For instance, on “The Art of Letting Go,” I finally got a chance to use my 1972 Fender Jazz Bass, which was perfect for that track. Originally I played a much busier bass line that felt good, but Dean said, “Umm, that’s just a little busy.” I was upset at first, but I wouldn’t be able to wear my producer’s hat if I had said, “No it isn’t! It’s fine!” So I went back, rethought it, and simplified it, and now that’s the riff. It really works in the less-is-more way. I’m very happy with how that song came out because of it.
