John Paul Jones (born John Paul Baldwin) was a session musician, working two and three sessions a day, six and seven days a week. By 1968, he got burned out to the complicated amount of sessions per month: “I was arranging 50 or 60 things a month and it was starting to kill me”. When Jimmy Page was starting to form his new group, Jones quickly inquired about the bassist/ keyboard position. Page reveals, “I jumped at the chance of getting him”.
From there in 1968, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and John Bonham were as Plant once declared “a tumultuous, amazing combination of friends.”
John Paul Jones, though a co-founder of Led Zeppelin, didn’t yield as much popularity as Jimmy Page or Robert Plant have during their Zeppelin years. Hence, we collected 5 Isolated Bass Tracks That Proves John Paul Jone’s Godly Bass Talent:
Immigrant Song
The isolated track also highlights John’s drum section along with Jones bass parts demonstrates that they weren’t just a “backing team.” Without their singular contributions, the track wouldn’t have become for what it is today, a classic.
Heartbreaker
This song is recognized by its opening guitar riff and solo provided by Page. But, of course, Jones’ constant support on the bass guitar requires some credit.
Whole Lotta Love
The track begins with a relaxed blues intro and gradually drives up the jazz structure as the track goes on. Jones’ semi-muted bass section in the middle part, produced a fascinating soundscape.
What Is and What Should Never Be
Normally Page’s riff performed on his Gibson Les Paul exceeded others’ participation. Hence, it’s all the extra necessary to individually concentrate on the bass track by Jones which in this one is sweet and far-out.
Ramble On
Like every Zeppelin song, Jones executed his role seriously giving Page’s solos an extra boost and modestly declaring Led Zeppelin as rock gods.