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 

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 

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

This week we're revisiting an episode from the past year, with the one & only Doc McGhee as the guest! Doc is one of the most well known American music managers in the history of rock - working with the likes of Kiss, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue & Scorpions, just to name a few. Tune in to hear Doc & Jay Jay discuss the ins & outs of music management, share their best advice, and swap some of their most memorable stories. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's unique episode truly goes beyond the music. Uveitis is one of the leading causes of blindness among young girls in America. This disease is a personal issue as it affects Jay Jay's daughter. Knowledge is power and Jay Jays guests this week are world wide leaders in the research, treatment & cure of this disease which also affects adults as well - Dr. Stephen Foster, Dr. Stephen Anesi & Dr. Peter Chang who are this week's guests. Hear about the importance of proper treatment of the disease early on; learn all about uveitis, & how it is currently best treated around the world and in the US. Visit https://uveitis.org/ for any information & resources surrounding the disease that you may need.

Legendary rock n roll guitarist, singer & songwriter Ricky Byrd is this week's guest on The Jay Jay French Connection. Ricky spent over a decade playing Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - & has performed, recorded & toured with the likes of Roger Daltrey, Ian Hunter, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mavis Staples, Smokey Robinson, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Page, Dion & Elvis Costello - just to name a few. Hear Jay Jay & Ricky discuss their deeply rooted connection through all things rock n roll, and be sure to check out Ricky's recently released record "Sobering Times," available on all digital platforms and through rickybyrd.com. Sobering Times is an honest and intimate reflection of recovery delivered through his signature brand of Rock ‘N’ Roll. As Goldmine Magazine states “...The Faces and The Rolling Stones with a dash of Otis...It rocks like a b*tch. His vocals are the best of his career...early indications make it seem likely that this will be his career statement.” Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's 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. You won't want to miss this informative story, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week is the first guest of the new year - the prolific British record producer Steve Lillywhite! If you're not already familiar & want to look at the list of records that Lillywhite is credited on - you'll need to sit down & set aside some time. Steve has been credited on over 500 records - collaborating with the likes of U2, The Rolling Stones, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Psychedelic Furs, Simple Minds, Dave Matthews, & The Killers (to name a few) - receiving 6 Grammy awards along the way, and being made a Commander of the Order of The British Empire in 2012 for his contributions to music. Tune in to hear about how Steve began his career by learning to be the best tape operator possible, his deep love for punk music, how he became U2's go-to producer, & his advice on working in the music industry. Don't miss this insightful conversation on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, we're revisiting another episode highlight from 2021, with guest "Supermensch" Shep Gordon! Shep is one of the most legendary talent managers in the music industry - and he has the stories to back it. Shep has run the gamut of artists he's worked with - from Alice Cooper to Teddy Pendergrass, and Blondie to Frankie Valli. Hear these two talk all things music management, and share stories from their long runs in the music industry. Be sure to check out the documentary "Supermensch", produced & directed by Mike Myers, to learn even more about Shep's story. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week we're revisiting a 2021 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 by Matthew Mallinger

Jim McCarty, legendary English musician & drummer of The Yarbirds, is this week's guest on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! McCarty has been the only individual featured in every lineup of The Yardbirds. Hear Jim discuss the band's deep blues influences & their evolving sound through the years. A few of the most groundbreaking guitarists - Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck & Eric Clapton have all been members of The Yardbirds; hear Jim discuss at length the difference between their lineups over the years, playing with these 3, & how their varying styles & personalities influenced his writing & drumming. Jay Jay has been a fan of The Yardbirds for years, & shares his appreciation for both their impact on him personally, & on the music world as a whole. Be sure to check out both of Jim's book's: "Nobody Told Me: My Life with the Yardbirds, Renaissance and Other Stories," & "She Walks In Beauty: My Quest For The Bigger Picture." -Produced by Matthew Mallinger

Every Beatles fanatic has been talking about it - the new documentary "Get Back," directed by Peter Jackson. The 3 part documentary contains unseen footage of the iconic group (distilled from 60+ hours that Jackson had exclusive access to), & showcases their writing & rehearsing of 14 new songs, followed by their unforgettable rooftop concert on London's Savile Row. This week is a special episode in which 2 lifelong Beatles fans, Jay Jay & close friend, legendary drummer & artist Michael Cartellone, discuss the new documentary, the influence that The Beatles have had on both of their music careers & how this documentary perfectly displays the magic of The Beatles & the importance of their impact on the world. Jay Jay's producer Matthew Mallinger also joins the conversation to discuss his perspective on the documentary. Be sure to check out Michael Cartellone's remarkable body of artwork, which includes multiple Beatles pieces at https://wentworthgallery.com/cartellone.html Hear this one of a kind conversation only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.

