Yakkin' with Yessian

Tom Weschler Full Interview by Yakkin' with Yessian

Today I bring you an interview with a pillar of our Armenian community here in Metro Detroit; Mr Simon Javizian. Simon and I have a long history, as a matter of fact my first music gig was to be his replacement in the band that he had founded, named “Ardziv”. Ardziv was a band that played both Armenian and American music, and they were hired to play live for everything including weddings and various events. When I was recruited, Simon moved on to a different line of work: becoming a director at a funeral home. While most might find that to be a drastic change, Simon found close correlations in the way that he served his community. I hope this interview provides some insight into Simon's life's work; being the “island of calm” in the chaos of death.

Yakkin' With Yessian is back with a brand new episode featuring the incomparable journalist and adventurer; Lila Lazarus. Landing on Detroit's WXYZ at age 14, she won her first Emmy for the television program "Kids Are People Too". Studying journalism and traveling abroad, Lila soon discovered her penchant for all things adventure. Reporting in Flint, Michigan...Baltimore, Maryland...and Boston, Massachusetts, Lila covered breaking international stories and conducted high profile interviews with subjects such as Hillary Clinton and Salman Rushdie. She would eventually return to Detroit TV, where it all began; creating Extreme Lila, a series chronicling her adventures including swimming the Straits of Mackinac at night, riding motorcycles, and parachuting out of flying planes. Lila is also known for being a health advocate, in particular with the St Joe's Mercy / Trinity Health. Watch Part 1 of my interview with Lila Lazarus on YouTube or listen to the full conversation on Soundcloud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FR42bBnlKg As always, don't forget to subscribe to the channel for the latest content.

Many of you might know Devin Scillian from Detroit's WDIV Channel 4. He became the channel's anchor in 1996, replacing the long-standing and iconic Mort Crim. What you might not know is Devin's wide array of talent as a singer/songwriter, performer, and author. With his 21st book releasing this summer Devin is a prolific author, especially of children's books. Starting in 2000 with the book "Fibblestax" and with his breakthrough "A is for America", Scillian has captured the minds of readers everywhere including First Lady Laura Bush, who featured his debut during the 2004 White House Easter Egg Roll. Following up with his successful series of "Memoirs" books, Devin Scillian has also been seen in feature films such as Scream 4, and has had various cameos on national television including the Ellen show. Everybody has a story, so let's open the book on Devin Scillian and take a deep dive.

Today I'm thrilled to bring you a real badass. Walter White (and no, not Bryan Cranston or Heisenberg) is a true master of his instruments. Whether he's blowing on a standard-issue trumpet or trying to blast mutes out of the bell of his trombone, Walter is truly a brass virtuoso who can be found playing everything from Classical music to Jazz, and in recording sessions for The Cosby Show to Taxi.

Have you ever formally interviewed your children? What you might discover in their answers might surprise you. In this first episode the boys and I discuss their earliest perceptions of their father's line of work. Would they want to follow in my footsteps? Would that be a good idea? We all hear about failures of family businesses. I often wondered if this would be another casualty... I never fathomed how they were able to reinvent and expand Yessian Music to what it is today. Celebrating 50 Years of Music!

There are many facets of the music business. For any of you parents who have children wanting to do music, you might find most of them want to be rock stars...so you buy drums and guitars, which usually find themselves covered in dust 6 months later. You're going to find my interview with Bruce Miller insightful. Bruce is an old friend - originally from Detroit - who moved on to Hollywood. He ended up behind the scenes creating music for television shows like Knots Landing, Wings, Designing Women, Becker...and writing the theme for a little known show called Frasier.... The best thing about being behind the scenes: if you have passion and talent - you can last a lot longer than those in front of the cameras.

In my experience as a bandleader, there were one or two guys in the group, so focused on the job... They tuned out their audience. Some are ego driven and relish in the fact that nothing is more important than their own presence.   In truth when we use the word “band” we think of a team, but then you've got your lone wolf…. Who is rarely called back for a second gig.   The following story is about the absolute worst case scenario.   Forgive me for my wild imagination.  I have nothing but reverence for those lost on the RMS Titanic, including those musicians who did their best to soothe a very dire situation. On the other hand if you've ever been in a band, you'll know exactly what this is about. Listen if you enjoy the Theater of the Mind. Voice acting by: Dan Yessian Ohad Wilner Ed Victor Jeff Dittenber Josie Palmer

When you've played with Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Leonard Bernstein, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Earl Klugh, Jon-Luc Ponty, George Martin, Herbie Hancock and more? We speak to Ralphe Armstrong.

World renown musician Alexander Zonjic joins me today in our latest podcast. Zonjic has been in musical company with a host of Jazz greats, from Bob James to Jeff Lorber, from Earl Klugh to Kenny G. Alexander Zonjic and Dan Yessian continue their conversation regarding Zonjic's latest album "Playing It Forward" and how the COVID pandemic has affected his music and the industry as a whole.

World renown musician Alexander Zonjic joins me today in our latest podcast. Zonjic has been in musical company with a host of Jazz greats, from Bob James to Jeff Lorber, from Earl Klugh to Kenny G. Alexander Zonjic and Dan Yessian continue their conversation regarding Zonjic's latest album "Playing It Forward" and how the COVID pandemic has affected his music and the industry as a whole.

