The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

This week, Rudy Sarzo returns for the second half of his recent conversation with Jay Jay to share more about his storied career, full of unforgettable experiences and legendary encounters over the years in the rock scene. The episode kicks off with Rudy reminiscing about the various bands he's played with, diving into some wild tour stories. Rudy reflects on the emotional impact of losing musical icons, particularly with the recent loss of his dear friend & collaborator Ozzy Osbourne. His heartfelt insight reveals a deep respect and admiration for the artists he’s worked with, & the lifelong bonds that are formed in the world of music. Don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

Rudy Sarzo is gracing us once again this week on The Jay Jay French Connection! Rudy gets into the emotional whirlwind surrounding the recent tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne, & shares his heartfelt experiences and memories about the man who shaped so many careers, including his own. They discuss the bittersweet nature of honoring loved ones who have passed on, share favorite memories from their storied careers, & talk about Rudy's ongoing musical endeavors. Don't miss Jay Jay & Rudy discuss life, loss, and the indescribable energy that music brings to our lives - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Tune in for one of the first episodes this Fall, as we revisit Jay Jay's previous conversation with John Carter Cash! John is the son of June Carter Cash & Johnny Cash, & has created an amazing ongoing musical legacy of his own. Hear John talk about what is was like to have Johnny & June as parents growing up - & how they were beautifully humble & down to earth individuals and parents, behind their larger than life musical personas. John talks about why he sees music as a healing force in his life & in the world, and dives into the story of how he found his own musical identity. John is an amazing musician & producer and shares many stories & accomplishments from over the years. Hear Jay Jay share one of his favorite stories of when he met Johnny Cash, when Johnny was taking John to see one of his favorite bands in the 80's: Twisted Sister.Be sure to stay up to date on John Carter Cash at johncartercash.com , & don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay is joined by rock icon Glenn Hughes! Tune in to hear these two do a deep dive into their ongoing musical legacies, & the life experiences that come with it. Glenn shares stories from his illustrious career, giving us a glimpse of what it was like to be part of legendary bands like Deep Purple and Trapeze - the extensive performances, creative breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments. He gets into the evolution of his sound and the challenges that artists face in today’s music landscape. Their discussion touches on the impact of streaming, with Glenn expressing his thoughts on how it has transformed the way music is both consumed and created. They discuss Glenn's latest work & listen to two new singles, “Voice in My Head” & "Chosen." The conversation wraps on a hopeful note, as they discuss the importance of live music and the connection it fosters among fans and artists alike. Don't miss this insightful conversation from two rock legends - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

