Raw Cuts: Volume II

Written By Mike Greenblatt

As we wait for Director Fulvio Cecere's upcoming The Jersey Sound documentary, here's snippets of four "Raw Cuts" of interviews Fu conducted with the late Jon Zazula of MegaForce Records, Chris Jericho, Christian McBride, and Garry Tallent.

Jonny Z

Jon Zazula, also known as Jonny Z, headed Megaforce Records with wife Marsha Z, to put New Jersey on the metal map. He introduced Metallica to the world by releasing their first two albums—Kill ‘Em All (’83) and Ride The Lightning (’84). They reset the parameters about how America digested its metal, offering the world such now-acclaimed acts as Anthrax (for its first five albums), Testament, Ministry, Bad Brains, Meat Puppets and dozens of others. We dare say that if it wasn’t for MegaForce, metal would be Cinderella, Winger, Warrant and Ratt.

 

Christian McBride

Christian McBride is one of the greatest living jazz bassists. He’s also a composer, arranger, educator and sideman on over 300 albums and tours with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Sting and Paul McCartney.

 

Chris Jericho

There’s no holding back when you interview Pro Wrestler/Rock Star/Author/Actor Chris Jericho. For his next doc, Fulvio Cecere—director of 350 Days, the pro wrestling documentary that leaves no stone unturned, has turned his attention to The Jersey Sound. Although Canadian, Jericho’s heart lies in The Garden State. His band Fozzy once covered “Father Christmas” by The Kinks and did it better than the original. He’s now seen every Wednesday night on TV working in the AEW ring after leaving WWE. “I could go back to WWE tomorrow…I prefer being here.” As far as the championship belt he recently lost? “The belt is just a prop.” That’s Chris. He’ll say anything to anybody. Here’s a taste but wait’ll you see the full interview in Fulvio’s uncensored doc.

 

Garry Tallent

Bassist Garry Tallent is the only original member left of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (besides Bruce). Originally from Neptune, he resides in Tennessee and has become quite the producer. He also plays tuba, most notably on “Wild Billy’s Circus Story” from the band’s second album in 1973 (The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle).

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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Raw Cuts: Volume I