This week we're revisiting a favorite episode from this past year - Jay Jay's conversation with Frank Marshall. Hear Jay Jay chat with the acclaimed film director and producer, who recently directed the Bee Gees documentary "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart." Listen to this unique interview to hear Jay Jay and Frank discuss documentary filmmaking, The Bee Gees early years , the love of music & Frank's expansive career in film. Only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

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's episode is a must listen for all tone freaks out there. Jay Jay's friend 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/

This week's guest is psychedelic rock legend & pioneer, Peppy Castro. Peppy has done it all, from being a founding member of The Blues Magoos, to starring in the original Broadway production of Hair. Tune in to hear about his unique career journey, all the way back to his beginnings in the world of rock n roll as a teenager on the east coast. Don't miss hearing the story of Jay Jay & Peppy's first meeting - in which their bands were sharing a bill, & as Jay Jay recounts, Peppy kindly told him to "Get the f*** off my amp!!" Hear these stories only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.

This week we're revisiting one of our highlight interviews from earlier this year - 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 episode is a must listen for all Dead Heads. This week's 2 guests are Justin Kreutzmann & Mark Pinkus. Justin is a director, & the son of legendary Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Justin has worked on a large catalogue of projects with music legends such as Pete Townshend and The Who, Motley Crue, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Emmylou Harris, Mavis Staples, & last but not least - The Grateful Dead. He has worked as an editor & producer on a wide variety of music documentaries & programs - including Long Strange Trip, Let There Be Drums, Backstage Pass & Dead Ringers: The Making of Touch of Grey. Mark Pinkus is president of Rhino Entertainment, and he is the official General Manager of Grateful Dead Properties. He has access to the Dead's extensive vault — a superfan's paradise with thousands and thousands of tapes — and handles the production and release of the music contained within. Tune in to hear these 3 discuss all things Grateful Dead - from producing their most recent documentary, to each member's unique character & style of playing, & why the Dead have had such a huge impact on multiple generations. Justin discusses how his dad being a member the Dead has impacted his life & career, & Mark discusses his special working relationship with the Dead. Jay Jay tells stories of seeing the Grateful Dead perform growing up in New York, & the impact that their musical connectedness had on his playing. Don't miss this one of a kind conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week we're revisiting a classic episode, with guest & metal legend Rob Halford. In the second ever released episode of the Jay Jay French Connection, Jay Jay brings on heavy metal legend Rob Halford, to discuss his new book "Confess." Tune in to hear Jay Jay & Rob discuss the birthplace of heavy metal, their early days in Judas Priest and Twisted Sister, memorable performances, communicating through music and wisdom with age. You won't want to miss this one! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

