A Perfect Bass Line (With Only TWO Notes) 

Paul Denman is sooo underrated. Monster groove. He plays exactly what Sade’s songs need, no more, no less.

Your intro nailed it. Sade Adu has been playing with the same three guys for (literally) 40 years and still almost nobody knows they exist. They speak of "Sade" as a solo artist like Whitney, Janet or Mariah instead of a band that's named after the lead singer (like Santana, Marilyn Manson or early 1970s Alice Cooper). Sade herself has even won music awards as a solo artist, which is wild. My favorite Denman basslines are "Paradise", "No Ordinary Love" and "Keep Looking."

"No Ordinary Love" is one of my favorite bass lines of all time.

Wow! That is just a beautiful analysis. Subtlety is sadly lost on too many people. Sade was elegance, and Denmon was at the heart of it. That was an ego-free bass line, and your appreciation for it says volumes about you.

Every Sade record is musical bliss. Great breakdown!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOUR VIDEOS IS YOU NEVER BEG FOR SUBSCRIBERS LIKE OTHERS DO ON THESE KINDS OF VIDEOS.AND BECAUSE YOU'RE A REAL MUSICIAN,YOU KNOW ALL THE ENDS AND OUTS OF THE MUSIC GAME.YOU EXPLAIN THINGS IN A SIMPLE AND EASY WAY FOR ALL TO UNDERSTAND.YOU NEVER TALK OVER OUR HEADS.GOD BLESS AND KEEP THESE VIDEOS COMING.

"Never As Good As The First Time" is the track that made me respect Paul S. Denman. It was just plain funky. That Promise album was hypnotic. It put you in a trance. Fact: Every Sade album released has sold more than 5 million. Some went as high as 7 million & 11 million. Sade is one of the most successful bands in Music.

When I started playing bass, I was into prog rock and didn't like "simple" tunes... until I was in a classic rock cover band. CCR taught me to love it...and showed me that to play a simple song perfectly, in the pocket, all the way through, still takes concentration... "Easy" songs ain't all that easy.

I love Paul’s bass on “Nothing can come between us” with Sade’s sultry voice is everything.

Paul Denman is the reason I started playing bass. I love Sade and listen to her quite often, but was always drawn to Paul's bass lines.It's nice to see someone talk about him. You hear people talking about all these different bass players but I've never heard anyone talk about Paul Denman.

I remember reading an interview with the band members and one of them said their music was of necessity so simple because they were not the most skilled or experienced musicians. I’m honestly not sure if that was true or if they were being humble but the results were definitely memorable!

I love the love and respect you show other bass players. There's no ego. You highlight what these cats do. I'm glad I came across your vids. I hope to get to see you play life one day.

Paul s. Denman is one of my all time bass hero's. I learned to play by learning his bass lines. He may not be famous but those who know, know. thank you Paul for all your inspiration!

My favorite Paul Denman bassline comes from the Sade Live in San Diego concert. The rendition of Cherry Pie in this concert is so so good and Denman's full skillset is on display during the song. This man is the reason I fell in love with the bass guitar.

One of the best illustrations of "less is more". Leaves a lot of space for everyone else in the band. :-)

I have transcribed so many of Paul’s lines note for note, as they groove, and he shows us that great feel doesn’t need to be filling up every spot in the song. I wish more bassists would listen to music like this so they understand that more isn’t always better.

The way you talk about this track is so succinct that I’d swear you were reading it out of an encyclopedia. You are the encyclopedia, maestro. Thanks for cracking it open again. Wish I was at your gig!

The space between the notes is the best sound a bass players should hear.

I honestly said "No way! This is gonna be cheesy." And I clicked and was wowed! What a great narrative with some really great insight. And yep, that is a perfect two note bass line. I truly learned some great stuff and thank you!

always thought Sade's music was hypnotic. glad to see someone else with that emotion from their stuff. I am not the only one!

Perfect analysis of a classical baseline from a timeless R&B group... 💯🥇

"Discipline, space, perfect note length, groove" - Those are things that drove me crazy with the bass players in most of the bands I've been in as a keyboardist. So much, that it made me take up bass myself as a 2nd instrument. Denman is one of my bass influences, and I even have the same kind of Musicman Stingray.

I don't know how RU-vid's algorithm knew to suggest this video to me... I guess it's just my lucky night. This analysis and Paul Denman's bass playing - as well as the entire band's - are top notch.

Could not agree more. And, Paul Denman is so under appreciated . A great bass player that plays exactly what the song suggests 🙌🏽SPOT ON!!

That whole album is gold, the simplicity of it, and keep reserve to play at that speed.

I never get tired of the song, to me it's such a smooth hypnotic rhythmic dance of harmony along with Sade's silky chalky voice.

Paul Denman is incredible. I love him. His bass lines are Melodic, Hypnotic and " Lock down a Groove " - I love her entire Band " Sweetback " Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman & Paul Denman. oNe LovE from NYC

I was in high school when this album came out. This is true musical mastery that the ENTIRE album still sounds 🔥 almost 40 years later.

My favorite Paul Denman bass line has to be "Paradise." It has such a hypnotic feel to it, and as with "The Sweetest Taboo," it uses the minimum number of notes to get the point across. In the case of "Paradise" it's just three of them: C, E-flat, and F.

Man, your channel is not just play notes and scales and stuff. There is music history being discussed, and something that transcends any music style which is commitment to the groove. Just brilliant. This channel is a great asset to the bass community. If someone just wants to learn a few licks to play that's cool, but here you're digging really deep into the role of playing bass.

Yay! It's terrific that you're giving Paul his dues. Your breakdown of his line was spot on brother.

What a band Sade has been over the decades. All of their music is very special - a feat that few bands can accomplish. It's a complete pleasure to hear a group of true professionals doing their art. "Mermaid" is one of my fave Sade tunes and it doesn't even have Sade's gorgeous voice in it.

the rests between your edits is deliberate and highlights delivery and breathing between edits, further, it illustrates playing rests is as important as playing notes in a groove, I'm happy to have stumbled onto this channel.

Paul Denman= BASS..his understanding of space between notes is simply amazing.Thank you Paul

Fantastic video! I love how you highlight lesser known players that deserve more attention- keep it up!

Perfect breakdown of “it’s not how MANY notes you play, it’s the NOTES you PLAY” and the notes you DON’T play that are the thing. Spaces/silence is just as important as the notes. My favorite non-bass example is Jimmy Page’s solo on ‘Fool In The Rain’. Although he shreds in sections, he uses melodic passages and silence to move the solo along and actually SAY SOMETHING!

Subbed on this episode alone. What a great breakdown of that track. Denman sees the space and isn't afraid to see it and not play. Exquisite.

Respect for bringing attention to Paul Denman. His bass lines are legendary. Really love the bass line for, "Cherish The Day," as well.

I was 11 when this song came out and I loved it! It was like nothing I had ever heard. (My family was *not* into jazz.) Minor 7th chords are still one of my favorite sounds.

Sade is my favorite band. People think of just her, the singer, when one says the name Sade. But I think of the entire band. This is a great break down. I love your videos. Especially the Teena Marie video. Thanks for all you do to educate us.

“Never as good as the first time” is another example, “paradise” as well.. John McVie manages himself a perfect two note bass line with “dreams” too ... many simple bass lines that are perfect.

Brilliant analysis again. Echoes the mantra that 'less is more' and as the Great Great James Jamerson said "It's not the notes I play that count it's the spaces I leave".

This song is timeless ..... such a great feel to it.

Sade’s music has some of the best bass lines ever written. Loving your videos bro. Sade will always be one of my favorite bands of all time.

I'm a prog bass player and I can't stop grooving to No Ordinary Love. As you've shown, Sweetest Taboo, also is an exercise in control and clean execution. Great video.

I've been a fan of Mr. Denman and Sade for 30 years! Love his style!

I just purchased my first bass at 51 and this song and the bass line from Nothing Can Come Between Us have been in my heart to learn. I'm so excited and thank you for this video explanation.

I just found this channel through the algorithm and I'm thrilled. I love how this video kind of follows Denman's lead, it's not packed to the gills with words and concepts. It's sparse but concise. Love it. Subscribed.

Thank you good sir because when my mom played this music to me as a child I heard every note! So for you to explain in technical form is amazing! Thank you good sir🖖🏽🎸

i totally agree with everything you said. Denman's bass work is hypnotic.

It nice to see someone shout out the great basslines in Sade’s music. My Favorite Sade Basslines are Paradise, No Ordinary Love, Feel No Pain, and Cherish the Day.

killer line, incredible simplicity. 2 notes is plenty, check the Talking Heads once in a lifetime, a 2 note groove the never changes, and is genius in its simplicity, Sade's vocals are heavenly, the drum groove of this tune, probably inspired thousands of people to learn drums. worthy of Stewart Copeland. timeless music, it came out of nowhere sounding like it had always been, and never ages. flawless soul music.

I heard Sade interview once that she mentioned somthing like she is glad that they didn't know so much in music, so they just wrote simple stuff, otherwise it would had been a mess lol these guys were geniuses. And thank you for this video! always nice to hear a musician appreciate Sade's musical ability.

Excellent!! People need to remember that even when you are not hitting a note you are still "playing". Interacting with a song can be silence and pauses and in that space you get feel, emotion, rhythm, etc..

If there was ever a underrated bass player.. It's Paul❤️

This song and The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone in my opinion are the two best examples of perfectly "simple" bass lines that are exactly what the song needs.

No words can describe how much I love SADE :)

"No Ordinary Love." That song has a very memorable base line.

Getting that much done with only a few notes is just amazing work.

Paul!! Congrats on rocketing past 10k subscribers. I love what you do so much, man-keep it up! You’re brightening the music world with what you do. ❤️

great drumming and beautiful bass holds it down while Sade voice soars above.

Locking with the bass drum is so important, especially if the drummer is playing a complex beat. Done precisely and the band sounds louder at a lower volume. It can be the difference of a wall of noise, or a galloping juggernaut!

This is a perfect bassline for all the reasons you mentioned plus the nice round tone

Your recapitulation of this baseline and the great Paul Denman got me to sub. Thank you. Thank you. You are a gifted teacher, as well. Much obliged. KT 💙

This video actually opened up my eyes for Sade!

This video kept popping up, glad i clicked on it. One of my favorite songs and beign a musician always wanted to hear someone break it down. Thanks!

Sade's "Hang On To Your Love" is similar. Sounds easy, with lots of groove, but soooo hard to play well!

Paul Denman is a machine with feel. At least, that's the way I have always described him. I am a drummer who plays a bit of bass and his lines were some of the first that I learned. Her whole band is usually pretty smoking. Check out any of the live versions of the song Red Eye to see her band fly.

Thanks so much for the course in Sade music appreciation! Never knew until now why I liked it so much.

So happy I discovered this channel. Incredible quality and education here.

I was 15 when this song came out. I never heard of him but I remember those smooth grooves of Sade. Makes me want to pick up my bass put down the guitar.

Oh yeah. Paul Denman. His fretless playing on Kiss of Life.... oh baby. So smooth.

So true. The Sade rhythm section creates such great atmosphere for the keys, sax and vocals. They set up a groove for the colours that the sax, keys and vocals paint in.

True. When starting to listen in, I guessed you were gonna talk about "Never As Good As The First Time." But yes, you are absolutely right about everything you stated regarding "Taboo"...

Outstanding video. So much useful music education laid out in such a short timeframe. Thank you.

There is a short bass line in "Love is Stronger than Pride" that follows the line "There may even be snow" at about 2:40 into the song for only about 20 seconds. A beautiful song, I think their best. One of the best I've ever heard. Repeats around 3:40.

Love this track. The drum groove is also amazing.

Once again Paul you knocked it out of the park! Great video and thank you!

The concert of the "The Bring Me Home" tour in 2010 was the best show i've ever seen. Sade has the most effective arrangements in pop songs i've ever heard. Every note that is played is perfectly calculated. "Cherish The Day" is an example of that concept. It takes 2.30 min. within the song 'til the bass line comes in. And that bass line is a killer and shifts the song in a different universe.

Another great video. I'm a long time fan of Mr Denman, he really knows how to lay down a groove.

Great breakdown! Thanks for posting this. The world needs more Sade.

So great to hear a pro talk about those wonderful Sade bass lines. "Paradise" is a favorite of mine for all the reasons you mentioned. It's only slightly more complicated, but equally subtle and trickier to do right than you'd think on first listen. This band has always been about restraint, which I think is behind their lasting appeal.

I dont really have favorites, but this is probably my favorite song ever. It's everything. I just love the percussion, it's so sunny, and Sades smokey voice is a good counterpoint

i cant stop watching. hypnotic, personal narration :)

Thank you for the harmonic break-down, including the voicings on the keyboard. It demonstrates who the bass "rubs" against the other parts.

I love the bass line from Turn My Back On You. I actually learnt that song solely by ear.

Adored this breakdown! And very happy that you recommended listeners to check out *all* of their albums, because you're absolutely correct: they're all stellar! I just want to shoutout the also-great Sweetback records, as well.

Yes indeed Thank You Paul S Denman. He is one of the dopest bass masters on earth!! He is highly appreciated by these ears that have liked him from day 1. The band and The Lady herself Sade is my favorite when it comes to cool laid back music that’s heavy on the bass, and rest of the talented musicians puts it all together..🎶🎸🎸🎺🎹🥁

Sade has been one of my favorite bands and biggest influences for years. Love her voice and the incredible groove the band has. No one sounded like them.

I really enjoyed this analysis and seeing Paul S. Denman get some props. He’s an absolute master musician and has influenced my bass playing and songwriting for years. Very nicely done video - thanks!

Loved this tune -- and Sade -- since day 1. Nice analysis here. I like your focus on note length and playing the spaces. Super important element of groove for bass players to get hip to. Keep up the good work, man!

Yeah, man... Yeah, man... Thank you, Paul Denman. One of the greatest to ever do it. Great video, my friend.

Those fills are next level, when you listen closely. As it approaches the chorus, the bass is crazy.

this is really well done!! Always been a huge fan of Denman's lines. Such a perfect compliment to Sade's sultry voice and her singing of non-chord tones like the 9th.

Amazing bass player for sure. It sounds easy but when you start figuring out his basslines… Listen for instance also to Never as good as the first time, Smooth operator and Hang on to your love. Few notes, great groove, perfect tim feel and lots of fun to play!

It’s perfection is born from the relationship between bass and drums. The time signature provides the “perfect” complimentary interface between the two instruments

Best album of all time I bought it in 1986 and have loved every song

This is fire! 🔥🔥🔥 You should definitely cover some Fela Kuti bass lines, too!

Fun fact - I had to learn this song, and sang it at auditions in Tufnell Park London in late 1983 and early 1984 with the Band Pride, just after Sade, Stuart and Paul had upped sicks from the band and gone to record their first album with Robin Millar - the actual Smooth Operator b.t.w ! Pride just fizzled out on their departure not helped by being mightily, and I mean mightily, pi##ed off with Sade...to this day they consider some of the songs that (Sade) used on Diamond Life 1st album as penned by them and therefore royalties should be theirs !! The track is simple and awesome (when am I going make a living eclipses it though imho). Tar Baby on later album has a simple groove too... and yes PSD is one hell of a bassist it's the lack of over-playing that's so sweet and that musicman sounds so tonely spot on. Nice playing and vid sir 😄

So glad you give credit and time to the BAND, as a band and not just the singer.