Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Led Zeppelin have been playing at jazz festivals since their inception in the late 1960s, and their alchemy of blues, rock and folk music has left an indelible mark on generations of jazz fans. But with over 50 years now passed since their formation, the iconic rockers have not performed together since 2007 – is Led Zeppelin playing at jazz festivals?
The answer will depend on the type of jazz festival. As a global phenomenon, jazz is an incredibly diverse genre that comes in a range of variations and subgenres. A traditional jazz festival will remain a predominantly acoustic affair, featuring live performances by jazz bands and featuring double bass, piano, and trumpet alongside lighter instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone and guitar. The repertoire will be mainly composed of original compositions and improv of mainstream jazz standards. While Led Zeppelin undoubtedly shaped the hard rock side of music, they would not fit into this setup.
However, many jazz festivals have evolved in order to embrace newer forms and variations of music, such as electric jazz and fusion. These styles draw influences from funk, blues, rock and other genres, and have more of a rock feel than traditional jazz. Such styles blend acoustic and electric instruments, and some have referred to them as “acid jazz” or “smooth jazz” due to their progressive, distinct sound. Bands like The Brand New Heavies, Nuyorican Soul and Larry Carlton have added distinctive flavors to the jazz world, and Led Zeppelin’s catalogue could fit comfortably into this style of performance.
Analysis of Led Zeppelin
In order to fully understand why Led Zeppelin could be considered for a jazz festival, it is important to explore the band’s back catalogue and their influence on jazz music more closely. Led Zeppelin have produced some of the most dynamic, influential music of the past fifty years, reshaping both rock and blues. Many of Led Zeppelin’s signature songs contain elements of jazz, such as their use of improvisation and intricate guitar solos which incorporate many of the harmonic tones and rhythmic patterns found in jazz.
The influence of the band can also be heard in the performances of jazz legends, such as Buddy Rich, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock. These artists have all created notable interpretations of Led Zeppelin material, reworking the songs to make them their own. It is clear to see that Led Zeppelin have undoubtedly had a major impact on jazz music, and at a jazz festival it would make sense to recognize the integral role they have had in shaping the genre.
The Possibilities
Due to the heavily-influenced cross-genre style of Led Zeppelin, the band could potentially be booked for a jazz festival – if the festival was progressive enough to be open to it. Booking Led Zeppelin for the main stage would be difficult – aside from being very expensive, there is the issue of drummer John Bonham’s death in 1980 – but a side stage featuring his son, Jason Bonham, could be an interesting option.
There are also the in-between possibilities such as the Drum Battle between Jason Bonham and Buddy Rich, or a guest appearance with a jazz band. If Led Zeppelin themselves are not booked for a jazz festival, it could be a great way to show appreciation for their contribution to the genre. Alternatively, a tribute act such as Led Zepagain could be a great way to capture the spirit of Led Zeppelin at a jazz festival.
Conclusion
Led Zeppelin have continued to influence jazz musicians for generations now, and it is clear to see the integral role they have had in shaping the genre. While it is unlikely that the band themselves will take to the stage at a jazz festival, it could be possible to book them for a side stage or even book a tribute band. There are also the possibilities of them making a guest appearance with a jazz band or being invited for a Drum Battle between Jason Bonham and Buddy Rich. It is an exciting prospect which many jazz fans would welcome – and one worth considering for jazz festivals.
Perspectives from Experts
The response from experts to the question of whether Led Zeppelin should be playing at jazz festivals is varied. Some believe that Led Zeppelin are too big of an act for a jazz festival, where the emphasis should remain on the core genres of jazz, blues and soul. Others point out that the jazz genre has evolved, and there is no reason why a band like Led Zeppelin cannot take their rightful place at a jazz festival.
Expert opinions were sought from jazz musicians and music critics alike, with comments ranging from Jazz saxophonist Yusef Lateef who remarked “I haven’t listened to Led Zeppelin in many years, but I do remember their music had a lot of energy – something we could all use more of at jazz festivals” to jazz writer and critic John Sutherland, who stated that “Led Zeppelin created some of the most influential music of the last fifty years, and their style of bluesy, rock-influenced music is undeniable – it should be celebrated at jazz festivals, even if it isn’t mass marketed there.”
Reactions of Fans
As one would expect, the reaction from fans to the prospect of Led Zeppelin playing at jazz festivals is overwhelmingly positive. Fans from all over the world are keen to hear the band’s classic songs performed in the setting of a jazz festival, with many believing that it would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of the band.
Social media is awash with comments from excited Led Zeppelin fans. Twitter user @rocknrollfan98 has written “I would love to see Led Zeppelin perform at a jazz festival, it’s an experience I’d never forget” while Facebook user Andy Bailey commented “If Led Zeppelin performed at a jazz festival, I would be there in a heartbeat – it would be an unforgettable experience for sure.”
Viewpoints of Musicians
Led Zeppelin have always been a band who can command attention – and the viewpoint of musicians on the question of them playing at jazz festivals is no different. While many musicians are open to the idea of Led Zeppelin performing, some caution that jazz festivals should remain a celebration of the core genres of jazz, blues and soul.
Guitarist Eric Johnson commented “while I’m sure it would be amazing to see Led Zeppelin play at a jazz festival, I think it should be taken into consideration whether it could dilute the main focus of the event” while jazz drummer Steve Smith believes that “Led Zeppelin could potentially offer something unique and special to a jazz festival. The challenge would be in presenting their music in a way that is respectful to the jazz genre.”
What the Future Holds
At the present time, it seems unlikely that Led Zeppelin will take to the stage at a jazz festival. While it would be an exciting prospect, there are many practical obstacles such as the cost of booking them and the fact that drummer John Bonham is no longer with us. However, the possibility of a guest appearance or tribute band should not be completely ruled out.
There is also the issue of whether such a booking would be in keeping with the values of a traditional jazz festival. Many feel that a live performance by Led Zeppelin could be a welcome addition to the festival, whereas others point out that such an act could overshadow the other artists and dilute the core focus on jazz.
Only time will tell whether Led Zeppelin will play at a jazz festival – the prospects have certainly sparked an immense amount of interest from fans and musicians alike. Ultimately, it may be the case that their influence will be felt through the many covers and tributes that have been performed at festivals, rather than through an official appearance by the band themselves.