For the first time ever - Jay Jay welcomes back a special guest for the THIRD part of their conversation - legendary luthier Juha Ruokangas. For the guitar enthusiasts who couldn't get enough of their previous conversations - tune in to hear Jay Jay & Juha dive even further into the endlessly fascinating world of guitars. Juha discusses everything from how the internet has led to a renaissance of handmade electric guitars & the importance of guitar archetypes, to the challenges that legacy guitar brands face & impact that iconic models such as the Gibson & Les Paul have had on the world of music. Juha delves into which elements from classic guitar models have influenced Ruokangas guitars, & what he has singled out as areas to be improved - from balance, aesthetic, tone & much more. Be sure to check out Ruokangas's extraordinary custom models on their website, and tune in to Juha's Weekly Wednesday Live Q&A on Youtube - you won't want to miss it! https://ruokangas.com/ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1pbgUzEKLMqaXDALXcT7ZHGl7QpxVyeF https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/weekly-wednesday-q-a-with-juha-ruokangas/id1520183578 Weekly Wednesday Live Q&A with Juha Series Description: "Let's talk about guitars. I'll do my best to help you understand your instrument better, and give all tips I can, so you could get the most out of your guitar and enjoy making your music even more! A little disclaimer - these live streams are not about selling my guitars to you, but an attempt to help you get more out of the guitar you already own, and understand your instrument better. The brand or monetary value of your guitar doesn't make a difference, either." Catch this one of a kind conversation only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond The Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's episode is another must-listen for all guitar enthusiasts. Jay Jay welcomes back Juha Ruokangas of Ruokangas guitars for part II of their conversation. Juha joins Jay Jay from Helsinki & they get right back into it, discussing everything from heat treatments and finishes, to the evolving quality of beginner guitars & the longevity of various guitar models. Juha discusses the differences between large-scale guitar manufacturers and boutique custom guitar builders, and every type of company in between. Hear first hand what it takes for him & his team to ensure the perfection of every single guitar they make, & what influences have gone into the designing of their 6 signature models - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Be sure to check out Ruokangas Guitars remarkable guitar models & learn more about their company at https://ruokangas.com/ Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music is THE master guitar maker Juha Ruokangas. Juha is a Finnish guitar maker & entrepreneur who founded Ruokangas Guitars. Ruokangas Guitars builds solid-body and semi-hollow electric guitars, including models such Duke, VSOP, Mojo, Hellcat and Unicorn. Their company builds guitars using traditional methods – no modern computer-controlled machinery or serial production methods are used. Each guitar is built individually by a luthier. Tune in to hear how, in the endless world of possibility that is guitar making, Juha & his team have discovered the magical balance between tones & woods that Ruokangas Guitars uses, & why Juha considers guitar making to be comparable to alchemy. Jay Jay & Juha discuss how they met, their mutual respect for one another, & get into the weeds on all things guitars - hear this conversation only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Be sure to check out Ruokangas Guitars remarkable guitar models & learn more about their company at https://ruokangas.com/ Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week is part II of Jay Jay's conversation with Mark Mendoza! Tune in to hear these 2 lifelong friends share stories that they've never told each other. Mark discusses in depth how he got to where he is in music - from the first bands he auditioned for and played with, all the way to his current musical activity & ongoing projects. Mark is a legendary bass player that has an incomparable feel, stage presence & knowledge of the bass guitar. Mark & Jay Jay have been business partners, musical collaborators & in-laws to one another for years. Don't miss this one of a kind conversation - only on the Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Jay Jay welcomes back a very special guest, renowned producer & director Steve Binder. Tune in to catch part two of their conversation, all about The Elvis Presley: '68 Comeback Special - a televised concert of Elvis Presley which aired on December 3rd, 1968 via NBC, that Steve produced & directed. Hear the story of how Steve & Elvis connected to create this documentary, and how it changed both of their lives. If you're an Elvis fan - you won't want to miss the stories included in this week's episode - what made Elvis such a genuinely loveable figure to all those who worked with him, how Colonel Parker effected Elvis's career, to the youth craze surrounding Elvis and how his hip swinging gained so much international publicity. Hear these stories exclusively 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

