Ram It, Jam It

#43: Caleb Johnson

Ben Flanagan — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 14:48:00 +0000

This episode features Caleb Johnson, Alabama native and author of “Treeborne.” Johnson talks about writing his debut novel, growing up in rural Alabama, grinding through the writing process and leaving his home state.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

#42: Daryl Hall

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 13:39:38 +0000

This episode features Daryl Hall, singer and musician in the famed pop group Daryl Hall & John Oates. He talks about his interest in southern music, his early days in Philadelphia, the importance of the distinction between the individual artists Daryl Hall and John Oates and what fans can expect from their live shows now. … Continue reading

#41: Kim Thayil

Ben Flanagan — Fri, 05 May 2017 17:41:27 +0000

This episode features Kim Thayil, lead guitarist and co-founder of Soundgarden. He talks about the band making their first trip to Alabama this weekend, their other experience in the South, the “Ultramega OK” reissue, how he found the right guitar, their Sub Pop Records origins and much more.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

#40: Andre Holland

Ben Flanagan — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 16:33:44 +0000

This episode features Andre Holland, the Alabama-born actor co-starring in Oscar frontrunner “Moonlight.” Holland talks about Barry Jenkins’ critically acclaimed film, as well as his Alabama roots, the advantage growing up in the South might give him in Hollywood and his inclination to work with A-list directors like Ava DuVernay, Spike Lee and Steven Soderbergh. … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #39: Bray Wyatt

Ben Flanagan — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 20:25:35 +0000

This episode features Bray Wyatt, WWE superstar and professional wrestler. Wyatt talks about about his recent bout of injuries that kept him out of action, his stint as a football player at Troy University, his relationship with Vince McMahon and his growing legacy he hopes will land him in the WWE Hall of Fame. CLICK … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #38: Dierks Bentley

Ben Flanagan — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 16:35:32 +0000

This episode features Dierks Bentley, the Nashville-based country superstar. Bentley talks about his love of the South and why he knows he better bring something “a little extra” tonight, his moves from Phoenix to Vermont to Nashville prior to his success and how he changed as a songwriter after having three kids with his wife, … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #37: Bo Rinehart

Ben Flanagan — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 16:34:14 +0000

This episode features Bo Rinehart, guitarist for NEEDTOBREATHE. Rinehart talks about the challenges of a long and exhaustive tour, how the band was previously blinded by ambition and why he and his brother were both named after none other than legendary former Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #36: Walton Goggins

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:01:35 +0000

This episode features Walton Goggins, the Alabama-born veteran actor starring in Quentin Tarantino’s new western “The Hateful Eight.” Best-known for playing the charismatic villain Boyd Crowder on the FX series “Justified,” Goggins talks about working with Tarantino, portraying southern characters the right way and doing what it takes to understand the characters he plays no … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #35: Matt Patton

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:00:35 +0000

This episode features Matt Patton, bass player for Drive-By Truckers and The Dexateens. Patton talks about Truckers’ upcoming live album “It’s Great to Be Alive,” the differences between western and southern crowds, his favorite memories from Tuscaloosa and what he thinks of the latest boom in southern music.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #34: Steve Johnson

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:59:05 +0000

This episode features Steve Johnson, drummer for Alabama Shakes. The Athens, Ala., band will play a pair of shows in their home state, including a gig at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on Aug. 20. The Jasper native Steve Johnson about returning to the Druid City, finishing a tour with friends like the Truckers and hanging with legends like Paul McCartney and Prince. He also discusses improving as a drummer by watching the greats, giving lesser known bands a similar shot at the spotlight the Shakes got and quitting his day job to pursue music several years ago.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #33: Phish in Tuscaloosa

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:58:16 +0000

This episode features Ben’s brother and Business Insider producer Graham Flanagan, as they look ahead to the return of Phish in Tuscaloosa after nearly 24 years since their last live show in town. We got into Phish while we were in high school back in the early 2000s, shortly before the band went on its famous creative and touring hiatus. Graham saw his first show in 2000 in Irvine, Calif., and got hooked fast. Phish entered our periphery long after the band played those three shows in Tuscaloosa, and we never expected them to return. They’d perform at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #32: Summer Shindig III w/ Louisa Murray and Blaine Duncan

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:57:12 +0000

This episode features interviews with Louisa Murray (vocalist and instrumentalist for The Bear) and Blaine Duncan, looking ahead to Tuscaloosa’s Summer Shindig III at the Bama Theatre. The event will feature these artists along with Looksy, Doc Dailey, Amy McCarley, The Parkers, Walter Parks and The Mulligan Bros. They talk about playing music in Alabama, … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #31: Remembering Kenny Stabler

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:56:02 +0000

This episode features Paul Finebaum, Eli Gold, Tim Brando, Bruce Feldman, Chris Stewart and Ryan Fowler reflecting on the life, legacy and loss of legendary Alabama and Oakland Raiders quarterback Kenny Stabler, who died on July 9, 2015. The man talk about Stabler’s contributions on the football field and in the broadcasting booth. CLICK HERE … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #30: Titus O’Neil

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:54:54 +0000

This episode features Titus O’Neil, a World Wrestling Entertainment superstar and current co-holder of the Tag Team Championship belt. From Boynton Beach, Fla., the 6-foot-6-inch O’Neil is a former defensive lineman for the Florida Gators and remains a die-hard fan and ambassador of the athletic program. O’Neil talks about winning recently the tag team belts, earning the distinction of celebrity dad of the year and performing in front of SEC football and WWE fan bases.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #29: John Fogerty

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:53:53 +0000

This episode features John Fogerty, legendary founder and former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival. He talks about bringing his “1969″ tour to Alabama and the South, a place that still holds a special place deep in his heart. He also discusses creating the music that still connects so solidly with the region, and how the region does the same with him after more than 35 years. He also discusses trying to keep up with his idols and hit-making machines The Beatles in the late 1960s, sharing his personal musical influences during live shows and enjoying life and work after moving on from an awkward time when things got “tricky.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #28: Ronnie Lee Gipson

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:52:57 +0000

This episode features Ronnie Lee Gipson, bass player for Golden Monica and Thee Crown Imperials, and member of just about every other band you’ve heard of in Tuscaloosa or Birmingham. Gipson discusses growing up with a talented guitarist for a father, watching The Dexateens practice in his basement when he was a teenager and learning … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #27: Chris Confessore on John Williams

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:51:51 +0000

This episode features Chris Confessore, Alabama Symphony Orchestra principal pops conductor in Birmingham. Confessore discusses the ASO’s concert performing the works of American film composer John Williams, as heard in the films of Steven Spielberg. He talks about what Williams’ means to classical musicians today, why “E.T.” still means so much to him and why he felt it important to include a few “deep cuts” to celebrate the legacy of arguably the greatest film composer ever.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #26: Jason Patton

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:50:26 +0000

This episode features Jason Patton, manager (now owner) of Oz Music in Tuscaloosa. Patton discusses Record Store Day 2015, scheduled for April 18 nationwide. He talks about what all it entails, which records will sell fastest and how it’s always the biggest business day of the year for Oz. He also reflects on the emergence of St. Paul and The Broken Bones, along with their special edition RSD piece “Live from the Alabama Theatre.”

CLOCK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #25: James Spann

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:49:21 +0000

This episode features James Spann, chief meteorologist, chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40 and co-host of the podcast “WeatherBrains.” Spann talks about being raised by a single mom in Greenville, Ala., developing a passion for weather during his high school years in Tuscaloosa and learning the meteorological ropes with jobs early in his career in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Dallas. He also discusses the emerging technological advances in his field, the devastating weather events that shaped his personal feelings about his work, his faith as a Christian and how it applies to his job and what it has taken for him to reach the heights of meteorology and weather broadcasting.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!

Ram It, Jam It #24: Chris Zeiler

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:48:21 +0000

This episode features Chris Zeiler, drummer for longtime Tuscaloosa indie rock staple Baak Gwai along with another project The Great American Breakdown. Zeiler talks about Baak Gwai’s humble beginnings in the Druid City, how the band formed with a random and mistaken phone call and why the band has remained in its hometown of Tuscaloosa. He also talks about growing up with a rocket scientist for a dad, playing high school sports while getting into punk rock in the South and learning the ups and downs of touring at a young age.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!

