blues, country, folk, and jazz with crooner-esque styling." Whoever came up with that hit the nail on the head. You've got to hear the pipes on (Early) James Mullis. You won't forget him.
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After catching Steady Flow at the CukoRakko Fam Jam back in May, there was quite a bit of anticipation for this set. This band hits you with an onslaught of upbeat funk from start to finish, with some of the funkiest riffs you'll find. It would be impossible to make it through 90-minutes of Steady Flow without a little movin' and shakin'. Guitarist Tanner Brown's use of the talk box adds an especially fun element to the table, as seen during the band's creative spin on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Thankfully, this wouldn't be the last time we saw Brown on stage shredding.
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Watch footage from Get Rhythm's drum circle here:
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Video by Home Team Photography
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I try my best to stay in tune with as many bands as possible, but there are always going to be a few that slip through the cracks. The New Orleans Suspects were a perfect example for me...until Saturday night. They're easily one of the most seasoned, accomplished groups to play this festival, and I haven't stopped listening to their music since leaving. Specific highlights came in the form of songs such as "Let's Get It Started," "Cocaine Jane," and a cover of The Wild Magnolia's "Peace Pipe." Do yourselves a favor and give those tracks a whirl.
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Following the Suspects, Skydyed took the festival in an entirely new direction, and I couldn't have been more impressed. While one could classify this band as 'jamtronica', a simple term couldn't possibly do them justice. Their placement as the final band on Saturday night couldn't have been more fitting. As I stood in front of the stage and looked around the amphitheater, hundreds of people were getting down in ways I can't even describe. It was a perfect picture in many ways.
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Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend came from The Talismen, the youngest band to ever hit the stage at CukoRakko. The Montgomery-natives are scattered across three different colleges, but you would never know it. The original plan was for two thirty-minute pop-up sets under the pavilion, between sets on the main stage. It didn't take long to decide that these guys deserved an additional late-night set. Word quickly spread across the festival grounds, and the band took full advantage of the opportunity.
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The level of improvisation displayed on The Rolling Stones' "Loving Cup," Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle," and Phish's "Chalkdust Torture" was ridiculous. Tanner Brown, Wildman Steve, the Tragic City horns, and others joined in for Kool & The Gang's "Get Down Tonight," which was sandwiched perfectly with Hot Chocolate's "You Sexy Thing." Equally as impressive were a few Talismen originals: "Strange Man" and "The Lawnchair Song." Get ready, because you'll be hearing a lot more about this band in the future.
Sunday started off with one of Birmingham's hottest acts, The Brook & The Bluff. This was a new band for me, but after hearing of their recent signing with The Paradigm Agency, I knew that we were in for a treat. This band's unique sound and beautiful harmony vocals made for a perfect early Sunday set. Another Birmingham act, Eat a Peach, would take the stage next and lay down a scorching 90-minutes of Allman Brothers Band classics. All five members of this band also perform with the Black Jacket Symphony, and I can't imagine there is a better ABB tribute out there. You can see for yourself with the video footage of "Melissa" below.
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Watch footage of Eat a Peach performing "Melissa" here:
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The living legend Charlie Hunter would then close out the weekend with his amazing trio. I had been waiting to see Charlie perform live for many years, and he was even better than expected. Watching this guy essentially play bass and lead guitar simultaneously is nothing short of mind blowing. For this performance, Hunter was joined by Grammy Award winning drummer Derrick Phillips (Hank Williams Jr.) and Ms. Dara Tucker, whose vocals had all of Horse Pens 40 melting. This was yet another Sunday that we'll all be talking about for years to come.
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At the end of the day, I just can't say enough about this festival and the team behind it. I consider it one of my greatest honors to be involved with CukoRakko. Having the ability to live out these magical experiences at Horse Pens 40 is something that I will never take for granted. I can say "thank you" enough to the Schultz family for their willingness to share this magical property with us. The CukoRakko family is beyond special, so I won't even try to cheapen it with words. You know who you are. And for everyone else, if you ever have the opportunity to witness live music at this incomparable venue, I advise you run, not walk, towards that opportunity. Until next time...