This week, we’re revisiting a favorite conversation from this past year - Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member and lead guitarist Rickey Medlocke joins Jay Jay this week on the podcast! Jay Jay & Rickey's history goes as far back as Twisted Sister does - to 1973 - and they've remained friends ever since. Rickey is best known as being the frontman & guitarist for the band Blackfoot, as well as an original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He's of Lakota Sioux and Cherokee ancestry, and was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 2008. He's heavily involved in supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Movement, and national efforts to end all violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women, which you can learn more about via the links below:www.niwrc.orgwww.rickeymedlocke.com/never-run-out-of-roadTune in to hear all about Jay Jay & Rickey's deep history that goes back over 50 years, as Rickey discusses how he's been one of the faces of Southern Rock for decades, and set the standard for the genre.Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!A special thank you to our new sponsors, Dimarzio Pickups and Tonequest Report.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Chad Kassem, founder of Acoustic Sounds, is this week's special guest on podcast! Acoustic Sounds is a company that has been at the forefront of the vinyl renaissance since the beginning. He gets into the technical side how records are made - he importance of a good pressing plant, and why mastering can make or break an album. It’s fascinating to hear him discuss the intricacies of sound quality and the lengths he goes to ensure that every record is a masterpiece. You’ll also hear my passionate rants about the economics of vinyl today, and why it’s ludicrous to expect prices to stay the same as they were in the ‘70s. I mean, come on, folks, inflation is real!Chad and Jay reminisce about the music industry—both the good and the bad. They touch on the "loudness wars," how modern music often sacrifices quality for volume, and how this has led to new artists seeking out reclaiming that rich & authentic sound that vinyl delivers. This episode is a must listen for audiophiles & music lovers, don't miss their conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, tune in for a very special retrospective that not only celebrates the legendary status of Electric Lady Studios, but also serves as a window into the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s. Jay Jay is joined by legendary guests Eddie Kramer and John Storyk, who engage in a lively dialogue that traverses personal history, technical advancements, and the evolution of music production as a whole. The conversation delves into the role of Electric Lady Studios (which was designed by Storyk & Kramer) as a space that fostered experimentation and artistic expression. Jay Jay’s perspective as a musician who experienced this era firsthand complements the insights of Kramer and Storyk, who both played pivotal roles in shaping the sound of a generation. The conversation ends with discussing Jimi Hendrix, his vision for the studio, and how his creative ethos continues to inspire artists to this day. This episode not only offers a first hand lens into a vibrant moment in music history, but offers listeners a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between art, technology, and human connection that defines the spirit of Electric Lady Studios.Don’t miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Tune in this week's special episode to hear Sharon, Jay Jay's wife, join the podcast! Sharon returns in conversation to update on their lives, share stories about recent travels - & to discuss everything from the importance of healthy relationships to spirituality, and the intricate balance between personal life & professional development. Jay Jay & Sharon recount pivotal experiences that have shaped their lives, and discuss the recent hiatus from guest interviews, shedding light on their winter retreat to Mexico and the exciting roster of guests to come.Don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week we're revisiting one of our favorite interviews from early on into the podcast - Don McClean.Tune into hear legendary American singer/songwriter Don McLean & Jay Jay discuss the cultural impact of Don's hit "American Pie," how much Don's music has impacted Jay Jay, resilience in show business, and the ups & downs of their remarkable journeys in the music industry.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from 2024 - a tribute to the Late Great guitar legend John Mayall, who passed away this past year. Joining Jay Jay to honor Mayall's legacy are two of the world's greatest living Blues guitarists, Joe Bonamassa & Rocky Athas. Tune in to hear these 3 discuss how John Mayall's groundbreaking guitar playing impacted both themselves & the music industry as a whole. Mayall is often referred to as the 'Godfather of the British Blues;' hear Jay Jay, Joe & Rocky discuss why - from his tone & songwriting, to the legacy he created with the Blues Breakers & taking Eric Clapton under his wing. Rocky shares favorite stories from their friendship & playing together over the years in the Blues Breakers.Put on a Blues Breakers record today to honor John - & don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay again goes Beyond the Music to welcome renowned author Craig Taylor onto the podcast. Craig is a Canadian journalist and playwright who was born in Edmonton and grew up in Lantzville. He moved to London in 2000, to immerse himself in the city for his book Londoners, and then to New York in 2014.  Given their deep rooted connection to New York through music & literature, Jay Jay & Craig have a lot to connect over to say the least. Tune in to hear all about their views & insights surrounding the city that they both hold very dear; getting into discussing why New York has remained such an essential hub for artists over the years. Hear all about Craig's immersive processes that he has lived through when writing his novels.Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

This week, Jay Jay chimes in from his vacation in Mexico to give his latest updates on the show - & to introduce this week's revisited episode, with record label legend David Rath. David Rath comes from Roadrunner Records where he spent twenty-one years in the A&R and Creative Departments, having been A&R on albums by Slipknot, Korn, Gojira, Coheed and Cambira, Slash, The Amity Affliction, Trivium, Stone Sour, Dream Theater and Megadeth and where he oversaw music videos from Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Jerry Cantrell and Slipknot. Rath helped guide the label through multiple changes in ownership and management, after which he oversaw the signings of Platinum selling acts Young The Giant and Vance Joy for Atlantic and Elektra Records. As the head of the A&R department at Roadrunner, Rath most recently signed and A&R’d Grammy nominated acts Turnstile and Code Orange, along with White Reaper and Motionless In White who both recently scored #1 Alternative and Active Rock radio hits.  In 2022, Dave Rath formed a partnership and new venture with Cees Wessels, the original founder of Roadrunner Records, to launch the rock label Blue Grape Music. The Blue Grape name comes from the influential hardcore/metal merch company formerly owned by Wessels. The new label recently signed pioneering metal outfit Code Orange, along with the Bay area post-punk band Spiritual Cramp, and New Jersey’s buzzing hardcore band GEL with releases scheduled for 2023. Blue Grape Music has offices in both New York City and Amsterdam and is presently distributed by The Orchard.  Prior to being at Roadrunner Records, Rath, a graduate of Villanova University, was the Director of The Philadelphia Music Conference and drummer for the Columbia Records band Heavens Edge.Jay Jay & David discuss their journeys into the record business, the ins & outs of A&R and the current state of the record label industry. David gets into how working in A&R keeps his ear to what's happening in the music world, & why he finds this to be very important. Don't miss this insightful conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Edited & Produced by Matthew Mallinger 