Ram It, Jam It #23: Rick Bragg

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:47:32 +0000

This episode features Rick Bragg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and University of Alabama writing professor, whose latest book “Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story” recently released. Bragg talks about growing up in East Alabama, learning good storytelling from his family, starting his long career in journalism in high school and traveling all over the world while working at The New York Times. He also talks about winning his Pulitzer Prize, leaving the newspaper business for books and teaching, telling his deeply personal family history in bestsellers like “All Over But the Shoutin’,” challenging his students to tell tough stories and getting nervous during a Sports Illustrated interview with Nick Saban.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD.

Ram It, Jam It #22: Paul Finebaum on his upcoming book

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:46:31 +0000

This short episode features ESPN Radio and college football media behemoth Paul Finebaum, whose new book “My Conference Can Beat Your Conference: Why the SEC Rules College Football,” from HarperCollins, will go on sale Aug. 12, 2014. Finebaum talks about the newly unveiled book cover, the callers who participated and what readers can expect from … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #21: Nathan Pitts

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:45:20 +0000

This episode features Nathan Pitts, guitarist and songwriter for the popular Muscle Shoals band The Bear, whose latest album “Overseas Then Under” released in 2013. Pitts talks about growing up in Sulligent, joining the Air Force and meeting his wife and fellow Bear member Louisa Murray in Florence. He also discusses building The Bear’s unique sound, finding a musical home in the Shoals and writing and recording music on the band’s own terms.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #20: Jack Blankenship

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:44:19 +0000

This episode features Jack Blankenship, best known as the University of Alabama “Face guy,” who recently scored an internship with “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” in New York. He talks about getting the gig, growing the face and moving to the big city.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #19: Kevin Waltman

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:40:45 +0000

This episode features Kevin Waltman, author and English instructor at the University of Alabama. Waltman’s new book “Next” about an inner city high school basketball phenom in Indianapolis is now available. He talks about growing up the son of a basketball coach, working in Indianapolis and getting another young adult novel published. CLICK HERE TO … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #18: Adam Morrow joins Belle Adair

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:39:53 +0000

This episode features previous guest Adam Morrow, guitarist for Callooh! Callay! and Blane Duncan, and now Della Ray, a new acoustic project with his wife and C!C! bassist Natalie Morrow. Morrow recently joined the Muscle Shoals band Belle Adair, for whom he will play bass. He talks about the new gig and how it will … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #17: Phyllis from Mulga

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:38:53 +0000

This episode features Phyllis Perkins, aka “Phyllis from Mulga” from the Paul Finebaum Show. The avid Alabama fan talks about fighting for underdogs everywhere and fighting her own battles with cancer. As fiery a personality as ever on Finebaum’s daily radio show, Perkins remains a cornerstone caller and a bigger Tide fan than ever. CLICK … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #16: Duquette Johnston

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:36:00 +0000

This episode features Duquette Johnston, the Birmingham musician whose latest album “Rabbit Runs a Destiny” is now available. Johnston talks about growing up on a ranch in Wyoming, forming (and leaving) the successful early 1990s band Verbena, kicking a serious drug habit and fearing he’d never write another song with a looming prison sentence. He also talks about finding rebirth and redemption through his music, faith and family, beginning with the recording of the 2006 album “Etowah.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #15: Paul Finebaum

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:34:53 +0000

This episode features Paul Finebaum, the ESPN Radio host and longtime voice of SEC football. Finebaum recently made the move from Alabama to Charlotte to resume his role as maestro of the college football dialogue, as he prepares for the launch of the SEC Network in August 2014. We talk about that move, Nick Saban rumors, the surprisingly bittersweet end to BCS chaos, the show’s longtime callers, his transition to ESPN, his role as a “College GameDay” analyst, the Heisman race and much, much more.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #14: Lee Bains is Too Loud for Texas

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:33:44 +0000

This episode features Lee Bains, of Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, who recounts his band having the plug pulled on its live show at the Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. The venue deemed Bains’ performance “too loud” and literally closed the curtain on the band. Hear Bains’ side of the story, as well as Tuscaloosa native and Fort Worth resident Hunter Johnson, who attended the show.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #13: John Snowden

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:29:51 +0000

This episode features John Snowden, singer/songwriter and guitarist in Tuscaloosa indie rock band Baak Gwai. He discusses growing up in a religious household, learning to play the drums instead of guitar because he didn’t want to copy his older brother and forming what many consider one of Tuscaloosa’s best bands nearly 10 years ago. CLICK … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #12: David Allen

