From the beginning Led Zeppelin had a lot going for them as a band on superficial levels. It started with the group’s distinctive name, courtesy of The Who’s Keith Moon or John Entwistle (depending on who you ask). Meanwhile, the Zeppelin was playing the kind of music that would turn heads in concert halls of any size.
Led Zeppelin’s’ Secret Weapon ‘: John Paul Jones’ love of odd timing and sophisticated harmonies created a sound that could shake both the pelvis and the head.
Choosing the best moment from John Paul Jones’ Zeppelin represents another difficult decision. In addition to Jones’ bass and keyboard work, consider his “Black Dog” riff and the rest of his composition and arrangements. So you should probably stick to the bass and keys.
It’s not easy to pinpoint Jones’s best bass parts on Zep’s eight studio albums. From “Good Times Bad Times,” Jones made it clear that the band had three virtuoso musicians on board. And he does it again several times before closing side 1.
In Led Zeppelin II, Jones appears with one of his best bass lines on “Ramble On.” After Page opens with the lead acoustic riff, Jones lays down a rocking counter-melody on his jazz bass. Once the band breaks the chorus, Jones picks up the pace with a fast-paced, killer riff.