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John Paul Jones—Behind the Scenes Superstar

© Caroline Paone

When you hear a Led Zeppelin song, there's definitely a whole lot going on behind the scenes. Bassist John Paul Jones-who also plays keyboards-contributed deeply to the band's signature sounds. To me, John Paul Jones is a very underrated musician. In fact, his keyboard parts were largely responsible for helping to shape the band's sound and add a certain feeling. No doubt a strong rock bassist, he was an integral part of forging the band's success, in addition to influencing many of today's bands. But what has become of the infamous bassist since the band broke up after their drummer's tragic death in 1980?

The famous bassist has spent much of his time after Led Zeppelin writing numerous film scores, in addition to arranging and producing various recordings. He first stint on tour after Led Zep broke up in 1980 was with vocalist Diamanda Galas in 1994. He recorded his first solo album titled Zooma in 1994 - a heavy instrumental piece that showcased his knack for diversity and textural landscapes of music.

Hard rock's legendary bassist is now releasing his second solo album The Thundertheif, which enters stores February 2002. Jones sings half of the songs on the disk, that he recorded at his home studio with Drummer Terl Bryant and ex-Kajagoogoo bassist Nick Beggs (who plays Chapman Stick on the disk). Other guest musicians include King Crimson's Robert Fripp and Get Animal's Adam Bomb. In support of Jones' CD, he will tour with King Crimson in November 2001. The tracks include wonderfully crafted songs such as The Thunderthief, Leafy Meadows, Angry Angry, and I Ain't Got the Blues, to name a few.

But lets go back in time for a moment...Jones' real name is John Baldwin and he entered this world on January 3, 1946 in Sidcup, Kent England-and thank god for rock bassists everywhere that he did! An in-demand musician in his own right when he entered Led Zeppelin, he sure had the chops for what was to come. Jones had already established himself as a session musician in England before fellow guitarist Jimmy Page recruited him in the "New" Yardbirds, which eventually became a band called Led Zeppelin.

During his career Jones has worked with many musicians outside of Led Zeppelin-as a bassist, keyboard player, arranger and musical director. Such bands include the Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, Herman's Hermits and many more. Jones produced Donovan's Mellow Yellow and also played piano on The Kink's You Really Got Me. Able to play guitar, bass and other stringed instruments, as well as arrange orchestral ensembles, he was a prime asset to many of the artists he has worked with; and still is.

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