Do yourself and listen to Level 42’s Leaving Me Now with headphones, just to see how the incredible layering of instruments can transform what is a basic ballad into an absolute masterpiece. Beethoven would have loved it.
And of course, I yield to no man in my admiration of bassist extraordinaire Mark King. Keep the ‘phones on.
I had the pleasure and fortune to see Level42 at a smallish venue in Santa Clara, CA (RIP One Step Beyond) in 1987.
Mark King is fabulous! \m/
Many years ago, before Level 42 came to prominence, we saw them locally. A small venue that, even when full, held less than 200 people.
With our friends, we numbered 10. Mark and the band played to us like a private concert whilst giving the same level of performance they’d later do at massive venues. They didn’t care it was only us. We sang along and danced right in front of the stage and had a fab time. The Chinese Way will always remind me of those friends and that night.