When Led Zeppelin’s multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones was asked in an NME interview about the bassists he admired, he gave a surprisingly simple answer about one of rock’s biggest names: Paul McCartney. Jones said, “I think he’s perfect,” praising McCartney’s musical choices and how his bass playing always served the song.
What John Paul Jones actually said
In an April 1970 NME interview — one of Jones’s earliest major press chats — he listed bass players he admired and explained why Paul McCartney stood out. Jones praised McCartney’s consistency and musical taste, saying his work was “always right” and that McCartney had improved while remaining true to good musical choices. That short endorsement — “I think he’s perfect” — has been widely quoted in retrospectives about both musicians.
Why this praise is meaningful
John Paul Jones is not just any musician — he’s one of rock’s most respected bassists and arrangers. When a peer of Jones’s calibre calls another player “perfect,” it’s more than fan talk: it’s professional recognition. Jones himself earned his reputation as a brilliant session musician before Led Zeppelin, so his view carries weight among music fans and players.
Jones wasn’t just talking about McCartney’s technical skills. He admired how McCartney’s bass lines always served the song.
Tasteful Playing: McCartney knew when to hold back and when to step forward, ensuring his bass lines complemented the song rather than overshadowing it.
Melodic Lines: Many of McCartney’s bass parts are melodic and memorable, adding depth to The Beatles’ music.
Consistency: Over the years, McCartney’s bass playing remained solid and reliable, always fitting the mood of the song.
Beyond this compliment, Jones and McCartney had a musical connection. Jones played on McCartney’s 1970 album McCartney, contributing to tracks like “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Their collaboration continued in later years, including discussions about joining the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures.
John Paul Jones’s praise of Paul McCartney highlights an important lesson for musicians: it’s not always about technical prowess but about serving the song. McCartney’s ability to play the “right” bass part, as Jones put it, is a testament to his musical intuition and understanding.
For aspiring bassists, McCartney’s approach offers valuable insights into how to contribute meaningfully to a band’s sound. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more, and the best bass lines are those that support the music without drawing attention to themselves.