Level 42 – ‘Sandstorm’

‘Sandstorm’ is the opening track on the first album that Level 42 recorded – The Early Tapes. This is one of the band’s best-known instrumental pieces and was a key part of their live set during their formative years. Written by Mark King and Wally Badarou, the track features some classic Mark King grooves, which have made it a very popular piece with bass players over the years.

The main groove of this piece is a typical Mark King slap line played over a series of minor ninth chords. Those who are familiar with Mark’s work will undoubtedly recognise the similarities between this line and the bass part from ‘Hot Water’, a hit song from the band which was released a few years later. The second main slap groove from this line is another classic Mark King line and regularly appears in his bass solos to this day. In addition to these two parts, this track also includes an intricate fingerstyle funk line, as well as some additional slapped parts.

The band performed this track extensively during their formative years and it made a reappearance in their 2018 set. Excellent versions can be found on the Rockpalast 1983 DVD, and the Eternity 2018 DVD.

A full transcription of this piece can be found in The Mark King Bass Book, which is available HERE. The transcription is NOT required for the video course.