We've got to talk about John Paul Jones

[Raman]

I know it's been done countless times.
But he really is the epitome of the rock bass player.

He blows when it needs blowing. He drives when it needs driven. He holds the line when it needs being held. He supports when it needs backup. And he retreats when he is not needed. He is the ultimate team player: Always doing exactly what the song requires.

Right now, I'm listening to those songs again after so many years. I pay more attention to the guitar, the drums and the vocals. I realize how they all lean on J-P J's bass, and how he leans on John Bonham. Everywhere, he is the binder that brings it all together. In Led Zeppelin, it's always all about the bass. It's always about John Paul Jones.

I'll focus here on the studio albums.
I'm sure that great clips will pop up in the comments!









Probably the dirtiest bass that I've ever heard!






Just in case anyone had any doubt...

 

[Raman]

And I can't not add this:

 

[Ash Jazz]

I've been a fan for as long as I can remember. I often play a section of JPJs improv on Lemon Song as a warm up. Great phrasing, great use of open strings, great feel, great timing...

 

[Raman]

A great "1st impression" type of video.
I think In my Time of Dying is a rock'n'roll masterpiece. And especially for its bass!

 

[Raman]

 

[lokikallas]

Don't forget about the mandolin and all the keys/synth parts too.

 

[Raman]

Don't forget about the mandolin and all the keys/synth parts too.

I don't!

 

[Raman]

Again, what a masterpiece!

 

[Raman]

Just stumbled upon this.

 

[Camaro69]

JPJ is without doubt the reason I play bass.
And Physical Graffiti is an underrated piece of rock and roll masterpiece

Carry on...

 

[TerenceE]

JPJ and Geezer to be honest are the reason I love bass. Everything else followed

 

[Lowendchamp]

Physical Grafitti is Awesome! I really enjoy Presence too. Yes ALL JPJ is inspiring but he is not alone at the top, just with an elite few.

 

[Bobbadfinger]

JPJ and Geezer to be honest are the reason I love bass. Everything else followed

Me too. And How Many More Times is still my tone target for bass with flats (no, I don't buy it that was Rotos 66).

 

[Hot Rats]

Just stumbled upon this.

I've watched this about 6 times now and it just gets better and better. Mihirangi is wonderful.

 

[MonetBass]

Having been born in the mid-sixties, and a rock fan, you'd think I'd have been a long-time LZ fan. Sadly, although I had heard and appreciated their songs from the radio (the first songs I learned on ukulele were "Heartbreaker" / "Living Loving Maid"), I didn't start collecting their albums until the early 2000s. So good.

 

[jerry]

I've watched this about 6 times now and it just gets better and better. Mihirangi is wonderful.

Everybody in that video is awesome but it was my first exposer to Mihirangi, blew me away!

 

[Hot Rats]

Everybody in that video is awesome but it was my first exposer to Mihirangi, blew me away!

Me too. First I've heard of her but she really left an impression on me.

 

[Les Fret]

What a strange effect on the bass Heartbreaker in the video of the first post! Sound like there is a fast tremolo effect on the bass. You can hear it especially well after the guitar break. Didn't notice it so much before. Anyone know what it is?

 

[jerry]

What a strange effect on the bass Heartbreaker in the video of the first post! Sound like there is a fast tremolo effect on the bass. You can hear it especially well after the guitar break. Didn't notice it so much before. Anyone know what it is?

Leslie speaker.

 

[Les Fret]

Leslie speaker.

That's what I thought too. Just never heard it so fast and pronounced on bass.