Paul Leim: Award-Winning Drummer (Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Star Wars)

Join us on The Jay Franze Show as we dive into the extraordinary world of drumming with the legendary Paul Leim. Like Paul, few musicians have mastered the art of seamlessly transitioning between records, motion pictures, live performances, and television.

In this episode, we explore Paul’s illustrious career, spanning collaborations with iconic artists such as John Williams, Doc Severinsen, and Elvis Presley’s “TCB Band.” Get behind the scenes of blockbuster films like “Dirty Dancing” and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” where Paul’s drumming added the perfect beat to cinematic moments.

Discover the rhythm behind the episodic television series and specials, from “Wonder Woman” to “The Tonight Show,” where Paul’s drumming prowess left an indelible mark. We’ll uncover the magic behind the scenes as he shares stories from his years on Dick Clark’s “American Music Awards” and the legendary “Grand Ole Opry.”

With Gold and Platinum album credits boasting over 300 million records sold, Paul’s drumming has shaped the sound of artists like Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, and Shania Twain. Explore the secrets of his success and hear firsthand accounts of his experiences recording with The Monkees on their 20th-anniversary record.
As an eight-time Academy of Country Music Drummer of the Year nominee, Paul’s accolades are as impressive as his beats. From Nashville Music Award winner to Drum Magazine’s Drummie of the Year for four consecutive years, we’ll unravel the layers of his achievements.

Tune in as we celebrate the rhythm, talent, and legacy of a drummer extraordinaire. Join Jay Franze and special guest Paul Leim for an episode that promises to hit all the right notes. Get ready for a rhythmic journey through the life and career of one of the music industry’s true legends.

Show Information

• Host: Jay Franze
• Guest: Paul Leim
• Recorded: January 15, 2024

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Paul Leim: https://www.paulleim.com/

Charles Judge: Award-Winning Piano / Keyboard Player (Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift)

On this episode we are joined by the incredibly talented session keyboard and piano player Charles Judge. Hailing from the Nashville, Tennessee, music scene, Charles brings a lifetime of experience and a captivating journey story to the show.

With a resume that reads like a who’s who of the music industry, Charles has left his indelible mark on the world of music. He’s been the musical backbone for some of the biggest names in the business, including Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and countless others.

Charles shares his insights into crafting unforgettable melodies, working with superstar artists, and the art of adapting to diverse musical styles. He’ll take us behind the scenes of his most memorable collaborations, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to play a pivotal role in shaping chart-topping hits.

Charles also opens up about the challenges and triumphs of his career, the secrets of his creative process, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. From Nashville’s renowned recording studios to the biggest stages around the globe, his story is a testament to the dedication, passion, and sheer talent required to thrive in the music industry.

Show Information

• Host: Jay Franze
• Guest: Charles Judge
• Recorded: September 4, 2023

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com

Chris Leuzinger: Critically Acclaimed Studio / Touring Guitarist (Garth Brooks, George Strait, Montgomery Gentry)

Welcome to another episode of The Jay Franze Show! On this show, we have an extraordinary guest, Chris Leuzinger, a renowned Nashville studio guitarist and the guitarist for country superstar Garth Brooks.

Chris takes us on a musical journey, starting from his early days in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he first picked up the guitar at 9. He shares his early influences, including guitar legends like Steve Cropper, Mike Bloomfield, and Eric Clapton, and his love for The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

At 21, Chris decided to move to Nashville and pursue his passion for music. Through a chance encounter with publisher Juan Contreras and producer Norbert Putnam, he found himself on the road with Dobie Gray and later became part of Cowboy Jack Clement’s Ragtime Band. During this time, Chris made his mark in the recording studio, contributing to several #1 hits with Eddie Rabbitt.

But his meeting with producer Allen Reynolds truly transformed his career. Chris shares how Allen became his mentor and introduced him to Crystal Gayle, leading to an incredible 11-year stint in her touring band. They headlined major shows, traveled the world, and appeared on esteemed TV shows such as The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson and Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.

However, Chris’s studio work continued to grow, and he eventually focused solely on his session career. Little did he know that another life-changing call from Allen Reynolds would come his way, this time about a promising new artist named Garth Brooks. Together, they recorded the initial tracks, including hits like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Much Too Young,” setting the stage for Garth’s monumental career.

Chris reflects on his incredible journey with Garth Brooks, spanning over 25 years. Even after Allen’s retirement, Chris remains vital to Garth’s recording sessions, forging an unbreakable musical bond. He also expresses gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with numerous other great artists and highlights the rich musical community in Nashville.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Chris Leuzinger as he shares the stories behind the iconic songs, his experiences as a studio guitarist, and the magic behind the scenes in the music industry. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss!

Show Information

• Host: Jay Franze
• Guest: Chris Leuzinger
• Recorded: June 19, 2023

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Chris Leuzinger: https://chrisleuzinger.com