Jay Jay's book "Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock 'n Roll" is available on September 21st, & is currently available for preorder. Twisted Business is co-authored by Jay Jay's great friend and mentor Steve Farber, and their book is the focus of today's episode. Tune in to hear Steve's second appearance on the show to learn all about how Steve & Jay Jay met & built a lifelong friendship together, & to hear the ins and outs of how they selected the stories and topics to be included in the book. "In addition to founding Twisted Sister, a world-famous heavy metal band that has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, Jay Jay French is one of the top entrepreneurs in entertainment. After taking over as manager in the ‘70s, French developed Twisted Sister into the most heavily licensed heavy metal band in history, leading the group to perform more than 9,000 shows in forty countries. Part business book, part memoir, Twisted Business is an unexpected, inspiring, whirlwind story of transformation and redemption. Twisted Business follows French’s adventure-filled life—from growing up in New York City in the sixties, to working as a drug dealer and struggling as an addict before quitting cold-turkey, and finally, to creating and cultivating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world. Together with his mentor, Steve Farber, a best-selling author and one of the world’s top leadership and management experts, French offers unique, hard-earned tips and advice from his nearly 50 years as a musician, music business manager, and entrepreneur. French shows how, through tenacity, grit, and dedication, anyone can create their own brand, grow a successful business, re-invent themselves, or simply find success in what they love to do. Entertaining, provocative, funny, and informative, this book is the trip of a lifetime and a treasured guide for entrepreneurs, business people, and music fans alike." Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest is the legendary producer and director Steve Binder. Steve found success behind the camera on television shows showcasing music, when he was only in his early 20s. He was also influential in creating music programs that featured a wide range of musical styles. He's well known as being the director & producer of the remarkable rock documentary known as the T.A.M.I. Show, which greatly influenced Jay Jay immediately upon seeing it growing up - showcasing artists such as James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Jan and Dean, Smokey Robinson, Leon Russell, Lesley Gore & many more. Tune in to hear why Jay Jay calls James Brown's performance on the T.A.M.I Show the "single greatest performance done by a human being, on the planet." Hear all about Steve's life story, and why he believes that when talent, timing & luck all hit at the same time, this is the combination that can accelerate your life & your career. Be sure to keep an eye out for part II of their conversation, in which Steve & Jay Jay will further discuss the Elvis Presley: 68' comeback special, which Steve also directed and produced. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Lifelong friend of Jay Jay's, & Twisted Sister bandmate Mark "The Animal" Mendoza is this week's special guest. Mark is a legendary bass player that has an incomparable feel, stage presence & knowledge of the bass guitar. Mark & Jay Jay have been business partners, musical collaborators & in-laws to one another for years. Despite how well they know one another, Mark & Jay Jay still manage to find uncovered ground through sitting down & taking the time to chat on the podcast. Hear all about Mark's influences, the ins & outs of what shaped his signature sound, & his current musical projects. Don't miss this conversation on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest is a music industry powerhouse, & good friend of Jay Jay's - Jay Marciano. Jay is currently the CEO & chairman of AEG, & one of the biggest figures behind the scenes in the live event industry. Hear Jay discuss how he caught the music bug, his early career working in music promotion, & the efforts he has made to help keep the live music industry healthy & afloat this past year. Tune into this insider conversation only The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.

This week's guest, Scott Benarde, is author of the book "Stars of David: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Jewish Stories." In his book Scott focuses on how Judaism influenced the life & the art of many individuals in Rock n Roll. Scott combines his passion for Judaism, journalism and rock ‘n’ roll - the result: a revealing look at what has been, until now, the “stealth” contribution and influence of Judaism on rock music and the people who make it. Don't miss this unique conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music.

Motivational speakers, who are close friends & mentors of Jay Jay's - Steve Farber & Tommy Spaulding - are this week's guests. Tune into this week's episode to really go beyond the music, & to hear these three discuss the world of motivational speaking & the importance of challenging oneself in their life's endeavors. Steve & Tommy are both great speakers themselves, & encouraged Jay Jay to get into keynote & motivational speaking. Steve Farber has written numerous bestsellers in the past, & is the co-author of Jay Jay's upcoming book, "Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock 'n Roll." Don't miss this episode & be sure to keep an eye out for Jay Jay's book, which is to be released on September 21st.

Tune in this week for a unique guest, Jay Jay's producer Matthew Mallinger. In addition to being Jay Jay's producer, Matthew is a creative technologist & drummer currently based in Los Angeles. Hear Jay Jay & Matt reflect on all of the guests that have been on the show thus far, and the progression of the show as a whole. Jay Jay counters the joke that " if you remember the 60's you weren't there," by tapping into his remarkably specific memory, & spending the hour sharing stories about his journey in music, all the way back to his youth & bar gig days in New York. Don't miss these two cover everything from life as a musician & the foundations of Twisted Sister, to high school aged shenanigans & Jay Jay's ridiculous tongue twisting exercise that he uses to warm up before speaking. Only here on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