Herbie Russ is Amazing! Appeared on America's Got Talent! (Remember what he sang?) An amazing vocalist AND sax player! Known as "Homeless Herbie" singing on the streets! Featured on "MABE in AMERICA" with millions of views! Gives all donations to the homeless! Dan & Herbie go WAY back (Find out how far)! Watch this short video to get a taste of the man who noticed what Simon Cowell was doing.... https://youtu.be/pGUIveCJqn4

Coming to you today with a special podcast featuring the full interview with Pastor Emeritus Garabed Kochakian, whom I featured in the "Colours of Faith" short film. There were so many questions we didn't have time to cover, so here it is in it's full form.

A blast from the past! For over 50 years my long-time friend John Delle-Monache has been a familiar voice to Detroiters, delivering the news and interviewing some of the world's biggest stars. Listen to the latest episode of "Yakkin' With Yessian" as John takes us through his 50+ year career in radio and find out what it takes to make it in the world of broadcasting.

Dan Yessian shares a story from his gigging days in the '60s. What can go wrong, will. With a perfect opportunity to make a great impression, Dan goes Bananas with his sax.

Follow Dan Yessian in this little trip through failure...Just make sure your car stays on the road, unlike his Gremlin. If you've ever wondered about Concert Promotion and the risks & rewards, this episode is for you!

GERARD SMEREK GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MIXER, PRODUCER & RECORDIST Enjoy as we talk about the beginnings and heights of Gerard's amazing career in the music industry. Part One: We talk to Grammy winning producer/mixer Gerard Smerek about his early days, his inspiration for getting started in this crazy business of ours, and his struggle to survive in a city ready to chew him up. Part Two: Grammy winner Gerard Smerek continues his story as he find his identity by assisting during some pivotal sessions during the early 1980s. With such talent as Bob Seger, Barry Manilow, Ted Nugent stopping by to record at his studio, he was able to carve out a role for himself as a listener and problem solver, both crucial characteristics for any producer/mixer. Part Three: We discuss Grammy Award winner Gerard Smerek's introduction to Anita Baker and how he assisted her in various capacities; from producing vocals in the studio to mixing Christmas concerts at the White House.

GERARD SMEREK GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MIXER, PRODUCER & RECORDIST Enjoy as we talk about the beginnings and heights of Gerard's amazing career in the music industry. Part One: We talk to Grammy winning producer/mixer Gerard Smerek about his early days, his inspiration for getting started in this crazy business of ours, and his struggle to survive in a city ready to chew him up. Part Two: Grammy winner Gerard Smerek continues his story as he find his identity by assisting during some pivotal sessions during the early 1980s. With such talent as Bob Seger, Barry Manilow, Ted Nugent stopping by to record at his studio, he was able to carve out a role for himself as a listener and problem solver, both crucial characteristics for any producer/mixer. Part Three: We discuss Grammy Award winner Gerard Smerek's introduction to Anita Baker and how he assisted her in various capacities; from producing vocals in the studio to mixing Christmas concerts at the White House.

GERARD SMEREK GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MIXER, PRODUCER & RECORDIST Enjoy as we talk about the beginnings and heights of Gerard's amazing career in the music industry. Part One: We talk to Grammy winning producer/mixer Gerard Smerek about his early days, his inspiration for getting started in this crazy business of ours, and his struggle to survive in a city ready to chew him up. Part Two: Grammy winner Gerard Smerek continues his story as he find his identity by assisting during some pivotal sessions during the early 1980s. With such talent as Bob Seger, Barry Manilow, Ted Nugent stopping by to record at his studio, he was able to carve out a role for himself as a listener and problem solver, both crucial characteristics for any producer/mixer. Part Three: We discuss Grammy Award winner Gerard Smerek's introduction to Anita Baker and how he assisted her in various capacities; from producing vocals in the studio to mixing Christmas concerts at the White House.

Artist Maurissa Rose has the unique ability to use her miraculous voice to take you on a dynamic ride. Like a fine tuned machine, Maurissa has the control of a fighter pilot with the finesse of a Renaissance painter. In our conversation, you'll hear a compelling story about the ups and downs of the record business. Her story is one of continued determination, bringing her voice to new audiences through records and concerts.

How do you have a long lasting career spanning 40 years in entertainment media especially radio? Dan talks with Tom Ryan, long time sidekick on the Dick Purtan radio show on CKLW in Detroit. They talk novelty songs, jingles, prank calls and more. Go to DanYessian.com for more bonus features.

Dan sits down with Master Violinist, Sonia Lee - and they discuss her career and work together. Since 1998, her talent, beauty, and performing brio have made her an in-demand instrumentalist for the concert tours of numerous A-list entertainers, including Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Don Henley, and Billy Joel.

Dan & Ohad discuss the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in the United States Senate on December 12, 2019.

Dan interviews Susan Calloway, songwriter, singer and video game professional about touring, working with Nobuo Uematsu and the amazing twists and turns as a video game singer. Commercial and Television vocal work in so many ways displays the amazing talent and focus of Susan.

Dan interviews John Zadikian about a plethora of topics - including music, food, Armenia, Meat Pies and more food. Oh - did we mention Captain Kangaroo?

Dan Yessian speaks with Kenny Watson about singing "I See Wings" (written by Dan and David Barrett) and his personal connection to it. Enjoy the music and the interview!

In this episode, Dan and Ohad discuss the recent House resolution to recognize the Armenian Genocide which occurred over 104 years ago.

When we think about music, it’s rarely associated with advertising. Most of my career has been devoted to writing music for commercials. Here I interview my long time advertising client and friend, Ken Sidlow, sharing stories and experiences that would make any “Mad Men” fan blush.

Dan interviews Ed Sarkis Balian, the biographer of The Bob Seger Story - The FIRST and ONLY complete biography of rock legend Bob Seger. Buy the bio at https://bobsegerturnthepage.com or on Amazon.