Dennis Belfield: The Greatest Session Bassist You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

#bass #bassist #basshistory #transcription #dennisbelfield #paulthompson
Digging into the history of one of the most unsung studio bass players of the 1970s and 1980s: Dennis Belfield. Almost 300 bass-playing album credits including Rufus, Kenny Rogers, Rick Springfield, Roy Orbison, Ringo Starr, Neil Young, Barry Manilow, and Animotion among many, many others.
Let me tell you why Mr. Belfield is a bass player you should know about (and have probably already heard) with one of the most diverse discographies you'll ever see. I'll break down my Top 5 bass lines from his amazing career (including a 70's R&B CLASSIC, one with Jaco Pastorius, and a famous groove he crafted with @timpierceguitar in 1982) and show you why so many artists called on him to provide the bottom to their music!
Website: www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74
Twitter @pdbass74

[@dfreeman120]

Everlasting Love by Rufus is one of my favorites as well co-written by the great Dennis Belfield. Don Freeman here. I met Dennis shortly after I moved to L.A and began to get called for sessions as a keyboardist. Met Dennis on one of those dates and we locked in and had the same sense of feel and taste in songwriting. We co-wrote “ Back Again “ which was recorded on the David Sanborn album As We Speak” which I played keyboards on with Marcus Miller, Mike Sembello and Omar Hakim. Produced by the great Bob Margouleff. Dennis also recommended me to producer David Anderle at A&M which Dennis and I played on the Booker T Jones album The Best of You with Mike Sembello James Gadson Marlo Henderson and The Waters on backing vocals. Booker took this band to play at The Roxy Theater for 3 nights which was incredible, killer band. Dennis is an all around musician writer and arranger and was always a joy to be in the studio with. Dennis also introduced me to the great drummer Carlos Vega. He called me for a date with Carlos, Al Ciner guitar ( from Rufus) Dennis producing and playing bass. The two singers were the artists called Christmas & Cole and were so soulful it was incredible. The 2 tracks that we cut that night were so funky and tight unlike anything since ! Glad to see my friend Dennis get his flowers. Bomaye ❤

[@lamech006]

Sounds like we need a video about you somewhere :) Wow!

[@pdbass]

@@lamech006 OH YES! I told Don. I need to give him his flowers this summer. He's a getting a video for sure!!

[@got2bharmony]

Great to see your contribution on this channel. Your work with David Sanborn was wonderful, Back Again is one of my favourite tracks with a top notch vocal from Michael Sembello.

[@musikman9103]

'Back Again' is one of my favortite tracks on As We Speak. I love Michael Sembello's vocals.

[@matthw633]

That’s a fantastic history lesson in your comment.

[@scarab944]

Paul never misses with these deep cuts. He does us all a service by revealing these hidden gems, even if they're hiding in plain sight.

[@wallywallace7410]

You are not only the best bass guitar related channel, you are the best music channel period.

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Man, I grew up listening to many of these albums and reading liner notes and credits. I'm embarrassed to say that I totally missed this guy. That Rufus album is great from front to back and I still occasionally listen to it still today. Thanks for enlightening us Maestro.

[@nilkilnilkil]

Flora Purim shout! That is a great record!

[@OlandoMcCall]

The Rufus situation floored me!

[@GuyWhoLikesTheSnarkies1435]

Many session players tend to be more low-key when it comes to popular recognition unless you're either a music head or musician themselves. James Gadson, David T. Walker, Dennis Belfield etc. The list goes on and on. Also I agree, these people may be the unsung heroes of some of everyone's favorite records out there.

[@kevinb3812]

Thanks for opening our eyes to Dennis Belfield! He planted many musical seeds on many, many songs.

[@dfreeman120]

@@kevinb3812 100%

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

The main thing I love about your channel is the fact you give credit to many unsung heroes of the instrument and music in general. I’ve always believed you should give credit where credit is due, and your channel does that perfectly.

[@3LLT33]

You’re my favourite bass channel. No bullshit flash, just the best players.

[@Don2Rich]

You had me at Rufus.

[@stevencsmith7644]

Wow! This is great. Though I’ve never heard OF him, I’ve definitely HEARD him. Thanks to you, I will time travel through my vinyls and pay more attention.

[@CharlesRobitaille514]

Giving credit where its due! NICE!!!!

[@DaddyBooneDon]

I love Rufus and Michael Franks! I didn't know Belfield got around so much. Now I do. Thanks for another eye... ear-opening experience!