No one knows analog recording & guitars quite like Perry Margouleff. Perry is a guitar player, songwriter, engineer, record producer, & guitar collector with a passion for analog recording. He has spent his life collecting guitars & recording guitar-based music of all genres. He built a world class analog recording studio on Long Island's North Shore, the renowned Pie Studios, which has been home to many of the record industry's top musicians, engineers & producers. Perry is also cofounder of the amplifier company "SUNDRAGON," alongside Jimmy Page - their Sundragon amplifier is a faithful recreation of the amp Jimmy Page used exclusively to create the sounds on Led Zeppelin 1. Hear Perry & Jay Jay Jay discuss their history working together, the resurgence of vinyl records, the differences between analog & digital recording, and why there is hope for a renaissance of art & music after this past year. Hear this unique conversation only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest is legendary producer & Rock historian Denny Somach. Denny has been just about everywhere in the music business, & has produced records for the likes of Johnny Winter, Alan Parsons, Eric Johnson & Todd Rundgren. He has authored two books about The Beatles, "Ticket to Ride" and "Meet the Beatles...Again," as well as the ultimate Led Zeppelin book "Get the Led Out: How Led Zeppelin Became the Biggest Band in the World." Tune in to hear Jay Jay & Denny discuss their early years in the music industry, their favorite artists, most impactful musical experiences & much more. Be sure to check out Denny's podcast "The Rock Podcast," co-hosted by Anita Gevinson, which features segments from Denny's amazing archival interviews from some of the biggest names in Rock n Roll. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week's guest is Director, Producer & Rock Doc veteran DJ Viola. Hear all about DJ's recent directorial project "Biography: KISStory," which chronicles the band KISS's five decades in the business, as founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons reflect on their historic career. Jay Jay talks about catching KISS shows in their early years, and tells the story of how he auditioned for the band in 1972, only here on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music. Don't miss catching the amazing rock doc "Biography: KISStory". The first half of the four-hour, two-night event premiered last night on Sunday, June 27 and the second half premieres today Monday, June 28 from 9-11pm ET/PT on A&E. 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

"Come gather 'round the fire, there are stories to be told and you're among friends," is the introduction to the weekly program "The Conspiracy Show" the weekly program hosted by this week's unique guest, Richard Syrett. Richard is the host, creator, and writer of the weekly syndicated radio program The Conspiracy Show, which airs out of Toronto on Zoomer Radio (AM 740 and 96.7 FM) Sunday nights at 11pm. He is also a regular guest-host on Coast to Coast AM, the most popular late-night radio program in the world. Tune in to hear all about Richard's journey into radio, and how his show peaked Jay Jay's interest - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

This week on the Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, Jay Jay interviews podcaster & radio personality Jordan Harbinger. Jordan is a lawyer turned social dynamics expert, who has been on the forefront of podcasting for years. Listen to these two compare their unique journeys, & discuss how they both ended up in podcasting. Don't miss these two entrepreneurial minds share their best advice & life stories, only on The Jay Jay French Connection!

This week is Part II of Analog Wars, with Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer! Don't miss the second half of these audio gurus conversation with Jay Jay. Ken is a Hi-Fi expert journalist, who joined Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 1983, to which he still contributes. He also writes a column for the website Soundstage UK, is the author of "Quad: The Closest Approach", "McIntosh … For The Love Of Music", and co-author of "Sound Bites" and "KEF: Innovators In Sound." Michael Fremer is the editor of analogPlanet.com, and senior contributing editor at Stereophile magazine. He’s also contributed to The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Consumer Digest, and The Bergen Record (New Jersey) among other publications and periodicals. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

