Courtesy of John Paul Jones Com

Rock journos tend to discuss the former John Baldwin as Led Zeppelin’s “secret weapon.” What’s the secret? John Paul Jones was up in the mix, his harmonic and rhythmic expertise as a bassist and keyboardist defined the band’s signature identity, and his musical knowledge expanded the range of Page, Plant, and Bonham’s artistry collectively and individually!

Previous to his tenure in Zep, Jones was an in-demand session cat, arranger, and producer on the fertile London studio scene of the early to mid-1960s. Among his higher profile credits included Donovan (“Hurdy Gurdy Man,” Mellow Yellow,” “Sunshine Superman”), the Rolling Stones (“She’s a Rainbow”), Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Lulu, Shirley Bassey, Herman’s Hermits, and Jeff Beck to cite a select few.

According to lore, he joined forces with Page, a session colleague, out of boredom from long days and nights in the studio. Mentored by his musical parents Joe Baldwin: a big-band pianist, and singer / performer mom, Jones’ theoretical (and historical) expertise informed his work as a bassist.

Whereas most rock bassists tended to follow the guitarist (as many a player were converted six-stringers), Jones was heavily influenced by James Jamerson, James Brown, and the Stax cats. Akin to the Motown legend, Jones worked a soulful pocket with jazzy harmonic extensions which set Zep apart from the loud and proud motley.

He is cited by scores of bassists as a primary influence – however I’ve heard few hard rock players cop his rhythm and blues feel.  In particular, Led Zeppelin II is Jonesy’s masterpiece. JPJ’s main weapon of choice was the ’62 Fender Jazz, though he often brought the vogue Alembic on stage with him in the 1970s.

Led Zeppelin’s career trajectory has been extensively documented – no need to repeat it here! Following Zep’s demise, Jones continues to enjoy a diverse career, collaborating and composing with artists spanning jazz, experimental, and alternative rock.

John Paul Jones Sound & Vision as a bassist!

Led Zeppelin:

“Ramble On” https://youtu.be/EAmIuTI4wRg

“The Lemon Song” https://youtu.be/8gWbKAcuzN8

“The Crunge” https://youtu.be/CWf5FYSK7Yc

Diamanda Galas: Live https://youtu.be/AM45V5BIQPE

Them Crooked Vultures: Live on Rockpalast https://youtu.be/Ty8Yj2FCab4

Live with Lenny Kravitz: “Are You Gonna Go My Way” https://youtu.be/Ougf2ZIoqww

Solo JPJ: “Zooma” https://youtu.be/RFqSQ0Vvmx0