[@darrylbrooks8132]

I learn so much watching your channel. Everytime I get tried of playing I just watch your channel and get revived. Thank you.

[@musikman9103]

Great to see another unsung hero getting his dues. Really pleased to see you mention Flora's Purim's 'Walking Away' which is one of my favorite songs of hers. Flora's Everyday Everynight album is packed with many other top musicians you didn't have space to mention, including George Duke, Jay Graydon, Alphonso Johnson, Byron Miller, Randy Brecker, Michel Colombier, David Foster, David Sanborn, Chester Thompson, Herbie Hancock, and of course, Airto. Well worth a spin!

[@ALWTunes]

Don't Talk to Strangers is such a classic song. I knew Pierce played on it, but didn't know who played bass. Thanks for the education!

[@josephromano7867]

Thank You Paul!!!!!

[@BuddhaBites]

Okay--so you done blown my mind this morning. Thank you! [Also, I got to play my pdbass drinking game, slugging a sip (of coffee!) each time you said, "iconic". 😁]

[@pdbass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@latonyahemingway3752]

Keep the great content coming. Your channel is like the Biography Channel For Bass. Love it.

[@kentbyron7608]

I just checked Wikipedia and Dennis Belfield does not have an entry. Someone should write one.

[@FAMUCHOLLY]

Talented dude... to go from funk to pop to yacht rock with ease; he was very versatile!

[@derekdauchan2741]

That "Everlasting Love" on Carl Carlton's 1974 ABC Album is smokin'. Mr. Belfield bass lines are iconic.

[@seldonplanB-24]

"Obsession" is such an iconic 80s song. Solid bass line and a guitar solo that absolutely (and surprisingly for a pop song) SLAYS on the outro

[@KeithCopeland778]

I remember seeing Dennis' name on several recordings, I wasn't aware that he played on all the recordings you mentioned!!!. Here are some more session bassists who deserve wider recognition: -Neil Stubenhaus -Guitarist Phil Upchurch -Saxophonist Wilton Felder -Wayne Brathwaite -Barry Johnson -Gary King -Fernando Saunders -David Shields -Keith Jones -Doug Rauch -Gary Grainger -Neil Jason -Ken Wild

[@memphisbass2]

😊Man you are THE best at making it plain with bass history. We owe you for sure. Said it before, wanna get you to DFW for a Bass Day!

[@Below-Average_Joe]

This was a real education, PD. For fifty years, I thought those Rufus tracks were Bobby Watson. Denis Bellfield was truly unsung considering all he did.

[@polymy]

Love the video, is there a Bobby Watson one?

[@Matt-is8qj]

First time I'm hearing about Dennis Belfield, and Flora Purim's 'Every day every night' album will be on this summer's playlist for sure. Thanks man! Good stuff.

[@bastianflimm825]

walking away by Flora Purim,... such a treasure, bass and all, thank you ..

[@gimmeagig]

I'm 68 so I have been around a really long time but I can always count on you to tell me something I don't already know.

[@FCntertainr]

As a Flora Purim disciple the record Dennis played on is one of her iconic with so many great players. Dennis held his own .

[@Matheus.t.e]

Man your videos are a gift for the bass community!

[@rudytormento9753]

Kudos for the tribute! I've been diggin' in the crates for decades and never noticed the guy. His credit list is impressive though.

[@robgutkowski7141]

That slap track on “obsession” makes the song an earworm

[@leosmithonbass]

geez man, great lesson! Thank you! Seems like Dennis Belfield was on all my fav 80s tunes. ESPECIALLY Obsession!!! And please LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

[@Twobarpsi]

Wow! Haven't heard that Rick Springfield track in ages! Had no idea he played with Animotion either! Excellent video!

[@halcop]

Dennis Belfield definitely deserves his flowers. I like most everyone else I assumed Bobby Watson played on all the Rufus albums. What a career he had. The man played on a lot of very popular hits and most of us didn't know who he was. Well done Paul. 🔥🔥

[@christophervaca7116]

thank you, professor, for another music lesson.

[@jackv2244]

You're more than just a funky bass player but a great educator too, I never heard this guy until now, Everlasting love always had been my favorite

[@patrickselden5747]

Thanks, Paul, for yet another informative video... ☝️😎

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Oh you didn't go "quiet as kept" on us? Thank you for hipping us up to him. And all the time i thought Bobby Watson was the first bass player in Rufus.

[@butchcarter9227]

Great post!

[@Bass_Playa_Two_Point.O]

Cool! 😎 Could you hit Joe Osborn next? Amazingly deep and broad body of work throughout the 60's and 70's, both in L.A., and Nashville. Over 300 Top 40 hits.