If there are two individuals who know the world of Hi-Fi audio, it's Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer. Ken is a Hi-Fi expert journalist, who joined Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 1983, to which he still contributes. He also writes a column for the website Soundstage UK, is the author of "Quad: The Closest Approach", "McIntosh … For The Love Of Music", and co-author of "Sound Bites" and "KEF: Innovators In Sound." Michael Fremer is the editor of analogPlanet.com, and senior contributing editor at Stereophile magazine. He’s also contributed to The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Consumer Digest, and The Bergen Record (New Jersey) among other publications and periodicals. These two audio experts are long-time friends of Jay Jay's, & their conversation was so extensive that we had to split it into two parts. This is "Analog Wars: Part I" with Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Co-authors of the New York Times Bestseller: "Nothin' But a Good Time: the Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion" Tom Beaujour & Richard Bienstock are this week's guests on the Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Tom Beaujour is a journalist, producer & and co-founder/former editor-in-chief of Revolver magazine. Richard Bientock is a journalist & author whose writing has appeared in the likes of New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, & Spin. They share a lifelong passion for '80s rock, and decided that they're the perfect duo to write a book about it. Their recent book is a definitive oral history of 1980s hard rock & hair metal, told by the musicians & insiders who lived it. Tom & Richard discuss their journeys in the worlds of music & writing, and go in depth about the story and remarkable efforts behind their hit book release. Tune in to this one of a kind conversation with these amazing rock authors, only on The Jay Jay French Connection! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Renowned recording producer & engineer Eddie Kramer joins Jay Jay on this week's episode! Eddie has had an incomparable impact on the world of Rock n Roll, working with everyone from Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin & The Cure, to Anthrax, David Bowie & Buddy Guy. Hear Eddie share stories of his remarkable journey, & discuss a the unbelievable lineup of artists whose careers he has helped immensely - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

Legendary writer & film producer Jonathan Taplin is this week's guest on The Jay Jay French Connection! Hear Jonathan tell inside stories from Woodstock & The Newport Folk festival, and talk about what it was like working with artists such as The Band, Dylan, Peter Paul & Mary & Janis Joplin. Taplin's extensive career in production also includes working on films such as Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets & The Last Waltz, which he discusses with Jay Jay. Be sure to check out Jonathan's new rock memoir book, "The Magic Years: Scenes from a Rock-and-Roll Life" all about his extraordinary journey in the worlds of rock n roll & pop culture. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, is the one & only Doc McGhee! Doc is one of the most well known American music managers in the history of rock - working with the likes of Kiss, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue & Scorpions, just to name a few. Tune in to hear Doc & Jay Jay discuss the ins & outs of music management, share their best advice, and swap some of their most memorable stories. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music is "Supermensch" Shep Gordon! Shep is one of the most legendary talent managers in the music indisustry - and he has the stories to back it. Shep has run the gamut of artists he's worked with - from Alice Cooper to Teddy Pendergrass, and Blondie to Frankie Valli. Hear these two talk all things music management, and share stories from their long runs in the music industry. Be sure to check out the documentary "Supermensch", produced & directed by Mike Myers, to learn even more about Shep's story. Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week on The Jay Jay French Connection is Blues guitar legend Joe Bonamassa! Joe began his career at the age of 12, opening up for the one and only B.B. King. He has had a remarkable solo career since - releasing upwards of 13 studio albums, 17 live albums & 3 collaborative albums. Don't miss Jay Jay and Joe discuss their extensive guitar collections, the influence of blues guitar legends - then & now, recording techniques, and being lifelong students of the blues. Don't miss this one!

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 

Michael Imperioli has been a part of more modern classic films than most. Hear all about his remarkable career as an actor, writer, director and musician on this week's episode of The Jay Jay French Connection - Beyond the Music! Jay Jay & Michael discuss all things New York, method acting, guitars, musicianship, life as a multi-faceted artist and much more. Don't miss this episode, and be sure to check out the record "La Dolce Vita" by Zopa, Michael's current musical project! https://zopa.bandcamp.com/album/la-dolce-vita

This week's guest is Jay Jay's Twisted Sister brother - guitarist Eddie Ojeda! Eddie and Jay Jay became friends in 1969 while still in high school, and began playing in Twisted Sister in 1975. Hear the story of their first meeting, their first band together called "Powder," and what first made Eddie pick up the guitar. Don't miss this intimate conversation between these two lifelong friends!

If there's any one radio personality that knows all things Heavy Metal & Hard Rock - it's Eddie Trunk. Tune in to hear all about Eddie's journey into how he became the music historian, talk show host, author & heavy metal radio legend that he is today. Hear stories from how Eddie would collect records & discover new music as a kid, to how he convinced Twisted Sister to get back together & play for the first time after 14 years of being broken up, for the benefit concert New York Steel in 2001. Learn all about why Jay Jay can't separate the history of Twisted Sister with Eddie Trunk, as we approach the 20th anniversary of New York Steel.