‘Mission Creep’ is a thoughtful collection of rootsy, rock and jazz-tinged songs that reveals a deep love of music, and a deep need to communicate. As Damian Lewis himself explains, “I suddenly had a lot to say. People will judge if it’s any good or not, but for me, it felt entirely natural.” The album’s origin story begins when Lewis, after leaving school, swapped the rigorous day-to-day regime that had dominated his life for 10 years for something altogether less structured. He took to the road with his guitar and went busking through continental Europe. This experience has stayed with Damian ever since and is reflected in his debut album. Acting of course took over, and took off. Lewis kept his hand in, playing the odd wrap party as part of a scratch band, but the idea of actually making a record only came to him during Lockdown. With the time and space away from a busy acting schedule the star was able to throw himself into playing and writing songs, and the ideas started to flow. Damian was taken back to the time he played the guitar every day and meeting and then teaming up with American jazz musician Giacomo Smith inspired Lewis to start playing and recording his own songs.

Tracklist:

A1. Down on the Bowery    4:09

A2. Soho Tango                      4:38

A3. Hole in my Roof               3:35

A4. Harvest Moon                  4:49

A5. My Little One                  3:01

A6. She Comes                     4:33

B1. After Midnight                3:32

B2. Zaragoza                           3:09

B3. Never Judge a Man by his Umbrella   3:35

B4. Wanna Grow Old in Paris   4:53

B5. Makin' Plans                           3:45

B6. Why                                        3:44

Damian Lewis: Vocals; Acoustic Guitar, Piano (9)

with: Giacomo Smith: Tenor & Alto Saxophones, Clarinet, Percussion, Background Vocals - Dave Archer: Acoustic & Electric Guitar - Joe Webb: Piano; Wurlitzer Electric Piano  - Will Cleasby: Drums - Kitty Durham: Background Vocals, Percussion, Tambourine - Ferg Ireland: Acoustic Bass Guitar - Will Sach: Electric Bass (1, 5) - Flo Moore: Electric Bass (2, 9) - Alec Harper: Tenor Saxophone (3, 6, 12, 13) - Dan Higham: Trombone (3, 6, 12, 13) - Hattie Whitehead: Background Vocals (3, 8, 13) - Kit Downes: Hammond Organ (7 ,13) - Lewis Durham: Background Vocals (8, 13) - Rhys Lewis: Background Vocals (13)