Derek Smalls, formerly the bass force behind the fabled heavy metal band Spinal Tap, is premiering the video for the track “MRI” from his debut solo album, Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing).
Anyone familiar with the movie “This is Spinal Tap” will remember the antics of Smalls, the character portrayed by the marvelous Harry Shearer.
Smalls Change features the work of many musicians Derek has worked with over the years, including Dweezil Zappa, Donald Fagen, Dweezil Zappa, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, Waddy Wachtel, Michael League, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Paul Shaffer, Steve Vai, Larry Carlton, Judith Owen, Jane Lynch and The Hungarian Studio Orchestra. Smalls Change is produced by CJ Vanston (Spinal Tap, Def Leppard, Toto, Joe Cocker).
Dweezil Zappa has a role in ‘MRI’ – Photo courtesy of Derek Smalls
Smalls Searching for the Light
Derek Smalls describes Smalls Change as “halfway between ‘rage against the dying of the light’ and trying to find the light.” When asked how he managed to round up so many world-class rockers to join the project, Derek’s terse response is “pity fuck.”
Smalls Change is out now via BMG on digital, CD and vinyl and is available to purchase/stream here:
ALBUM CREDITS
Producers:
CJ Vanston and Harry Shearer
Guest Artists
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers)
Gregg Bissonette
Larry Carlton
David Crosby
Donald Fagen (Steely Dan)
Taylor Hawkins
Jim Keltner
Danny (Kootch) Kortchmar
Russ Kunkel
Michael League (Snarky Puppy)
Jane Lynch (actress/singer)
Steve Lukather (Toto)
Judith Owen
Snarky Puppy Horns
Joe Satriani
Paul Shaffer (David Letterman, SNL, etc.)
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Todd Sucherman (Styx)
Richard Thompson
Steve Vai
Waddy Wachtel
Rick Wakeman (Yes)
Phil X
Dweezil Zappa
SMALLS CHANGE
Track list with notes by Derek Smalls
1. Openture (CJ Vanston) – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
The philosophy of this record, expressed in fewer words than I’ve taken to almost describe it.
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Transplant (Derek Smalls/CJ Vanston) – Derek with Steve Lukather (guitar, Toto), drum legends Jim Keltner (George Harrison) and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Whatever might be ailing you, rock ’n’ roll is the cure. Ask Dr. Derek!
3. Butt Call (Derek Smalls) – Derek with Phil X (guitar, Bon Jovi) and Taylor Hawkins (drums)
In one lifetime, the telephone has gone from a miracle to a pain in the arse.
4. Smalls Change (Derek Smalls) – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra, Judith Owen (vocals) Danny Kortchmar (guitar, Don Henley) and Russ Kunkel (drums, James Taylor)
Why Lukewarm Water is no longer bracketed by Fire and Ice. A nod to what’s past, and a wink to what’s next.
5. Memo To Willie (Derek Smalls) – Derek with Donald Fagen (vocals), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Larry Carlton (guitars, Steely Dan) and The Snarky Puppy Horns
An urgent missive to the Honorable Member: continued tumescence, if you please.
6. It Don’t Get Old (music: David St. Hubbins/lyrics: Derek Smalls) – Derek with Waddy Wachtel (guitar Keith Richards).
Life on the road, an endless series of pointless encounters. What could be better?
7. Complete Faith (CJ Vanston) – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
A musical interruption.
8. Faith No More (Derek Smalls) – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra and Todd Sucherman (drums, Styx)
As I get older, I look back more fondly on all the people I’ve known. Except for Ian.
9. Gimme Some (More) Money (Derek Smalls) – Derek with Paul Shaffer (piano and organ), Waddy Wachtel (guitar) and David Crosby (vocals)
Time and technology change everything, except the need for change.
Everybody’s going to have one, eventually. It’s just another ride. To hell, but still…
11. Hell Toupee (Derek Smalls) – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
Think Satan doesn’t have dark thoughts about his appearance as he ages? Think again.
12. Gummin the Gash (Derek Smalls/CJ Vanston) – Derek with Steve Vai (guitar), Gregg Bisonnette (drums, Ringo Starr) and Jane Lynch (vocals)
Losing your teeth closes one door, and opens another. A celebration of the meeting of two toothless cavities.
13. She Puts the Bitch in Obituary (Derek Smalls) – Derek with Richard Thompson (guitar) and Jane Lynch (vocals)
A hymn to womanhood in all her splendor.
14. When Men Did Rock (Derek Smalls) – Derek with Michael League (bass), Joe Satriani (guitar), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
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