"Small Change" is the fourth studio album by Tom Waits, released on September 21, 1976, through Asylum Records. It was recorded in July at Wally Heider's Studio 3 in Hollywood and achieved commercial success, outselling his previous albums. This prompted Waits to form a touring band called The Nocturnal Emissions, featuring Frank Vicari on tenor saxophone, FitzGerald Jenkins on bass guitar, and Chip White on drums and vibraphone. The band toured extensively in Europe and the United States from October 1976 until May 1977.
Small Change was recorded directly to 2-track stereo tape from July 15, 19–21, and 29, 1976, at Wally Heider's Studio 3 in Hollywood, produced by Bones Howe. A multi-track recording was also made as a backup, which was used to change a reference Waits made to actress Jayne Meadows. Howe aimed to create a recording environment reminiscent of jazz sessions from the 1950s, emphasizing live interaction among musicians. He preferred recording without headphones, allowing all the musicians to share the same space and "breathe the same air," which contributed to the cohesive sound of the album.
The cover art for Small Change features Tom Waits in a go-go dancer's dressing room, alongside a topless go-go dancer. There have been claims that the dancer is Cassandra Peterson, known for her role as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. However, Peterson herself is uncertain about the authenticity of this claim. She has stated, "I can’t say it’s completely not me... but I have absolutely no recollection of doing it." She humorously notes her hazy memories of the '70s and admits that while it could be her, the dancer doesn't look exactly like her.