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

Yes ive heard this great man on alot of these recordings but have never heard of him by name. Thanks for shining a light on these diamonds in the dust. Dennis is a great player. Thanks

[@BigBobbyBoLo]

this quickly went frrom, "never heard of this guy", to "He played on All of That!??"... Geez, he put in some serious work

[@thompsonterry4804]

I’ve definitely heard his playing, but I’ve not heard his name. Thanks for highlighting this “hidden” music of Dennis Belfield. Your channel is a great, and needed, service across music. Thank you!

[@joffyjazz]

I remember seeing his name on the Flora Purim credits! Didn't know who he was.

[@joffyjazz]

Have you ever heard of Kenneth Alexander Christian? He's not as prolific, but he played some mean bass in the disco era.

[@aaronpimanfo4854]

Thanks bro🙏🤎

[@jlmoses16]

What you're doing here almost seems like the Lord's work. Keep it up!

[@Soul74]

Thank you, Paul! I was not familiar with this great musician, and I consider myself a bit of a bass know it all!

[@luke125]

Neil Jason is another one.

[@carlosjohnson5778]

Man do a bunch of the cats Neil Jason Gary King Francesco Centeno Wayne Braithwaite Abraham Laboriel Willie Weeks Etc U could do whole list of cats under the radar Great job Always look forward to ur posts Bravo

[@jazzpunk]

Love Gary King!!! Max Bennett would also be cool!

[@alexnejako777]

those early Rick Springfield songs are awesome and the bass was important. good stuff

[@Oleg_Borscht_Lover]

wow, i never knew they played "Hope" together with Jaco, cool

[@Whos_That_Lady_Music_Show]

I am a student of your page. I learn so much of your the unsung bass players deep dives. Keep up with the great work, man!

[@mdturnerinoz]

Thanks for this, PD; what an awe and then some player! Loved Rufus (still do) and Chaka Khan's voice! You just 'Told Me Somethin' Good"!

[@achenarmyst2156]

1:45 the funk guitar riff reminded me of the very beginning of Tone Loc‘s „On Fire“ 😉

[@garybernabe9409]

Another superb presentation Paul! Thks!

[@johnhmaloney]

Thank you for, once again, making me aware of an amazing player who I've heard many times, but hadn't heard of before. Although, I feel like Nathan East should have been included in that list of famous studio bassists at the top of the video.

[@GeoffGummer]

Dont forget Joe Osborne - probably the most prolific bass player ever. Was on something like 200 #1 songs as part of the wrecking crew, and rarely played the E string. Bass Player of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Another reason why I love your channel!

[@NathanBrooken]

Its great to learn about this amazing Bassist thanks for the upload. Tell Me Something Good is an amazing groove.

[@sebuteo]

Excellent episode! So much music in there that I know, but need to know better ❤

[@dylanharris9131]

Dennis Belfield and the late, great Joe Osborne never get the credit they deserve. Joe played for Ricky Nelson, Mamas and The Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, and the amazing bass line for “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci I was a big Flora Purim fan.

[@oldmanpence4803]

Okay, I haven’t watched the video yet. Legendary session players that have been that prolific, that just fit seamlessly into any genre or recording situation…Lee Sklar.. Nathan East, Pino of course. Roscoe Beck too, but more in Texas and Nashville.. hm…okay I’ll go watch now and learn somethin… your videos always take me to school! 👍

[@oldmanpence4803]

Well damn. Yep, did not know the name, but you have made me a believer! 🙏 thanks again friend

[@lamech006]

Oooh I would love to see the pdbass treatment of Roscoe Beck! I want one of his Fender signature basses :P

[@obelix703]

I love your channel. I have so many musical blind spots, and you always give me something cool to explore & appreciate. Keep being awesome.

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Another great lesson, professor

[@dagobertkrikelin1587]

Music was soooo good back then!

[@bigtimelakersfan5836]

Hello Paul I’ll give you another 💯 and you still remain head of the class for who is the bass player videos!!! Ps and thanks for shining the light on these incredible musicians!!!

[@xtrict]

Always great content. The stuff us bass players learn.

[@jazzpunk]

RAGS TO RUFUS was an early R&B/Funk LP for me...still a long-hair Hard Rock guy when I picked this up in the day. Like most, I didn't realize Belfield played on most of your examples. Flora Purim?!? Not a clue! Bought that because of Jaco. Gotta admit: I don't think I coulda picked him out of a lineup. Cool Tim Pierce got a mention.

