John Paul Jones, the legendary bassist and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his pivotal role in Led Zeppelin, captivated audiences at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, in March 2024. His performances not only showcased his virtuosity but also offered a fresh perspective on classic Led Zeppelin tracks.
Solo Performance at the Tennessee Theatre
On March 22, 2024, Jones delivered a solo concert at the historic Tennessee Theatre. The set commenced with a dramatic entrance as he emerged from the organ pit to perform “Your Time Is Gonna Come” on the venue’s 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ. This unique rendition set the tone for an evening of inventive interpretations. Subsequent pieces included “No Quarter” on grand piano, “Down to the River to Pray” on triple-neck electric mandolin, and “Ramble On” on bass guitar. Jones also offered improvisations on mandolin and piano, and concluded with “Going to California” on mandolin.
Sons of Chipotle Collaboration
The following day, March 23, 2024, Jones joined forces with Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen for a performance under the moniker Sons of Chipotle. This collaboration, which had previously graced stages in South Korea and Japan, made its U.S. debut at Big Ears. The duo’s improvisational set traversed a vast musical landscape, blending elements of classical, jazz, and experimental genres. Their performance underscored the boundless possibilities of musical exploration.
Surprise Collaboration with Thurston Moore
Adding an unexpected twist to the festival, Jones teamed up with Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore on March 24, 2024. Details of this impromptu collaboration remain limited, but it exemplified the Big Ears Festival’s spirit of uniting diverse musical talents.
Legacy and Impact
Jones’s performances at Big Ears 2024 were a testament to his enduring creativity and adaptability. By reimagining Led Zeppelin classics through various instruments and collaborative efforts, he offered audiences a novel experience of familiar songs. These appearances also highlighted the Big Ears Festival’s commitment to presenting innovative and genre-defying music.
For those who missed the live performances, recordings are available for purchase, allowing fans to experience the magic of Jones’s Big Ears 2024 sets.
In summary, John Paul Jones’s engagement with the Big Ears Festival in 2024 not only honored his musical legacy but also demonstrated his ongoing evolution as an artist, continually pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
For a glimpse into his solo performance at the Tennessee Theatre, you can watch the following video:
