Derek Smalls Streams Debut Album ‘Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)’

Next week Spinal Tap bassist Derek Smalls (comedian Harry Shearer) will release his debut solo album Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) via Twanky Records/BMG. The guest-filled album is available to stream in advance of its Friday, April 13 release via NPR Music’s First Listen series.

Shearer introduced the Derek Smalls character as a member of the faux-metal band Spinal Tap, which he portrayed in the 1984 mockumentary feature film This Is Spinal Tap. The 14-track Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) was produced by CJ Vanston and a statement described the LP as a “poignant and oftentimes furious contemplation on aging that explores the passing of time and all things loud. With styles that cross the gamut of musical genres.”

Shearer/Smalls enlisted an all-star cast of supporting musicians, including Peter Frampton, David Crosby, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Dweezil Zappa, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Rick Wakeman (YES), Richard Thompson, Steve Lukather (Toto), Joe Satriani, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Paul Shaffer, Jim Keltner, The Snarky Puppy Horns, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), Jane Lynch, Judith Owen, Steve Vai and others. Shearer will appear as Smalls during an upcoming tour in support of the new album billed as Lukewarm Water Live: An Adventure in Loud Music, which will feature the bassist supported by a full orchestra for each performance.

Stream Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) via the link to NPR Music below:

Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) Tracklist

1. Openture – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Transplant – Derek with Steve Lukather (guitar, Toto), drum legends Jim Keltner (George Harrison) and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
3. Butt Call – Derek with Phil X (guitar, Bon Jovi) and Taylor Hawkins (drums, Foo Fighters)
4. Smalls Change – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra, Judith Owen (vocals) Danny Kortchmar (guitar, Don Henley) and Russ Kunkel (drums, James Taylor)
5. Memo To Willie – Derek with Donald Fagen (vocals), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Larry Carlton (guitars, Steely Dan) and The Snarky Puppy Horns
6. It Don’t Get Old – Derek with Peter Frampton (guitar, vocals) and Waddy Wachtel (guitar Keith Richards)
7. Complete Faith – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
8. Faith No More – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra and Todd Sucherman (drums, Styx)
9. Gimme Some (More) Money – Derek with Paul Shaffer (piano and organ), Waddy Wachtel (guitar) and David Crosby (vocals)
10. MRI – Derek with Dweezil Zappa (guitars)
11. Hell Toupee – Derek with The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
12. Gummin the Gash – Derek with Steve Vai (guitar), Gregg Bisonnette (drums, Ringo Starr) and Jane Lynch (vocals)
13. She Puts the Bitch in Obituary – Derek with Richard Thompson (guitar) and Jane Lynch (vocals)
14. When Men Did Rock – Derek with Michael League (bass), Joe Satriani (guitar), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and The Hungarian Studio Orchestra

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