The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

Latest Episodes:

Jenny Boyd & Jane Green Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

This week we're revisiting previous episode highlight, Jay Jay's conversation with best-selling author Jane Green, and author & former model Jenny Boyd. Listen to these two discuss their most recent writing projects, including Jenny's book "Jennifer Juniper: A Journey Beyond the Muse," which was released this past year. Jane & Jenny also discuss the differences between living in England and the United States, what their writing processes look like during a global pandemic, and remarkable stories from their careers, as well as being in and around the music world. -Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Mark Metcalf Apr 12, 2022

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Mark Metcalf, star of the legendary movie Animal House & the overbearing father/teacher in two of Twisted Sister's most famous videos, I Wanna Rock & We're Not Gonna Take It, is this week's special guest! In addition to these roles, & exclaiming the classic line "What do you want to do with your life??!" Mark has an incredibly extensive history is both television and theater. Mark shares some amazing, & hilarious, stories about his journey into the world of entertainment, and how his passion for theater at a young age led him to become an actor. Jay Jay & Mark share stories covering everything from how they dealt with being drafted into the army, to being typecast in Hollywood & the importance of sticking to your own unique creative journey. Be sure to catch this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Rocky Athas Apr 05, 2022

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Rocky Athas, also known by fans as the Texas Tornado-The Malice from Dallas- & The Last Great Bluesbreaker Guitarist, is this week's guest on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! The legendary Texan Blues guitarist & songwriter has collaborated with the likes of Buddy Miles, Glenn Hughes, Black Oak Arkansas & John Mayall - to name a few. Jay Jay & Rocky talk all things Blues guitar - discussing how the Blues came into both their lives, and how deeply it impacted their lives & playing over the years. Don't miss their conversation, and be sure to keep up to date on Rocky's work by checking out his website www.rockyathas.com, Instagram @rockyathas & Twitter @RockyAthas Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

David Wilson, Revisited Mar 29, 2022

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This week we are re-releasing a previous episode in memoriam of Jay Jay's dear friend David Wilson, who passed on from us unexpectedly this past week. The wonderful David Wilson, editor & publisher of The ToneQuest Report, is this week's special guest. Hear all about why Jay Jay strongly recommends The TQR to all guitar players, & finds it to be a refreshing alternative to all other guitar publications out there. David talks about why he believes all guitarists are chasing the perfect tone ~ & where to begin when seeking out a specific tone in the constantly evolving world of music technology. Everything from desert island guitar / amp combos, to the history of amplifiers is discussed in this episode - you won't want to miss it! Be sure to check out The Tone Quest Report's website, & subscribe to their one of a kind publication. https://tonequest.com/about/our-story/

Deborah Bonham & Peter Bullick Mar 22, 2022

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Deborah Bonham & Peter Bullick join Jay Jay this week from the UK, as this week's special guests! Talented singer/songwriter Deborah Bonham and guitarist/songwriter Peter Bulick, who are husband and wife, talk about their brand new album, upcoming touring plans & all things British Blues & Rock. Their new 13-track self-titled covers album is an inspiring blend of blues, rock, and soul. The music on this excellent new album, which will be released on Quarto Valley Records (QVR) on April 29, is in the tradition of the great blues-rock of the 1970s while also being deeply entrenched in classic blues and soul. The first single from the album, a riveting version of the Albert King classic, Can’t You See What You’re Doing to Me, will be released on QVR on March 25. The album features guest musicians who have performed with artists including Robert Plant, Portishead, Massive Attack, blues great Bobby Rush and the members of Deborah’s live band and Paul Rodgers’ band Free Spirit. Their band will be undertaking a UK/European tour commencing in April to promote the new album and is formulating plans to tour the U.S. sometime later this year. Don't miss this conversation, & be sure to keep an eye out for Deborah & Peter's new release! Link to Deborah Bonham’s website: https://www.deborahbonham.com/index.html Link to Deborah Bonham’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahBonhamOfficial/?ref=hl Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Dr Andrea Natale Mar 15, 2022

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This week's episode again goes beyond the music - as Jay Jay welcomes guest Dr. Andrea Natale. Dr. Natale is a pioneer in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (also known as AFIB), which Jay Jay previously lived with. 17 years ago, Dr Natale successfully cured Jay Jay's AFIB through a cardiac ablation procedure. Tune in this week to hear about Jay Jay's experience dealing with AFIB, its causes, latest treatments & cures. Only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music ! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Oz Noy Mar 08, 2022

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This week's guest is guitar virtuoso Oz Noy! Jay Jay strongly believes that his friend Oz is one of the absolute best guitarists alive today - & in this episode you'll hear all about why. Oz's international impact in music has been undeniable - he's known to blend the worlds of Jazz, Funk, Rock, Blues & R&B on a level that is unparalleled. Oz discusses his upbringing, & the deep well of musical ground that he has studied, been influenced by, & now incorporates today in his own music. Check out Oz's website below, and be sure to catch him on his upcoming tour with The Oz Noy Trio Feat. Dennis Chambers & Jimmy Haslip. https://www.oznoy.com/ https://www.oznoy.com/shows/ Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Eddie Kramer & John McDermott Mar 01, 2022

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This week Eddie Kramer joins Jay Jay for his second time on the podcast - the legendary engineer & producer is joined by his friend & business partner, producer/director John McDermott. This episode concentrates on the work that Eddie and John did on the audio restoration & transfer of the music for the Grammy award winning dvd's "The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966." The music and performances embodied on these dvd's are not only some of Jay Jay's favorite musical gems, they are an important historical legacy of American Blues music that must be kept in the conscience of anyone (especially musicians) who seek to learn about the very foundations of what was to become the bedrock of Rock n Roll. Eddie, John & Jay Jay also discuss Jimi Hendrix, their mutual deep love for the Blues, and some of their ongoing projects that are in store for 2022. Don't miss this insightful interview, and be sure to check out the documentary "The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Vol. 1." Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Pete Compton Feb 22, 2022

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This week's guest is Pete Compton, the cultural researcher who co-directed the recently released documentary "The Beatles and India." The Beatles And India is an unforgettable audio-visual experience that spotlights the legacy of their visit to India, chronicling The Beatles’ crucial role as avatars of a musical movement inspiring newfound societal and cultural awareness, weaving the fabric of pop and Indian music into a unified force of positivity and spiritual exploration. Hear all about Peter's experience working on this film, & how they sourced & compiled all of the unique material for the documentary. This film offers a lens into the deep impact that India & Indian music had on The Beatles and their musical output. Don't miss this conversation, and be sure to check out the documentary which is now available on BritBox! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Steve Vai Feb 15, 2022

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This week we're revisiting a classic episode from earlier last year - guitar virtuoso, composer, songwriter & producer Steve Vai joins Jay Jay for a one of a kind conversation on this special episode of The Jay Jay French Connection. Listen to Steve tell the story of how he began his career - as a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa - at the insanely young age of 18! Steve shares this and many other stories about his remarkable journey in music, and how he became the musical polymath that he is today. Jay Jay & Steve talk discuss their guitar collections, Steve going to see Twisted Sister play in Long Island NY as a kid, notable influences, and much more. Don't miss this week's episode of The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger