John Paul Jones: Beyond the Bass Guitar in Led Zeppelin and The Beatles
John Paul Jones, the legendary musician and member of Led Zeppelin, is well known for his incredible bass guitar skills. However, his musical versatility extends far beyond just this instrument. He was, in fact, a multidisciplinary musician, showcasing his skills with a wide range of instruments in both Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. In this article, we will explore the other instruments that John Paul Jones mastered, from the mellotron to the mandolin, and discuss his proficiency regarding these tools.
From Bass to Mellotron: The Mellotron in Led Zeppelin
When talking about John Paul Jones's musical talents, one often immediately thinks about his impressive bass guitar work with Led Zeppelin. But did you know that he also played the mellotron? The mellotron was an early keyboard device used in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring tape recordings of various instruments such as violins, flutes, and even voices. It was a unique and innovative sound that set Led Zeppelin apart from the traditional rock bands of the time.
In Led Zeppelin, Jones used the mellotron multiple times, most notably in the song Achilles Last Stand, where he played a solo with the instrument. His mastering of the mellotron added a rich and complex layer to the band's sound, contributing to their groundbreaking success.
Multifaceted Musical Skills of John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones's expertise was not limited to the mellotron. Beyond his bass guitar and mellotron skills, he also played mandolin, various keyboards, and even engaged in cello work. In Led Zeppelin, his dexterity on the mandolin and keyboards further showcased the musician's versatility. In Physical Graffiti, for instance, Jones played mandolin in the song Hearing on Stye, adding a unique and distinctive sound to the track. His proficiency on keyboards, from the simple to the more complex, was evident in his work with tunes like The Song Remains the Same and Trampled Under Foot.
In The Beatles: A Disguise and a Mandolin
Although John Paul Jones is not a member of The Beatles, his association with the band is well documented. It is interesting to note that during his time as a session musician for The Beatles, he played both an exotic and a familiar instrument. For George Harrison's song Mercedes Benz, Jones used a French horn disguised as a mandolin. This innovative approach added a different texture and flavor to the Beatles' sound, making the song stand out. It is also worth mentioning that Jones once played a swordmandel Saxophone in a composition by Brian Jones, further highlighting his adventurous spirit in exploring different sounds and instruments.
Conclusion: A Musical Renaissance Man
John Paul Jones is undoubtedly one of the most versatile musicians in the history of rock music. His abilities extended far beyond the bass guitar, with a mastery of instruments that included the mellotron, mandolin, various keyboards, and even mandolin cellos. From Led Zeppelin to The Beatles, his talent and dedication to musical exploration are evident. John Paul Jones is a true multidisciplinary musician, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry with his innovative and diverse contributions.
Additional Resources
To further explore the musical journey of John Paul Jones, we recommend the following resources:
John Paul Jones Music Discography Official Led Zeppelin Website The Beatles Wikipedia Page