Dive into any Led Zeppelin track, especially in their later works, and you’ll likely notice hints of something unusual: sophisticated bends worthy of blues legend Albert King…but infused with the improvisational spirit of jazz giants like Oscar Peterson. Now, that doesn’t mean they went full George Shearing! This influence comes from the unexpected hero Jimmy Page plucked as inspiration — The very first electric blues guitarist he truly jammed and revered. Enter his name: a titan who didn’t necessarily reach mainstream fame but, quietly, shaped rock history. That’s our man tonight: John McLaughlin.
For those not immersed in guitar lore, imagine this overlap: rock’s hard riff kings (like Page himself during Zeppelin’s heyday) clashing with the complex, lightning-scale runs beloved throughout bebop jazz. It’s unlikely you wouldn’t be able to hear those notes – McLaughlin was that undeniable.
During the late 1960s British blues scene before Zeppelin really took off, a then-undercovered McLaughlin rose from London and caught Page’s ear playing blues repped in an electric manner few could touch. Soon, a musical kinship bloomed as Page observed (and maybe even secretly borrowed ideas for how to play). This is more than about individual melodies; it’s about the sheer approach – that willingness isn’t to always follow the expected structure, and that ability to weave blues licks seamlessly into something wildly inventive.
Let’s delve then, not only into that initial meeting;
Into Led Zeppelin’s musical DNA, showcasing specifically how McLaughlin influenced those legendary riffs,
But then also how music was irreversibly changed when those two titans finally played together. That’
going to be a wild ride.
The core debate surrounding Jimmy Page’s supposed fascination with John McLaughlin hinges a tightrope: quantifying jazz influence within hard rock’s titan, Led Zeppelin.
Perspective #1: Obvious Crossbeams, No Controversy
Some arguments slam this as an open-and-shut revelation—listen to Led Zeppelin. In “Kashmir”: you’ve got the soaring vocal runs echoing Ralph Peterson (famous jazz drummer McLaughlin jammed with!), The intricate soloing structure mirrors blues but spiced with chromatic bends – McLaughin signatures through and through. “Ten Years Gone” features a complex, almost flamenco-tinged intro… McLaughlin played a killer “Spanish Flamenco Suite”! To these ears, any doubt evaporates upon replay after hearing even that one legendary collaboration album Page & John co-released, where jazz fully embraced electric blues – instant validation needed?No.
But there are counter points:
* Pure Guitar Fanaticism Some scoff at calling it an influencing factor, purely viewing them as distinct worlds. Blues informed everything early Zeppelin (Page wouldn’t deny that), then they honed a signature. To this perspective, McLaughlin’s contribution? Just “a cool moment”. Period.
They argue Zeppelin stayed remarkably blues-based…yet undeniably added an otherworldly aspect
Weakness: “Unique Signature?” That’s Debatable. If you really analyze Led Zeppelin as matured artists, the jazz tinge grows. Even classic Zep, look back – the improvisational edge on tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” … could it be McLaughlin? There weren’t MANY electricians jamming bebop within THE Blues rock boom
Perspective #2: The Quiet, Gradual Shaping
My theory—and many serious music analysts share -it wasn’t a “bam,” there was an exchange in late `60s where Page was OPEN to it. His own phrasing became slightly weirmer before the jazz fusion exploded. Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love” already has those intricate lead-guitar runs, and listen—there are almost disharmony touches early Zeppelin! McLaughlin certainly had THOSE too (especially his work with Tony Williams…the drums themselves!)
To them it is less clear, because Page *adapted *this jazz element over 2 albums to become “their THING.”
It’s A bit of musical chess — one influence builds upon another. This argument gains strength from:
- Led Zeppelin’s Evolution: The band shifted. Early on, they were more roots-rock blues. But by later albums – particularly those collaborations… the improvisational fire really takes hold! There are also recordings of Page explaining that McLaughlin was a huge part of keeping an ever-present challenge, something to chase.
The Weakness: Speculation vs Proof
The “silent influence” school relies more on listening between the lines (and I bet YOU hear things there!) Proving a direct connection sometimes feels impossible
(Which is where those joint collaborations… are GOLDEN! The raw proof we’re about to unravel.) .
We come to the inevitable discussion: if it seems undeniable…what did their jam as friends tell everything? Did they truly combine forces in ways ONLY Page AND McLaughlin could have achieved!?
While Led Zeppelin always drew from blues rock foundation’s power, exploring their relationship to jazz luminary John McLaughlin paints a captivating picture – influence wasn’t strictly about “borrowing licks”. McLaughlin pushed Page far beyond typical blues confines, exposing him to improvisation’s freedom and complex harmonies. You can hear Echoes of this in tracks like “Kashmir” or more evident still through direct recordings where the two collaborated.
So, is it simple admiration or undeniable weaving into their sound? We see strong arguments ON BOTH SIDES: 1) Some firmly say Led Zeppelin’s essence never changed – just became infused with cool licks… McLaughlin as an occasional highlight for his work. 2) It seems more probable – a long, unfolding influence gradually morphing‘ Zeppelin INTO something truly special on its own terms
It wasn’t sudden— McLaughlin sparked Page’s exploration into what jazz could ADD. Zeppelin eventually took that fusion beyond blues in the 8th dimension of rock history’*
What REALLY stays with us is those late collaborations…where they fully embraced one genre’s fire, merging them in new fires!. That’s where Page and McLaughlin truly transcended as musicians
It begs a question :what impact MIGHT musicians have IF such open cross-genre friendships flourished? What FUTURE marvels could those doors unlock?
Could a jazz trio AND Led Zeppelin ever collaborate live?? Imagine just for a sec….. It’d leave the world speechless! Think deeper — whose unexpected music combos do YOU imagine making magic We’re at a time where genres blur anyway — is the future of art going to feel less like separate kingdoms? It makes U wanna listen differently.
