The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

Latest Episodes:

Adrian Low Part 1 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Join Jay Jay this week as he welcomes audio expert Adrian Low onto the podcast. Adrian is not only a distinguished audio expert and the owner of Audio Excellence in Canada, but also happens to be one of Jay Jay's favorite audio influencers / reviewers. They delve into the disparity between contemporary listening habits and those of previous generations & reflect on how the allure of high-fidelity systems has waned, with convenience often being prioritized over audio quality. Adrian talks about the challenges faced in rekindling interest among youth, who tend to gravitate towards earbuds and computer speakers rather than traditional stereo systems. These 2 discuss the deep value that the appreciation of hi-fi audio can bring to the listener, & how accessible hi fidelity equipment holds the ability to inspire a new era of musical engagement among younger audiences. Don't miss part 1 of their conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Steve Guttenberg Part II Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Tune in this week for part two of Jay Jay's conversation with special guest Steve Guttenberg! These 2 dive straight back into the world of audio, & what it really is that makes great sound systems tick. Steve is an audio expert - with an extensive history both as a salesman and a reviewer. Steve & Jay chat about learning to appreciate sound quality through jazz music, and the importance of understanding depth, soundstage and transparency in audio. They reminisce about their wide range of experiences they've had with different audio gear – from the highs of discovering amazing speakers to the lows of dealing with equipment that just doesn't cut it. Whether you’re a music lover or just curious about audio, this episode is a must listen!

Don't miss this episode, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Steve Guttenberg Part I Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

This week, tune in to join Jay Jay as he welcomes Steve Guttenberg to the show, as they they explore the vibrant world of audio and the profound impact music has had on their lives. Jay Jay takes us back to the days when he fell in love with music through his gigantic stereo systems. They delve deep into what being an audiophile really means, and how it’s about more than just the equipment; it’s about the experience of fully immersing oneself in the music. Steve sharing anecdotes from his years in the industry, & swaps stories with Jay about their favorite records, concerts, and the gear that has shaped their musical experiences overtime. This episode is a must listen for all audio files & music lovers - don't miss part I of this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Rudy Sarzo Returns Part II Oct 14, 2025

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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 Returns Part I Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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

John Carter Cash Revisited Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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

Glenn Hughes Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Rickey Medlocke Revisited Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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.org

www.rickeymedlocke.com/never-run-out-of-road

Tune 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 on the Art of Vinyl Production Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Oz Noy Revisited Jul 08, 2025

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