Friday night looks to be another major night for the Birmingham music scene, as local favorites Little Raine Band, Winston Ramble, & Taylor Hunnicutt team up at Avondale Brewery. All three groups have built substantial, loyal followings in recent years, while also being known for some unforgettable collaborations. Taylor Hunnicutt, one of the area's most promising young talents, is set to kick things off at 6:30 PM, with sets from Winston Ramble and Little Raine Band to follow. With an absolutely perfect weather forecast in the mix, this is sure to be an electric occasion full of jams from several of the best Alabama has to offer.
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In preparation for this special night, we recently caught up with Jud Mize, Ben Benefield, and Justin Oliver from Winston Ramble for a quick interview. This past year has been a big one for this band, as they have ventured out across the country while continuing to expand their fan base across the southeast. See below for the full interview, and make sure to RSVP to this show's official Facebook event page for all of the latest updates.
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Share this post directly from theLive & Listen Facebook pageand tag a friend in the comments section for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Little Raine Band, Winston Ramble, & Taylor Hunnicutt at Avondale Brewery on Friday, May 11th.
How has this past year of touring treated the band?
Jud: Overall, it’s been productive. We have learned a lot about ourselves and are figuring out all the little things that help to bring the big picture together.
Ben: It’s definitely made us a lot closer as a group. Musically and otherwise. I think more than anything it’s shown us what we’re capable of and the potential that we really do have as a band
What has life on the road taught you as a musician?
Justin: It’s been great playing so much and getting the sound tight. I can really tell a difference, musically, if we’ve been playing on the road for a couple weeks. It makes it really fun for us to be firing on all cylinders and frees us up to be a little more experimental live. When someone hears us for the first time and we’ve been on the road, I know they’re going to hear the best version of us.
Where do you find inspiration when writing new material?
Ben: From everyday situations really. That’s a tricky question, because I could give you a different answer for almost every song. I wish I could say only happy things, but honestly when the inspiration hits, you just have to be ready to ‘receive’ it. I’ve had lyrics come to me at work in the middle of a big project and even woken up from a dead sleep in the middle of the night with an idea. Same with the music. A lot of times riding down the road with the radio off, a rhythm will come to my mind and it just builds from there.
Does the band have plans to hit the studio in 2018?
Jud: Yes...we have already recorded three songs at The Nuthouse in Sheffield (AL) and plan to record more tracks before fall.
Justin: Absolutely. We’ve been waiting on all the pieces to fall into place to release two new singles we already recorded in the Shoals. Russ Randolph (formerly of Boom Box) produced those tracks for us at The Nutthouse in Sheffield, and we had some of the guys from Little Raine Band and Tragic City help us throw some magic on em. They’re definitely a progression from the last album, we wanted to showcase more of our electric side with these. We’re also looking to hit the studio again with more before the year is over. You’ll be able to get a sneak peek at live versions for some of those at Avondale.
What's on the horizon for Winston Ramble this summer and fall?
Ben: The sky’s the limit as far as we’re concerned. We just signed with Nimbleslick Entertainment Agency, and we absolutely love what we do and the team we have in place right now. We have so much fun meeting new people and playing for them, especially for their ‘first Ramble.’ All of the guys in the band have a unique style and, since knowing each other for so long, we’re all pretty comfortable and confident with each other and with what we can do with each other musically.
Hopefully, we can hit at least a couple festivals this summer and have a new album or EP released sometime this fall. People always ask us about our name, and we like to think of it as a Winston-County Ramble coming to town. Hopefully we can bring it to you soon.
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Miss You" with members of Little Raine Band here:
One of Birmingham's most exciting annual traditions, Jam In The Ham, is scheduled to return even earlier than expected this holiday season. The one-day music festival, which began in the summer of 2015, has become a staple in the Birmingham jam/electronic music scene over the past three years. Live & Listen is thrilled to announce that our friends at Big Friendly Productions will introduce the inaugural Winter Jam In The Ham on Friday, December 22nd at Zydeco.
Jam in the Ham is an annual music and arts festival in Birmingham, AL celebrating local music and art. For the first time the festival is adding a winter concert featuring local and regional favorites CBDB, Winston Ramble, Modern Measure, Space Phunk Express, Moglee, Chark, and Party Matrix. Zydeco will host two stages with a ski/mountain theme. Production will be provided by Big Friendly Productions. The local production company will be providing sound, lighting, and LED video for the event. The show will be presented by Live & Listen, Zydeco, Jam in the Ham, and Big Friendly Productions.
General Admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. Doors at 8pm. 18 and up. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here. Stay tuned in to all of the latest updates by joining the official Facebook event page. See below for a taste of what you can expect from this year's lineup!
Watch CBDB perform "Ground Score" with Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident here:
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Miss You" at WorkPlay here:
Watch Modern Measure's official music video for "Riddle" here:
Watch the official Winter Jam In The Ham promo video here:
Fans of the southern jam scene are in for a real treat next weekend, as the 3rd Annual 'Jam In The Ham' returns to Birmingham's ZYDECO on Saturday, June 24th. While the ever evolving Birmingham music scene has attracted many major national acts this summer, Jam In The Ham prides itself on featuring a lineup stacked with premier regional talent. Local favorites Little Raine Band and Winston Ramblesit atop of the lineup, which also features dynamic performances from Dirty Girl, Soul Mechanic, Space Phunk Express, and LilBigJack.
Live & Listen is a proud supporter of Jam In The Ham, and as a part of this year's promotion, we are giving away a few pairs of tickets to the event. In order to enter the contest, you must 'like' Jam In The Ham on Facebook (click here), share this post on our Facebook page (click here), and tag a friend on in the comments on our Facebook page. Make sure your Facebook settings are set to public, so we can see your share on our end. We will announce the winners at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 23rd.
In addition to the ticket giveaway, our friends at Avondale Guitar & Music are giving away a Les Paul electric guitar autographed by all artists playing at Jam in the Ham 2017 to one lucky pre sale ticket buyer (click here to purchase). The more tickets you buy, the better your chances to win. A winner will be announced Saturday, June 24th on the Jam in the Ham Facebook event page. The giveaway is presented by Avondale Guitar and Music. Their grand opening is Monday, June 19th. Check out their great inventory of guitars, amps, pedals, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Beck Hall of Avondale Guitar & Music
Jam in the Ham is a one-day celebration of local entertainment taking place annually at Zydeco in Birmingham, AL on Saturday June 24th. For more info on the event and to purchase tickets, click here. See below to view the event schedule and learn more about this year's lineup!
Watch Little Raine Band perfom "Terrapin Station" at last year's Jam In The Ham here:
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Miss You" at WorkPlay with special guests Davis Little & Daniel Raine here:
Listen to Soul Mechanic's recent single "Space Kitty" here:
The ALS Association Alabama Chapter Junior Board invites you to the inaugural Birmingham Burger Fest benefiting the ALS Association Alabama Chapter! The Burger Fest is scheduled for Saturday, July 29th at Avondale Brewery and will feature Birmingham's best burgers - battling it out to be named top burger in Birmingham for 2017 along with live music from Winston Ramble & Friends and JD and the Man, family friendly activities, raffles, craft beer, and more. We need your help in the fight against ALS. Stay tuned to Live & Listen's social outlets for future updates and further details on this event!
Based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Winston Ramble is a homegrown, folk-rock band. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock-n-roll into the feel-good vibes of folk and bluegrass music.
Bio: JD & The Man
JD & the Man are an acoustic duo created to try to bend (not break) the mold of typical acoustic groups. With an eclectic blend of songs from all genres of music and the use of guitar looping, guitar synthesizers and vocal effects, they are able to bring something a little different to the table. Their influences range from all types of music: rock, reggae, folk, soul, R&B, Hip Hop…the list goes on!
Watch Winston Ramble performing at CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival here:
Watch Winston Ramble performing "Miss You" at WorkPlay Theatre here:
Alabama-based folk rock band Winston Ramble is returning home from an exciting, multi-week "Ramble On The Road Tour" for an evening at Birmingham's WorkPlay Theatre on Saturday night (2/11). This tour kicked off at Warehouse 414 in Sheffield (AL), and continued with the band's debut performances in St. Louis (1/28) and a handful of debut performances scattered across Colorado and Texas (1/29 - 2/10).
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Joining the band on Saturday night will be the funky Atlanta 5-piece Voodoo Visionary. We're giving one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of tickets to Saturday night's show. Simply share this post directly from our Facebook page to enter the contest. This show will be presented by CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival and Live & Listen.
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Winston Ramble describes their music as homegrown folk n’ roll. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock n’ roll into the feel good vibes of acoustic music.
Ben Benefield’s vocals are soulful yet gritty. Combine that with some mandolin twang and church-like 4 part harmonies, and you are left feeling like you are listening to a mix between a southern rock band and a gospel bluegrass quartet. Yet, the harmony driven tunes carry a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately, an undeniable rock n’ roll vibe.
“At the end of the day, we want people to have a good time when they hear our music. We want it to make you smile, sing along, nod your head, stomp your feet, or get down and groove – and that’s because we feel that way about the music we play, and we love playing it. That attitude and energy is contagious, and hard to resist.”
Alabama-based folk rock band Winston Ramble is gearing up for an exciting, multi-week "Ramble On The Road Tour" from late January through mid February. Things kick off in at Warehouse 414 in Sheffield (AL), and continue with the band's debut performances in St. Louis (1/28) and a handful of debut performances scattered across Colorado and Texas (1/29 - 2/10). The tour will conclude with a highly anticipated hometown show at Birmingham's WorkPlay Theatre with Atlanta funk outfit Voodoo Visionary. The WorkPlay show will be presented by CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival and Live & Listen. See below for a complete list of tour dates and make sure to follow the band's official Facebook page for all of the latest updates.
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Winston Ramble describes their music as homegrown folk n’ roll. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock n’ roll into the feel good vibes of acoustic music.
Ben Benefield’s vocals are soulful yet gritty. Combine that with some mandolin twang and church-like 4 part harmonies, and you are left feeling like you are listening to a mix between a southern rock band and a gospel bluegrass quartet. Yet, the harmony driven tunes carry a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately, an undeniable rock n’ roll vibe.
“At the end of the day, we want people to have a good time when they hear our music. We want it to make you smile, sing along, nod your head, stomp your feet, or get down and groove – and that’s because we feel that way about the music we play, and we love playing it. That attitude and energy is contagious, and hard to resist.”
-Justin Oliver, mandolin/vocals
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Ramble On The Road Tour Dates:
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1/27 - Warehouse 414 // Sheffield, AL
1/28 - Evangeline's Bistro and Music House // St. Louis, MO
1/30 - Sancho's Broken Arrow // Denver, CO
1/31 - Be on Key Psycehedlic Ripple // Denver, CO
2/1 - Owsley's Golden Road // Boulder, CO
2/2 - Motherloaded Tavern // Breckenridge, CO
2/4 - Studio A64 // Colorado Springs, CO
2/7 - Leftwoods // Amarillo, TX
2/9 - Gas Monkey Bar and Grill // Dallas, TX (Free Show)
2/10 - Shipping and Receiving Bar // Fort Worth, TX
2/11 - WorkPlay // Birmingham, AL (w/ Voodoo Visionary)
Our latest segment, "The Road to CukoRakko," consists of a series of interviews leading up toCukoRakko Music & Arts Festival this weekend at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL. We're continuing this segment by sitting down with Jud Mize of Winston Ramble, who will be playing on Saturday night on the main stage at CukoRakko. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Winston Ramble is a homegrown, acoustic, folk-rock band. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock-n-roll into the feel-good vibes of acoustic music.
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Winston Ramble is scheduled to play the main stage on Saturday, October 8th at 6:45 PM.
Let's get started with a little general history on the band. Winston Ramble originallystarted as an acoustic duo which eventually evolved into the current five-piece. What comes to mind when thinking back to those first few shows as a full band?
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Jud: It was total chaos. It was like, "Here...play a 4 hour show. Here are the chords." Justin and Ben had been doing it for so long. You don't realize all the tiny things; the punches and dynamics that make it what it is. The way we play covers that are so unique that it was like learning each song as something completely new. One week, we were sitting on our butt working at Best Buy, and the next week we were playing a rock and roll show at Stillwater in Birmingham. We were all friends going back to high school. Martha, our drummer, didn't even play drums...I was like what in the world?! The bands whole vibe is to play by ear. Not anything structured or set in stone. Just playing what feels right in the moment. Everybody in the band is playing something just a bit different. We have always been on the same page musically and it just works.
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You can hear a vast variety of influences coming through each Winston Ramble track. How would you say you have gone about developing your individual sound? Who and what do you look to as inspiration when writing original material?
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Jud: We all kind of know what we want. We look to each other for the inspiration instead of looking to the outside. We all grew up with the same influences so we all know what we like and don't like. The biggest inspiration for me now is Justin (Oliver) and Ben (Drew Benefield). One of us will come up with an idea and the others will play on it and add to it. "Cold, Cold Heart" started out as a slow and depressing song. Justin wanted to speed it up and from there it turned into a bluegrass track.
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It's been an exciting year for Winston Ramble. The band seems to be picking up steam; adding more and more shows around Alabama the southeast. What has been the core focus for you guys as of late?
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Jud: The calendar has been full, and we've been focusing on playing each show with everything we have. The set has been getting tighter, and more people have been coming out. It's great. Ben is really dialing in his electric guitar and it's rocking. That new electric vibe is really shining through the new material. We are all really excited.
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While the band is generally an acoustic, folk rock band, your music is also described as carrying "a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately an undeniable rock n' roll vibe." Is the band's diverse sound something that comes natural, or do you make a conscious effort to mix things up?
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Jud: It definitely comes natural. The way we play our songs transforms them into rock and roll tunes. "Working Mans Blues," "Scarlet Begonias," and a lot of our songs end and you feel like you have just heard a rock and roll tune. We're not democrats. We're not republicans. We're not country. We're not a jam band. What we do is our own thing. Our shows are like a bag of Chex Mix. You're gonna hear a ton of songs you don't hear other bands play in that variety.
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Watch Winston Ramble's cover of "Workingman's Blues" here:
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We're coming up on a special weekend for Winston Ramble and the state of Alabama in general: CukoRakko. You've been fortunate enough to play this festival in past years. What is it that makes this festival so unique? What does it mean to you guys to be back again this fall?
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Jud: The geography and terrain are one of a kind. Where else can you go in Alabama that is as spectacular as Horse Pens 40 and Steele in general. There are a lot of friendly faces. Everybody is there to have a good time. Rain or shine. Warm or chilly...everybody is getting down. We cleared our calendar and will be there all weekend camping with everybody. We turned down $600,000 worth of shows to be there...just kidding.
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Before we wrap things up, what can your fans expect from Winston Ramble as you close out 2016 and approach the new year? Any big plans on the horizon?
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Jud: Well, I just cleaned out the bands new van. I've got all these extra tokens from the car wash, so we'll probably use those at some point. We've got a lot of new material in works that are funky and rocking. We have some great shows on the calendar to finish out the year. We are working on getting out of Alabama, and the van is our ticket. We are excited to share our music with as many people as we can.
Share thispost directly from ourFacebook pageand tag a friend for a chance to win two weekend passes to CukoRakko. We will announce a winner via Facebook on Monday, August 22nd at 12:00 PM CST.
CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival is pleased to reveal it's phase three artist announcement and final artist lineup for the 2016 Fall Fest at Horse Pens 40 on October 6th - 9th. The phase three artist announcement includes a very special reunion performance from Mama's Love (Athens, GA), Dank & Friends (Atlanta, GA), Winston Ramble (Birmingham, AL), Bird Dog Jubilee (Atlanta, GA), and Seeds? (Huntsville, AL). A variety of single-day and weekend passes to the festival can be purchased by clicking here. CukoRakko is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event located at one of the South's best kept secrets, Horse Pens 40. Kids ages 10 and under are admitted for free. Stay tuned for details on Live & Listen's official pre-party at Horse Pens 40 on Thursday, October 6th.
In preparation for the October festivities, we have included video or audio footage from each of this year's performers below. This lineup features a variety of amazing talent from across the Southeast, including many of the regions top up-and-coming acts. Stay tuned for future coverage and exclusive content, including our annual interview series, "The Road To CukoRakko," which will be released in early October.
The Heavy Pets
"Dewpoint" - Live at The Georgia Theatre
"Keep Me Running" - Live at The Georgia Theatre
Funk You
"Lets Dance" - Live at Terminal West
Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express w/ Carter Herring
Entire set from Echo Mountain Studios
Backup Planet
Official music video for "The Road"
Winston Ramble
"Free State of Mind" - Live at Muscle Shoals Studio
Dank
Official music video for "Get Up"
The Captain Midnight Band
"Common Law Hussy"
Maradeen
Official Music Video - "She Treat Me Like a Real Man"
As we prepare for the upcoming weekend at Jam In The Ham at Zydeco in Birmingham, we are sitting down with several of this year's performers to learn a little more about this year's lineup. Next up is Max Millwood of Winston Ramble, one of the hottest young bands in Alabama. Winston Ramble is scheduled to perform on Saturday night at 12:00 AM.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Winston Ramble is a homegrown, acoustic, folk-rock band. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock-n-roll into the feel-good vibes of acoustic music.
The sound of an an old southern soul hits you right out of the gate. Drew "Ben" Benefield's vocals are soulful and still gritty. Combine that with some mandolin twang, big country bends, and church-like harmonies and you're listening to a mix between a classic rock band and a gospel bluegrass quartet. Yet, the acoustically driven tunes carry a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately, and undeniable rock n' roll vibe.
Let's get started with the early days of Winston Ramble. You guys have been going strong for four years now. How did this band get started, and how has it continued to evolve since then?
Max: We all grew up together so that's the most important aspect, but Winston Ramble started out as an acoustic duo of Ben (Drew Benefiled) on guitar, Justin (Oliver) on mandolin, and Justin's brother Cody sitting in on cajón. About that time, the band I was in had stopped playing together. I randomly got a call from Ben asking if Coty (West) and I could sit in for one show. When we got together to practice, Jud (Mize) happened to be there, and he sat in too.
It started by accident really. I thought it was gonna be one show...we'd have fun and be done. Now looking back, it's sort of crazy how it turned out. We've been extremely blessed as a band, with help from a lot of other musicians in Birmingham and really cool venues giving us a chance. They definitely gave us our start.
In the last few years, we've gone from strictly playing bars every other weekend to a full schedule including festivals. Jam in the Ham is a perfect example. Again, we've been blessed with good management and a lot of help from others. I think it's a real exciting time for us.
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Dreams" here:
While the band is generally an acoustic, folk rock band, your music is also described as carrying "a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately an undeniable rock n' roll vibe." Is the band's diverse sound something that comes natural, or do you make a conscious effort to mix things up? Max: Our sound really comes from the different influences that we all have. Anywhere from Skynyrd, Tom Petty, and the Grateful Dead, to gospel and bluegrass. When we write a song or learn a cover, we try not to map every little thing out. We really just wait to get together and see what we all can come up with. That's the way to have the most fun, I think most of our sound comes from the fact that we try not to expect anything specific
As the Winston Ramble's demand continues to grow, the schedule will only get busier. What has the band's approach been towards touring in 2016? Do you guys have a certain amount of shows you'd like to hit for the year?
Max: We play a lot of shows, but we all like that. We don't have specific number to shoot for. In the last few months, we've had more options on bigger gigs, which is where you want to be. Festivals and shows with bands we know is where we have the most fun, and it helps get your name out there when your not playing the same bar every week. So its a win win. Again, we've been blessed with a great manager, Alex Cape. He's great at what he does and Winston Ramble wouldn't be where we are without him.
We're coming up on this weekend's Jam In The Ham in Birmingham. This two-day festival showcases a great deal of young talent from across Alabama and beyond. How does an event such as this impact the current Alabama music scene?
Max: Birmingham is great place for music and aspiring musicians. There many venues that will give you a chance to get started. That being said, some of the best bands, not just in Alabama, but from anywhere are playing this weekend...so I know its gonna be a blast. There's a ton of talent that will be there and we're looking forward to it. It's great for Birmingham cause your never see all these bands in one spot. I can't wait.
Many of the bands most loyal fans will be in attendance this weekend. How would you best describe what Winston Ramble has planned for the big weekend ahead?
Max: We are very excited to be playing in one of the venues that gave us our start with all these other great musicians. We definitely have a surprise in store, so I hope all the Ramble fans make it out to see something new.
Watch Winston Ramble perform "As Long As I Can See The Light" here:
In addition to the upstairs and downstairs stages, Jam In The Ham will also provide a special collaboration stage this weekend. Can we expect to see you guys spending much time collaborating with other performers?
Max: We love to collaborate...mixing styles and coming up with something unexpected is what we're about. I'm sure we will be right in the mix.
Before we wrap things up, is there anything coming up in the second half of 2016 that has the band particularly excited?
Max: Really just having the opportunity to play festivals is enough to be excited about. We just finished with the Acoustic Cafe Festival, which was one of the best experiences I've ever had as a musician. But we're looking forward to and hoping for new things to keep happening this year.
Live & Listen is excited to announce that we are teaming up with Jam In The Ham Music & Arts Festivalas a sponsor of the 2016 festival at Zydeco in Birmingham, AL on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th. We will be providing interviews and preview coverage leading up to the festival, as well as coverage throughout the weekend. This second year festival promises to provide an amazing variety of many of the most promising young bands from across the Southeast.
Keep an eye out for the Live & Listen Collaboration Corner Stage, which will be located on the outdoor porch and feature exclusive collaborations from various Jam In The Ham performers throughout the weekend. Brand new, limited edition Live & Listen apparel will also be available at the festival. For further details and information on tickets, click here.
For a full lineup and schedule please visit www.jaminthehamfest.com. Each set will be recorded and a digital compilation album included for advance ticket holders only. VIP tickets are available for $35 and include Sweetwater draft beer, access to every set by every artist recorded at the festival, and a festival koozie.
We are proud to announce that Montgomery based apparel company ‘Live and Listen’ will be sponsoring the ‘Collaboration Corner’ stage featuring unique collaborations by Jam in the Ham artists throughout the day Saturday. Jam in the Ham will take place at Zydeco on Friday, June 3rd at 5pm and Saturday, June 4th at 3pm.
Single Day General Admission tickets are $15. Two Day GA tickets are $25. Single Day VIP tickets are $35. Two Day VIP tickets are $50. The show is for patrons 18 and older.
