Caldera Records is proud to present David Shire’s score for the TV movie “Small Vices.”

Robert B. Parker’s novels, which featured the Boston detective Spenser, not only achieved long-lasting success in the US but also sparked a resurgence in the hardboiled detective genre. “Small Vices” was the first of three adaptations for television from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

David Shire’s score is an elaborate gem for he was able to showcase his jazz expertise again. The score’s recurring theme for the titular character accurately conveys Spenser’s world-weariness and toughness while also paying tribute to his grace and refined tastes. The use of a jazz combo in the music for “Small Vices” is reminiscent of the classic genre conventions of the 1970s. However, the composer does not rely on nostalgia. His music occupies a unique space between two worlds. It evokes the music of days gone by while incorporating modern and vibrant orchestral music. The aggressive ostinatos employed in the orchestration are similar to those found in bigger-budgeted thrillers of that era. Shire masterfully blends the old and new, creating a cohesive and seamless sound.

This is most noticeable in cues that subtly incorporate synthesizers and a drum kit, which were commonly used in television at that time. Unfortunately, David Shire’s score for “Thin Air,” the follow-up to “Small Vices,” is missing. Therefore, we were unable to add it to the album. As a replacement, we opted to combine “Small Vices” with pieces that share the same essence. Thus, we created an homage to his jazz-oriented scores from the 1990s, which includes “Jake’s Women,” “Broadway Bound” and “Texan.”

The 56th CD-release of Caldera Records features a detailed booklet text by Stephan Eicke and elegant artwork by Luis Miguel Rojas. The CD was mastered by Richard Moore and produced by Stephan Eicke and John Elborg.

Small Vices
01. Main Title (2:28)
02. Spenser and Susan I (1:52)
03. Spenser and Susan II (1:58)
04. Park Chase (1:42)
05. Fireside Pizza (1:27)
06. Spenser’s Funeral (2:27)
07. Travel Montage (1:13)
08. Rehab (1:04)
09. Strictures at an Exhibition (2:54)
10. Reunion (2:47)
11. Innocent (1:19)
12. End Title (1:51)

Jake’s Women
13. Meeting Maggie (2:02)
14. Jake and Julie (1:45)
15. Jake and Maggie (1:52)
16. Theme (1:04)

Broadway Bound
17. Main Title (2:53)
18. Night Montage (2:25)
19. Radio Source (3:13)*
20. Comedy Show Theme (0:37)
21. Finale (1:42)
22. End Credits (0:59)
*arranged by Steve Bramson

Texan
23. Bar Source (2:36)
24. Homage (4:47)
25. Drive (1:36)
26. Reveal and Finale (4:12)