Featuring some of the most iconic songs from his late seventies catalogue, ‘Small Change’ by Tom Waits turns fifty this year. To celebrate the landmark occasion a new vinyl re-issue of the album will be available on October 2.
Uniquely combining elements of the great American songbook, jazz, beat poetry, vivid storytelling and his own modern sensibility, ‘Small Change’ was the high watermark of Waits’ 70s period, with classic songs like "Tom Traubert's Blues", “Step Right Up" and "The Piano Has Been Drinking". This is also the record where Tom's now iconic voice reached full maturity.
In a 1976 interview following the release of his third album, Waits reflected on the storytelling roots behind his evolving style, tracing his songs back to his days working the door at a local nightclub and eavesdropping in late-night diners:
"I got a job as doorman at a nightclub in L.A., and I listened to all the acts from the door. I heard bluegrass, comics, folk singers, string bands. At the same time, I was picking up people’s conversations in all-night coffee shops—ambulance drivers, cabdrivers, street sweepers. I did research there as an evening curator, and I started writing—gingerly. I thought at some point I’d like to forge it all into something meaningful and give it dignity.”
Here is a much-loved clip of Waits performing "The Piano Has Been Drinking" on Martin Mull's legendary late 70s TV show Fernwood Tonight: https://youtu.be/RKlmBZsVPK8
Pre-Order Now Read More
Uniquely combining elements of the great American songbook, jazz, beat poetry, vivid storytelling and his own modern sensibility, ‘Small Change’ was the high watermark of Waits’ 70s period, with classic songs like "Tom Traubert's Blues", “Step Right Up" and "The Piano Has Been Drinking". This is also the record where Tom's now iconic voice reached full maturity.
In a 1976 interview following the release of his third album, Waits reflected on the storytelling roots behind his evolving style, tracing his songs back to his days working the door at a local nightclub and eavesdropping in late-night diners:
"I got a job as doorman at a nightclub in L.A., and I listened to all the acts from the door. I heard bluegrass, comics, folk singers, string bands. At the same time, I was picking up people’s conversations in all-night coffee shops—ambulance drivers, cabdrivers, street sweepers. I did research there as an evening curator, and I started writing—gingerly. I thought at some point I’d like to forge it all into something meaningful and give it dignity.”
Here is a much-loved clip of Waits performing "The Piano Has Been Drinking" on Martin Mull's legendary late 70s TV show Fernwood Tonight: https://youtu.be/RKlmBZsVPK8
Pre-Order Now Read More
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