The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

Tune in this week for part II of Jay Jay's conversation with Julien Velard! Julian digs into his greatest influences & how they've impacted his career as a song writer. They discuss the cultural impact that Billy Joel has had over the years, the current state of commercial songwriting, & the learning the craft of how to hold a crow'd attention.

Julian is a classic entertainer, combining piano-driven songwriter sensibility and razor-sharp comedic timing. Jay Jay & Julian are old friends - Jay Jay used to manage Julian, & both of their histories & careers are deeply rooted in New York. Hear how they reconnected recently in Los Angeles, their history together, & all about Julian's music ongoing projects - from live performance to his new upcoming record.

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

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

The fantastic songwriter & pianist Julian Velard is this week's guest on the podcast! Julian is a classic entertainer, combining piano-driven songwriter sensibility and razor-sharp comedic timing. Jay Jay & Julian are old friends - Jay Jay used to manage Julian, & both of their histories & careers are deeply rooted in New York. Hear all about how they reconnected recently in Los Angeles, their history together, Julian's music ongoing projects - from live performance to his new upcoming record.

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's conversation with Legendary Rock & Heavy Metal bassist Rudy Sarzo.

Rudy has been the go-to bass player to call within these genres for decades, tune in this week to hear all about why - discussing everything from his upbringing to some of the keys to artistic longevity. Rudy is a professional recording and performing artist with a global career spanning over 40 years. As a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, from March 1981 to September 1982, Rudy toured the world in support of the “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary Of a Madman” records. As a member of Quiet Riot, from September 1982 to January 1985, Rudy recorded the multi-platinum albums “Metal Health”, the first Heavy Metal debut to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and “Condition Critical”. During this period he headlined massive worldwide tours, appeared on numerous MTV videos and was voted #1 Bassist in Circus Magazine for 1983. Rudy's list of accomplishments goes on, playing with Whitesnake, DIO & countless others.

Rudy's legacy & impact on the music industry continues to grow - be sure to keep up to date on his performances, & don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Legendary Rock & Heavy Metal bassist Rudy Sarzo is this week's guest on the podcast! Rudy has been the go-to bass player to call within these genres for decades, tune in this week to hear all about why - discussing everything from his upbringing to some of the keys to artistic longevity. Rudy is a professional recording and performing artist with a global career spanning over 40 years. As a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, from March 1981 to September 1982, Rudy toured the world in support of the “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary Of a Madman” records. As a member of Quiet Riot, from September 1982 to January 1985, Rudy recorded the multi-platinum albums “Metal Health”, the first Heavy Metal debut to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and “Condition Critical”. During this period he headlined massive worldwide tours, appeared on numerous MTV videos and was voted #1 Bassist in Circus Magazine for 1983. Rudy's list of accomplishments goes on, playing with Whitesnake, DIO & countless others.

Rudy's legacy & impact on the music industry continues to grow - be sure to keep up to date on his performances, & 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 tribute to the Late Great guitar legend John Mayall, who passed away this last week. 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

One of the most iconic Rock Drummers of all time, Carmine Appice, is this week's special guest on the podcast! Carmine's 60+ year career has landed him in both the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame & the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. He's been an integral member of a long list of amazing groups, including everyone from Vanilla Fudge & Cactus (who he is a founding member of) to Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, Ozzy, Pink Floyd & Blue Murder.

This episode is a must listen for all drummers & musicians - Carmine discusses his storied career & his influence as one of the foundational hard rock drummers - as him & Jay Jay get into the evolution of rock and metal, and who they consider to be the most influential bands during the early years of 'Heavy Metal.'

Cactus just released a brand new album this summer, titled 'Temple of Blues – Influences & Friends' on Cleopatra Records. The album is available now on digital platforms, CD and as a double vinyl album. The new album contains reimagined versions of some of Cactus’s most legendary songs with the current band and guests putting a new spin on these bad-ass tunes that are among the heaviest of heavy blues-rock ever recorded.

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

Edited & Produced by Matthew Mallinger

Viral sensation & violin virtuoso Nina DiGregorio is this week's guest on the podcast! Nina is a classically trained violinist, bass player, writer/arranger, and vocalist, but is most well-known for being an innovative performer on the electric rock violin, as well as a music business mogul and entrepreneur. She has performed as a soloist and string arranger with some of the biggest names in the business. She arranged and performed strings with The Killers for President Obama and was featured on a recent album. She can also be seen featured on the Beyonce I am...Yours live performance DVD and both David Foster and Friends DVDs, which include Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera, and Charice. Nina's list of accolades & performances goes on - & in addition to her live & recording work she is a one of a kind entrepreneur who has become widely popular through her live show in Vegas, & virally through her amazing covers of rock tunes. Tune is to hear all about her background & the story of carving her own path within the music & entertainment industries - don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Part II of Jay Jay's conversation with Dean Delray is this week! Don't miss the latter half of their conversation to hear them share killer stories & invaluable insight into the worlds of music & comedy.

In this half of their conversation, Dean delves further into the world of comedy, from its current state to his experience hanging out at the Comedy Store back in the 80s. He shares the story of coming back to comedy later in life after being a touring musician - beginning at an open mic in 2009, after which he hasn't stopped stand up since. They talk about the importance of discipline within your craft, the impact that their influences have had on them & list their all time favorite records.

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

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Killer stand up comedian, actor & lifelong rock n roller Dean Delray joins the podcast this week! If you're a rock or comedy enthusiast, you won't want to miss this conversation. Dean has been podcasting for the past 12 years on his great show 'Let There Be Talk, which you'll want to be sure to check out if you haven't already. Dean & Jay Jay get into all things comedy & music - discussing parallels between the two as they share insight into their creative processes surrounding the both. They chat about everything from favorite albums & deepest influences, to underrated bands & stories from sharing the stage with Bill Burr on tour over the past year and a half.

Dean gets into stories from seeing Twisted over the years all the way back to their early recording days, & why he was inspired by Twisted's recent documentary, relating their story to his journey in comedy & discussing the importance of tenacity & not ever letting go of your dreams.

This is only part 1 of their conversation - tune in next week to hear part II when Dean digs even deeper into the world of comedy.

Be sure to check out Dean's upcoming summer tour dates, & don't miss this conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Edited & Produced by Matthew Mallinger

Yana Roney, better known as Powder Fluff Girl on social media, is this week's guest on the podcast! Yana is an internet sensation - Mountain Shredder, Dirt Braap, Internet Celebrity, and Bikini Model all in one. She is famous for sharing her bike riding videos & exclusive photoshoots via Instagram, Tiktok & Facebook. She collaborates with different brands around the world, & her videos, showcasing her unique lifestyle have gained popularity on a global scale.

Hear about Jay Jay & Yana's unlikely meeting, as they both share insight into their unique career paths and journeys. Yana discusses her background & the evolution of her crazy journey into the world of extreme sports & becoming an athlete.

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