This week, tune in as Jay Jay welcomes special guest & high end audio expert - Valerio Cora!

The intricacies of high-end audio technology take center stage in this episode, as Jay Jay and Valerio get into the innovative advancements in audio equipment. This discussion is taking place ahead of the Axpona high-end audio show in Chicago this Spring, which they will both be taking part in. Val shares insights into the evolution of audio systems, tracing the origins of his passion for music and sound reproduction back to his teenage years. They discuss the differences between standard audio systems and high-end equipment, emphasizing how the latter can profoundly transform the way music is experienced. Exploring how advancements in technology have led to a greater appreciation in sound fidelity, these 2 provide a unique insight into the art of audio engineering and the attention to detail required in crafting superior sound systems.

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 comedian Dean Delray. Dean joins Jay Jay fresh off the release of his new comedy special '5836,' produced by Bill Burr.

This week, Dean & Jay Jay discuss the importance of the nuanced connection between artists and audiences, which leads them to talk about how social media and platforms like Patreon are reshaping artist-fan dynamics. They get into the intricacies of live performance, and discuss the evolving landscape of comedy today. Dean & Jay share the strong belief that when preparation meets opportunity, true magic can happen within one's life & trajectory. This leads them to relate on the idea that consistent practice and readiness can be crucial in the pursuit of success. Del Rey reflects on the years that have shaped his craft, serving as an inspiring example of the dedication & resilience that's required for one to thrive. This conversation is both a first hand glimpse into the comedy world, and an exploration of the spirit that drives true performers to continually hone their craft.

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

Be sure to check out Dean's new comedy special '5836' produced by Bill Burr & available now on youtube & through Dean's website https://www.deandelray.com/

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay welcomes back dear friend of the podcast - legendary comedian Dean Delray. Dean joins Jay Jay fresh off the release of his new comedy special '5836,' produced by Bill Burr.

They get into the intricacies of live performance, and discuss the evolving landscape of comedy today. Dean & Jay share the strong belief that when preparation meets opportunity, true magic can happen within one's life & trajectory. This leads them to relate on the idea that consistent practice and readiness can be crucial in the pursuit of success. Del Rey reflects on the years that have shaped his craft, serving as an inspiring example of the dedication & resilience that's required for one to thrive. This conversation is both a first hand glimpse into the comedy world, and an exploration of the spirit that drives true performers to continually hone their craft.

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

Be sure to check out Dean's new comedy special '5836' produced by Bill Burr & available now on youtube & through Dean's website https://www.deandelray.com/

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Join us this week as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast! It has already been five years since the inception of The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, & we've had quite a wonderful run of guests over the years. Today we welcome back the very first guest on the show, the one & only Mike Portnoy! After reflecting on podcast highlights & the years since its beginning, Mike gets into discussing his remarkable journey in the music sphere - from the initial struggles of forming a band to navigating his return to Dream Theater, to the transformation of the music business over the decades. Portnoy & Jay Jay's relationship serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of enduring friendships and collaborations, and the importance of community in the ever evolving music industry. Tune in for a must listen episode, as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast, & what's to come - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, after the news of Bob Weir, we're revisiting Jay Jay's previous conversation with guests Justin Kreutzmann & Mark Pinkus. This episode is a must listen for all Dead Heads!

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

2025 has been quite the journey - in this week's episode, Jay Jay is joined by his producer Matthew Mallinger to reflect on the past year. Jay Jay & Matthew discuss milestones & musical highlights - talking about the ups & downs throughout the year; looking back on favorite guests, & some of their favorite performances. Matthew's insights contribute to this retrospective analysis, & he talks about his recently released record ' Beyond the Flowered Gates,' along with his current artistic projects. Jay Jay gets into the year ahead & what's to come Twisted's Reunion - ending on a hopeful note, talking about how permanent & meaningful of an impact that music can have on listeners across the globe. Don't miss this unique year end recap, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay welcomes an old friend of his - special guest Paul McGowan of PS audio. Jay Jay recounts his first encounter with PS Audio equipment, as they get into a broader discussion about the evolution of audio technology over the years. Paul shares his journey from a young engineer to the president of a leading audio company, detailing the challenges he's faced in a market that's constantly evolving. They reflect on the impact that digital technology has had on the music landscape, discussing the rise and fall of various formats & how consumer tastes have influenced their development. Paul talks about PS Audio's dedication to service & community for audiophiles, as their conversation sheds light on both the technical aspects of sound reproduction and the culture that exists within the audio community. This episode is a must listen for audio files; don't miss their conversation - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!

Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Join us this week for an episode that will always be timely to revisit - as we relisten to Jay Jay's conversation with Rickey Medlocke, who's known both as a rock n roll legend and a prominent voice in advocating for Native American rights. 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