This week's very special guest is Davell Crawford, who is also known as the “Piano Prince of New Orleans," is an acclaimed pianist, vocalist, composer, and arranger. Growing up in New Orleans, Crawford’s influences run the gamut from Fats Domino to Sarah Vaughan, to Dr. John & Patsy Cline. Davell is truly a prodigy and natural entertainer, with an amazing story & remarkable natural talent. This past year, Jay Jay & Davell played together at New Orleans Jazz Fest, along with legendary drummer Steve Jordan. Tune in to hear all about how Jay Jay & Davell's friendship developed over the years, & how performing at Jazz Fest came together. Jay & Davell draw parallels between their very different musical backgrounds & upbringings, & share insight into what's to come for the both of them musically. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest is renowned musician Steve Conte! Known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, he has just recently announced the worldwide release of his new album, 'The Concrete Jangle,' on vinyl. Previously only available on vinyl via Record Store Day, 'The Concrete Jangle' is the critically-acclaimed successor to his 2021 opus 'Bronx Cheer.' Recognized for his notable guitar contributions with the New York Dolls and as the guitarist for Michael Monroe’s band (where he continues to perform), Steve Conte gained global acclaim through his collaborations with Japanese composer and artist Yoko Kanno on the soundtracks of popular anime series, including Cowboy Bebop. Be sure to listen to Steve's new record, & check out up to date information on his work below. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Website: www.stevecontenyc.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/steveconte Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Jay Jay welcomes writer, film producer & scholar Jonathan Taplin back on the podcast! We are especially fortunate to have Jonathan be able to join us this week, as he very recently lost his Los Angeles home in the Palisades fire this January. Jonathan shares his experience with the fires & needing to run away from his own home, & gives an update on the recovery efforts surrounding his neighborhood. Jay Jay & Jonathan get into discussing the recent Bob Dylan biopic - & who better to ask about the film than Jonathan, not only because he is a member of the academy and is a legendary film producer - but because he was Dylan's tour manager in the 60's & was there at Newport in 65.' This leads to them discussing Jonathan's book 'The End Of Reality.' One of the reasons “A Complete Unknown” received so many Academy Award nominations was because it it such a strong example of how powerful a counterculture can be. His new book posits that we are just at the beginning of a new counterculture in current day. Be sure to check out Jonathan's new book, which you can learn more about on his website below, & don't miss this timely conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! www.jontaplin.com Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week has been a heavy one to say the least - which Jay Jay & his dear friend, Cliff Chenfeld, get together to discuss. Cliff & Jay Jay connect to talk about the new Bob Dylan biopic - & inevitably discuss the events unfolding this week in Los Angeles with the spreading of the wildfires & tragedies surrounding. Jay Jay's producer Matthew Mallinger joins part of the conversation as he's based in Los Angeles - & the three of them talk about their loved ones & friends who are being affected by the situation with the wildfires. This leads to Cliff & Jay Jay discussing their love for the city, their deep histories with & relationship to the city, & how disasters of this scale can impact the infrastructure & culture of a city for years to come. Cliff & Jay transition to discuss their reviews of the new Dylan biopic, the importance of Dylan's artistic impact on the world, & why they find the resurgence of his popularity occurring from this film to be both a timely and great thing. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Tune in this week for part II of Jay Jay, Tor & Matthew's year end recap! Jay Jay addresses rumours surrounding Twisted's reuniting, & discusses the current state of the band. The three of them get into popular musical highlights throughout the year; from Talking Heads & LCD Soundsystem to Andre 3000 & Jessica Pratt. Hear Jay's insights surrounding the current state of record deals being cut relative to when Twisted was releasing Stay Hungry & their music in the 80s. Jay Jay, Tor & Matt reflect on podcast guests throughout the year from Steve Vai & Joe Satriani, to Dean Delray, Tommy Emmanual, Tommy James, Carmine Appice & many more. Don't miss this two part year in review episode - & a special thank you to all fans and guests who have tuned into & been a part of the podcast this past year! Stay tuned for more great guests & exciting news in 2025 - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Jay Jay, Tor & Matthew (Jay Jay's Social Media Manager & Producer) get together this week to discuss highlights of 2024; getting into favorite guests throughout the year, the current state of the podcast, Twisted's Stay Hungry 40 Year Anniversary, favorite records collected throughout the year & what's to come in 2025. Don't miss this two part year in review episode special - & a special thank you to all fans and guests who have tuned into & been a part of the podcast this past year - stay tuned for exciting news & guests in 2025 - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, we're revisiting an episode in which the focus is on Jay Jay's remarkable health journey & surviving prostate cancer, with special guest Dr. Samir Taneja. Dr. Samir Taneja is a urologist & surgeon who performed Jay Jay's prostate cancer operation in 2018. Jay Jay discusses why he finds it so important to educate yourself on any health concerns that are affecting your life, & shares his experience in doing so himself. Dr. Taneja shares his insight on prostate cancer diagnosis & methodology, and discusses the decisions that individuals who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have to weigh, differences between various treatments currently available, & why he finds active surveillance to be so important. Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger