In a rare and electrifying solo performance, legendary bassist and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones captivated audiences at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, on March 22, 2024. Held at the historic Tennessee Theatre, Jones’ set was a masterclass in musical versatility and innovation, seamlessly blending Led Zeppelin classics with his own compositions and experimental improvisations.
The evening began with a dramatic flourish as Jones rose from the orchestra pit playing the Tennessee Theatre’s 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ. The audience erupted in applause as he launched into “Your Time Is Gonna Come,” setting the tone for a night of musical exploration. Jones later remarked, “It was such fun, I couldn’t resist it,” highlighting his playful approach to the performance .([setlist.fm][1], [tightbutloose.co.uk][2])
### A Journey Through Sound
Following the organ introduction, Jones transitioned to various instruments, each adding a unique flavor to the evening’s repertoire. On the grand piano, he delivered a haunting rendition of “No Quarter,” showcasing his classical training and deep understanding of the piece’s intricate nuances. Switching to a triple-neck electric mandolin, he performed the traditional spiritual “Down to the River to Pray,” incorporating looping techniques to build a rich, layered sound .([ledzepnews.com][3])
The setlist also featured “Ramble On,” played on bass guitar, where Jones humorously introduced the piece by discussing the concept of “isolated bass” tracks, quipping, “Maybe the other parts were more important than I was letting on” . He continued to showcase his adaptability with “When the Levee Breaks” on a collapsible lap steel guitar, adding a snippet of “In My Time of Dying” toward the end. The performance of “Going to California” on mandolin was particularly poignant, with Jones reminiscing about the days when such acoustic sets were a staple of Led Zeppelin’s live shows .([tightbutloose.co.uk][2], [ledzepnews.com][3])
### Innovation and Improvisation
Not confined to his past work, Jones ventured into new territory with electronic improvisations. Utilizing a collapsible lap steel guitar and a custom-made triple-neck instrument, he manipulated sounds with random noises and samples of human voices, demonstrating his prowess in live interactive electronics performance . His improvisational pieces on piano and mandolin further showcased his ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries.([reclinernotes.com][4])
### A Memorable Finale
The evening concluded with a return to “No Quarter,” bringing the performance full circle. Throughout the night, Jones’ wit and charm were evident, as he engaged with the audience, sharing anecdotes and insights into his musical journey. His performance was not just a concert but a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to musical exploration and innovation.
John Paul Jones’ appearance at the Big Ears Festival was a testament to his enduring talent and passion for music. By reimagining Led Zeppelin classics and introducing new compositions, he reminded audiences why he remains a revered figure in the music world. For those fortunate enough to witness the performance, it was an unforgettable experience, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way only Jones could deliver.
[1]: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/john-paul-jones/2024/tennessee-theatre-knoxville-tn-13aa0d31.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “John Paul Jones Concert Setlist at Big Ears Festival 2024 on March 22, 2024 | setlist.fm”
[2]: https://www.tightbutloose.co.uk/dl-diary/john-paul-jones-back-on-stage-ovation-teenage-cancer-trust-concert-review-lz-news-houses-of-the-holy-it-was-26-years-ago-dl-diary-blog-update/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tight But Loose » Blog Archive JOHN PAUL JONES BACK ON STAGE/OVATION TEENAGE CANCER TRUST CONCERT REVIEW/LZ NEWS/HOUSES OF THE HOLY IT WAS 51 YEARS AGO/DL DIARY BLOG UPDATE – Tight But Loose”
[3]: https://ledzepnews.com/2024/03/22/john-paul-jones-played-a-rare-solo-show/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “John Paul Jones played a rare solo show – Led Zeppelin News”
[4]: https://reclinernotes.com/2024/03/25/2024-big-ears-festival-in-knoxville-tn-march-24-2024/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “2024 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN – March 24, 2024 – Recliner Notes”