[@hermanbril2682]

Another great informative and musical diamond! Thank you for posting this. You keep amazing me.

[@bassadelica]

❤ this. I always wondered who played on that Animotion track!

[@KlemensCathcartBass]

Awesome episode

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

thanks, those were some great jams

[@mark6302]

A+ content

[@mdp303]

Nights on Broaddway by Candy Statton is a great bass line with a great tone sort of pre-slap. Lots of top on the sound perfectly controlled

[@oogkauwgum5123]

That first Rufus album is one of the best albums ever, with rge beutifull Belfield song 'in love we grow'

[@jasondimatteo983]

Yes.

[@jimtigwell4265]

Talking great session Bassists, how about Herbie Flowers, played on many great recordings, including ones by - Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Lou Reed (the bass line on 'Walk on the wild side' is his), Elton John, David Bowie. The list goes on.

[@jazzpunk]

Flowers is an incredibly creative musician! How about that flanged whatever the Hell on "Rock On"?!?! The outro to " Space Oddity"?!? Crazy!

[@bushmann9272]

love your channel man, i discover so much great music and bass players

[@natickrepairs4026]

Paul you should host a weekly radio show! Play some jams for us!

[@stephenhanson3647]

How about Bob Babbitt, the other Motown bassist. Credits include: Signed, Sealed Delivered; Just My Imagination, Papa Was a Rolling Stone; Ball of Confusion; Rubber Band Man, Scorpio, War (What is It Good For?), Angel From Montgomery. Oh, and Midnight Train to Georgia.

[@stephenhanson3647]

Oops, forgot Mercy, Mercy Me and Inner City Blues from Marvin Gaye's What's Going On.

[@mattfoley6082]

Mind blown! I never heard of Dennis before this. I would've bet that was Bobby Watson. This is why I love your channel. I was also surprised when watching James Brown's 1968 Boston Garden concert to see a white bass player named Tim Drummond. Oh yes, I'm familiar with Ron Baker; I'm from Philly area.

[@jazzpunk]

Yeah...I had seen Drummond on HARVEST & stuff like Linda Ronstadt. Later, I picked up a James Brown transcription book & it covered Drummond's stuff. Not as busy as Bootsy...groovy in a more minimalist way. 😊

[@ihazdashcam]

I know he's not a session bassist, but you should do a video on John Taylor from Duran Duran

[@ilndboy7]

I have Rags to Rufus !

[@user-du1yk7uk9v]

As always great Musical culture from Paul !!! Have you ever covered the great Italian bass player Davide Romani that have recorded tons of disco-funk-soul tracks with the likes of Change....BBqband.....Hi Fashion...Macho etc...?

[@jburtonca]

Don't forget "Everlasting Love" the 1974 hit by Carl Carleton. 16th note groove all the way through. My right hand hurts just thinking about that one.

[@pdbass]

That one was ALMOST my number 1! There is a lot of conjecture over whether DB or Tommy Cogbill actually played the line. I could not truly confirm, so I left it off. Definitely a banger. If I have any correspondence with Mr. Belfield, it will be the first thing I ask him about for sure!!

[@jburtonca]

@@pdbass Tommy Cogbill is another bassist who deserved far more recognition than he got. One of his greatest lines was "Son Of A Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. Jaco Pastorius cited him as an influence.

[@Del3k]

MY mind is blown! I am familiar with all those songs except the brazilian artist (hunting that 1 down now) but loving the bass line in all those songs in my youth WOW!

[@MrGul]

Another bass player that deserves a bunch of flowers: JImmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor, etc.)

[@dirkpehrke9909]

I have missed Joe Osbourn in your list of session players we all know or should know!❤

[@ilndboy7]

And Ask Rufus!

[@jazzpunk]

"Hollywood"!!!

[@thres34]

Thanks

[@pdbass]

Thank YOU 🙏🏽

[@nicholastotoro7721]

The bump groove is totally on "Suspicions," but I think David Hungate played the bass on that tune.

[@zanderzoot]

Don't forget the late and great John Giblin of Simple Minds, John Martyn and Kate Bush to name but a few. 🎸👍

[@FunkVHSRips]

Neil Stubenhaus is another unsung bassist I think

[@CharlieBass5]

Engelbert Humperdinck??? I remember this Flora Purim piece!

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#92_TenHoursSeven_THOUSAND_views_Happy4thTooU🎶🇺🇸

[@eddiechicago55]

What's the bass effect / pedal used on " Walking Away " ?