Bass Player: Percy Jones

Percy Jones is most widely known for his work with UK Jazz Rock pioneers Brand X but he has also played on numerous other recordings with artists such as Brian Eno, Steve Vai (The Epidemics), Kate Bush, David Sylvian, Steve Hackett and Suzanne Vega. The transcription is Percy’s bass part to the opening section of the tune ‘Vimana’ from the 1976 album of the same name by Italian Progressive Rock/Jazz ensemble, Nova. The album also features Mahavishnu Orchestra drummer Narada Michael Walden and, on percussionist, Phil Collins of Genesis and Brand X fame.

The chart is the opening section followed by a furious unison riff that Percy plays with guitarist Corrado Rustici and saxophonist Elio D’Anna. A tough read. The transcription stops when Percy starts doing that slippery stylised stuff he is known, for where notes are increasingly difficult to identify, even slowed down!

A side note; this recording featured Percy playing a fretless Fender Precision bass rather than the Wal’s he was known to play with Brand X. His sound is there, fully intact which begs the question; is the sound in the instrument or in the player’s hands?