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:28:36 +0000

This episode features David Allen, event coordinator and booking manager at Green Bar in Tuscaloosa. He talks about his early days booking house bands locally and eventually being hired to do the same at Green Bar, which wants to shine a light on local and regional artists in a variety of genres. CLICK HERE TO … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #11: Gary Weinberger

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:27:24 +0000

This episode features Red Mountain Entertainment president Gary Weinberger, who discusses the concert history of Coleman Coliseum, formerly known as Memorial Coliseum. Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and many more performed at the University of Alabama venue.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #10: David Allgood

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:26:18 +0000

This episode features David Allgood, Bama Theatre manager and veteran musician. He talks about the history of the historical downtown venue including the variety of high profile acts it saw over the years including The Police, Joan Baez, Alabama Shakes, Avett Brothers and many more.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #9: Reed Watson

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:25:07 +0000

This episode features Reed Watson, drummer for Muscle Shoals bands The Pollies and Belle Adair. He talks about how he fell into his current bands, how the April 27 tornado still haunts him, how he thinks he’s less abrasive and how Tuscaloosa has the building blocks to become the arts community everyone knows it can … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #8: Miller Mobley

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:23:41 +0000

This episode features Miller Mobley, a Tuscaloosa-born photographer now working professionally and steadily with his wife Jana in New York City. He talks getting his first video camera to shoot skateboard videos of him and his friends, directing live stage plays in his childhood home and choosing to drop out of college to pursue his dream. He also discusses how he developed his craft and knowledge while at JH Ranch in California, plus the importance of studying gear, software and lighting.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #7: Lee Bains

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:22:22 +0000

This episode features Lee Bains, of Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires and The Dexateens. He talks gearing up to record the Glory Fires’ followup to their debut album “There is a Bomb in Gilead,” singing in church choirs during his childhood, ditching the piano for guitar as a kid and tuning in to a special episode of “Austin City Limits” that changed his life forever.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #6: Craig “Sweet Dog” Pickering

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:20:11 +0000

This episode features Craig Pickering, best known as “Sweet Dog” and the former drummer and founding member of The Dexateens and current drummer for SDX. He discusses touring Europe, managing and performing with legendary blues musicians like T-Model Ford, serving 12 years with the Marines and recording a new SDX album, due to release soon. … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #5: Dusty Fields

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:19:17 +0000

This episode features Dusty Fields, former 90.7-FM music director, host of “Bands 101” and singer in local band We Killed the Dinosaurs. He discusses growing up in Hale County and venturing up to Tuscaloosa for what he considered a day on the town back then. He lists his favorite local bands, particularly ones to influenced … Continue reading

Ram It, Jam It #4: Ham Bagby

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:18:15 +0000

This episode features Ham Bagby, of Ham Bagby & The Siege and other ventures. He talks living and gigging in the Druid City for the past 15 years, being a good dad and growing up listening to Weird Al Yankovic and Prince while having an Episcopalian priest as a father.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #3: Adam Morrow

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:17:09 +0000

This episode features Callooh! Callay! singer/songwriter and Blaine Duncan and The Lookers guitarist Adam Morrow. He talks about playing guitar with his new band, finding new ways to distribute music, dating a band member and sticking around in the Druid City for the time being.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #2: Blaine Duncan

Ben Flanagan — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:11:13 +0000

This episode features Blaine Duncan, of Blaine Duncan & The Lookers. He talks about the evolution of his band, which has seen several different members come and go since it formed in 2007.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD

Ram It, Jam It #1: Elliott McPherson

Ben Flanagan — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:25:29 +0000

The debut episode features Elliott McPherson, The Dexateens guitarist, singer and songwriter.

McPherson talks life post-Dexateens (at least full-time) and opens up about growing up in Montgomery, discovering music in college and forming what people largely consider one of the best Alabama rock bands ever.

He also discusses solo projects like Elliott McPherson and The Four Tracks, upcoming solo work paying tribute to influences like Kiss and Michael Jackson and a brand new Dexateens album called “This Machine Kills Americana” that has already been recorded.

Early musical influences, his first band, music his parents wouldn’t let him listen to and his first Chukker visit are also discussed.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD