7a Records To Release Michael Nesmith’s Tantamount To Treason Vol. 1

7a Records is proud to announce the 50th Anniversary Edition of “Tantamount To Treason, Volume One” by Michael Nesmith & The Second National Band – released on June 3rd. The 1972 album has been remastered, expanded with bonus tracks and given a brand new cover painting by Wilson McLean, who also painted the original album sleeve. The CD comes with a 32 page booklet, including extensive liner notes, previously unpublished photos and lyrics to all of the songs. The Vinyl is presented in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g Aqua coloured splatter Vinyl. The bonus tracks have never previously been released on vinyl. You can pre-order the album here:

US Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/tantamount-to-treason-vol-1-50th-anniversary/5060209950396

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/tantamount-to-treason-vol-1-50th-anniversary-180gm-blue-and-white-splatter-vinyl/5060209950402

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tantamount-Treason-One-50th-Anniversary/dp/B09X49ZTQP/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VPFNAZPTCBJJ&keywords=nesmith+tantamount&qid=1649608149&sprefix=nesmith+tantamount%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-2

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tantamount-Treason-Splatter-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B09WWB2S6L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3VPFNAZPTCBJJ&keywords=nesmith+tantamount&qid=1649608155&sprefix=nesmith+tantamount%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-3

Also available from Amazon worldwide.

The Album
By late 1971, Michael Nesmith found himself confronted with dissenting opinions of his First National Band releases on RCA Records. Though critics generally lauded the music, radio audiences and the record buying public became less interested in the material with each subsequent release. Contemplating his next move under his RCA contract, Nesmith made some significant changes to his approach in recording new material, which would ultimately yield Tantamount to Treason, Volume One. Gone would be a supporting “band” in the sense of a collective partnership of musicians. Rather, an eclectic group of session musicians would be gathered to lay down what were arguably Nesmith’s most free-form, jazz-influenced and psychedelic country tracks of his career.

Track listing:
1. Mama Rocker
2. Lazy Lady
3. You Are My One
4. In The Afternoon
5. Highway 99 With Melange
6. Wax Minute
7. Bonaparte’s Retreat
8. Talking To The Wall
9. She Thinks I Still Care
Bonus Tracks:
10. Six Days On The Road
11. Circle Sky
12. Listen To The Band (Alt. Ver.)
13. Tan My Hide (Instrumental)
14. You Are My One (Instr. – CD Only Bonus Track)

For more information, please visit www.7arecords.com. Remember to sign up to our newsletter for more Monkees related releases.

 

Review: Dolenz Sings Nesmith – The E.P.

By Fred Velez

Following the success of the ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’ album, 7a Records has issued a new recording, ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith: The E.P.’, featuring four songs that were recorded during the original sessions which were left off for space reasons.

Produced by Michael Nesmith’s son Christian, the E.P. continues the format of Micky Dolenz covering songs written by the late Michael Nesmith as a homage to his Monkees partner and friend. As with the previous album, rather than recreate mirror versions of the original arrangements in a “Karaoke” style, Christian and Dolenz approach the material with new arrangements that adds a new dimension to the familiar songs that honors the creativity Nez instilled in them.

The first of the four songs is ‘Soul-Writer’s Birthday’, which Nesmith wrote and copyrighted in 1967 but never recorded. The arrangement is reminiscent of songs like ‘Star Collector’ and ‘Salesman’, with Nez’s esoteric lyrics referencing “the 25th of June”, which after some research, turns out to be the period that Nesmith recorded his first official Monkees tunes in 1966. It’s a fun tune that could have fitted on The Monkees’ ‘Pisces’ album.

The next song is the Nesmith classic ‘Some of Shelly’s Blues’, previously recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Micky’s version of the song is very close to the original arrangement with some very tasty pedal steel guitar work done by Pete Finney.

‘The Cripple Lion’ has the most radically different arrangement from the original, with a beautiful cello played by Cameron Stone. The slower pace emphasizes the poignant lyrics, which reinforces the loss of Michael Nesmith. Hearing this version makes me miss Nez even more.

The final song ‘Grand Ennui’ was the bonus track on the cd version of ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’. It’s a rollicking number with barrelhouse piano and great background vocals by Circe Link.

The E.P. is available on CD, download and streaming, and for a limited time on Blue Vinyl. The cover presents a night time variation of the original cover, with a nice big silver moon in the night sky.

As the first major release after his sad passing, ‘Dolenz sings Nesmith: The E.P.’ is an appropriate salute to the music of Michael Nesmith and makes a fine companion to the previously released album.

Looking forward to more ‘Hits‘ from 7a Records! 😉

CD Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith-the-ep/5060209950891

Vinyl Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith-the-ep-ltd-10-inch-blue-vinyl/5060209950327

Fred Velez, 2022.

New 7a Records Nesmith Release: And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’

From 7a Records Facebook page:

Well…a few fans noticed it on the net, so the cat is out of the bag! Here is my next, big 7a project. Released on May 13 🙂

7a Records are pleased to announce the 50th Anniversary reissue of Michael Nesmith’s ground-breaking solo album ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin”. Nesmith’s 1972 solo album has been remastered and expanded with bonus tracks. The CD edition comes with a 28 page colour booklet, featuring extensive liner notes and previously
unpublished photos. The Vinyl edition comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g “Honey Coloured Vinyl”.

Track listing:

1. Tomorrow & Me
2. The Upside Of Good-Bye
3. Lady Love
4. Listening
5. Two Different Roads
6. The Candidate
7. Different Drum
8. Harmony Constant
9. Keep On
10. Roll With The Flow
Bonus Tracks:
11. Some Of Shelly’s Blues (Alt.Ver.)
12. Keep On (Alt. Ver.)
13. Roll With The Flow (Alt. Ver.)
14. Cantata And Fugue In C&W (Instr.)

The Album

By 1972 both Nesmith and his then record company RCA were dismayed at Nesmith’s lack of commercial success, following his early 1970 departure from The Monkees. Nesmith took the opportunity to blatantly poke fun at the situation he found himself in, titling his new album – that certainly would not yield a Top 40 hit – ‘And the Hits Just Keep on Comin’. The album was a departure from his previous solo records, as it featured just Nesmith on acoustic 12-string guitar and the excellent Red Rhodes on pedal steel guitar, no other musicians were involved. The approach was simple, but it exposed a beauty in the poetry of Nesmith’s
lyrics which was matched perfectly by Rhodes’ inspired playing. ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’’ became Nesmith’s most critically acclaimed album and it is today generally viewed as an iconic a ground-breaking marvel in the annals of country-rock music. To mark the album’s 50th anniversary, 7A Records have
remastered the album and included four bonus track that will see their first ever release on vinyl. The album is released on CD with a 28 page colour booklet featuring extensive liner notes and previously unseen photos, as well as on 180g coloured vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.

Deep Discount Links:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary/5060209950419

 

LP: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary-honey-beige-180gm-vinyl/5060209950426

 

 

Mojo Magazine: The Monkees and Michael Nesmith

The latest March 2022 issue of the British Music Magazine Mojo has a cover story on The Monkees and Michael Nesmith.

Written by David Fricke, the ten page article is a well-researched piece covering Michael Nesmith’s career with the Monkees and as a visionary solo artist. Micky Dolenz, Andrew Sandoval and former First National Band drummer John Ware give their personal insights and recollections of Nesmith, with archival interviews added to give Nez a voice in the article. Side articles touch on the Monkees albums with Nesmith , Monkees episodes, the movie ‘Head’, the 1997 Monkees special and Portlandia, and Nesmith’s incredible solo career. Other artists covered in this issue are The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Al Green and more.

Mojo Subscription Issue

The issue can be purchased direct from Mojo in both print and digital versions. If you are a Mojo Magazine subscriber you’ll receive a copy of the issue minus print on the cover. The magazine is also available in the United States at most Barnes and Noble and other book stores and newsstands that carry import magazines.

Link: https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/mojo-march-2022?utm_source=dynamic&utm_medium=bws&utm_campaign=mojo_singles&utm_content=mojomarch2022

Mojo Subscription Link: https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/mojo-magazine

Fred Velez, 2022.

A Journey With Michael Nesmith: 1942 – 2021

 

Michael Nesmith has passed away on December 10th, 2021 at the age of 78, just a few weeks short of his birthday on December 30th which he shared with fellow Monkee, the late Davy Jones. I’ve been a fan of the Monkees for 55 years, and I’ve been rewarded by the incredible music and art I’ve been exposed to during those years by the four individuals, especially Papa Nez.

When I began watching the Monkees television show after I discovered it in 1967, I loved the series which was like watching The Beatles every week on a regular basis, except with a different foursome of comic musicians. Each member stood out: Micky Dolenz was the wild, crazy one. Peter Tork was the sweet and naive goofy one. Davy Jones was the cute, Paul McCartney type heartthrob. And Mike, the one in the green wool hat, well he was Mike, the group leader, the cool one with the laconic, sly sense of humor. As much as I liked the other three, there was something special about Nesmith. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but you just couldn’t take your eyes off him. When he entered a scene he captured your full attention. There was just a mystique about him.

This wasn’t just true about the television show. This carried over into the group’s recordings. As good as some of the other songs might have been, Nesmith’s tracks immediately stood out. They were well written and had an edge to them that demanded further attention. They weren’t frivolous Pop tunes, they were songs that carried a bit more weight and maturity than a typical 1960’s Pop song. And they sounded different than the other songs that shared the albums. The songs had a distinct Country flavor to them that made them sound much more unique. Even the songs he didn’t write benefited from his touch.

After the whole Monkee trip ended, Nesmith continued onward on a path of his own making. His solo recordings, starting with the First National Band albums, saw Papa Nez following his muse, branding his songs with the Country tinge first heard in his Monkees recordings, but with the help of musical partner Red Rhodes, the songs went into a whole other stratosphere. The imagery the songs evoked were much more cosmic and other worldly, it’s no wonder that he earned the nickname of the ‘Cosmic Cowboy’. His records may not have been as big sellers as artists like Gram Parsons, The Byrds or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band who played in a similar style, but they were just as creative, if not more-so.

 

As a growing artist, Nesmith was not content to remain in one style for long. He continued to push himself forward with unusual concepts like ‘The Prison’, a book with a soundtrack, that saw his writing style become much more visual in execution. This naturally led to the next step in Nez’s artistic evolution, a new way to visually present musical ideas, the Music Video. Where there had been ‘promotional films’ issued by artists to help sell their records, Nesmith’s approach with his video ‘Rio’ was much more cinematic, presenting the music in a non-linear visual style, at times with a story that wasn’t a virtual representation of the song lyrics, but carried their own storyline apart from the actual song.

 

Continuing to move forward with these concepts, Nesmith produced the long form video ‘Elephant Parts’ which combined his music with his unique sense of humor, winning a Grammy Award in the brand new category of Music Video, becoming the first music artist to win in the field. Nesmith branched out and became a movie producer for films like ‘Time Rider’, and the acclaimed ‘Repo Man’ and ‘Tape Heads’. He later became a published author of fiction and most recently with his autobiography ‘Infinite Tuesday’.

I followed Michael Nesmith through all these phases of his career, and I was rewarded by the exposure of the art that he was creating. From the Monkees television series, the records, the movie ‘Head’, the ’33 & 1/3 Revolution per Monkee’ tv special, his solo music career and his entry into the field of Music Video, each was a stepping stone where he kept going forward and rarely if ever looked back.

While I had seen and met Davy, Micky and Peter at concerts from 1976 into the 1980’s, I didn’t meet Nesmith until 1981 when he launched ‘Elephant Parts’ at a special party event at Tavern on the Green in New York City. I was invited to the event through my friend, animation expert Jerry Beck. Finally meeting the man, we shook hands and I told him how much I admire his work and that I wished him great success with his new video venture. He smiled and humbly thanked me. I was immediately struck by the full attention he gave, paying total attention to me as I spoke, his eyes kind and friendly. Whatever nervousness I may have had before, Nesmith wiped it away with his gentle demeanor. To this day, the memory of that first meeting has stuck with me.

 

I fortunately had other occasions in meeting Nez. In 1986 when the incredible Monkees 20th anniversary tour had ended it’s successful run, I was able to attending the taping of MTV Christmas Video that would feature all four Monkees, Nez disguised as Santa Claus as the big surprise ending of the video. I had already made friends with Davy Jones and Peter Tork and they both said hello to me when I entered the studio. It was Peter who introduced me to Mike who was all decked out in the Santa suit and makeup. As on our first meeting, Nez was friendly and he gave me his full attention as we spoke. All four Monkees signed the latest copy of Maggie McManus’s Monkee Business Fanzine that I brought with me which had a cover illustration featuring all four of them. When the taping had finished to reveal the big surprise of Nesmith as Santa Claus, I was able to have pictures taken with Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith whose eyebrows were still white from the Santa makeup.

The next time our paths crossed was in 1989 when the Monkees were going to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which would be proceeded by a concert at the Universal Amphitheater with all four members, Nesmith’s first fully rehearsed Monkees concert since 1968. (He had made a surprise guest appearance when Micky, Davy and Peter played the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in 1986).

A Monkees convention took place the weekend of the events. Having never seen any of the 1967 concerts, seeing all four Monkees sharing the same stage together allowed me to cross off this major event from my bucket list. When Mike came on stage the entire theatre broke out in major shrieks of excitement from the fans which raised the roof. There was not a dry eye in the house as tears of joy were shed by the time the show ended.

There was even more excitement the following day when the Monkees were to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a special ceremony held in front of the Vogue Theatre where the movie ‘Head’ premiered in 1968. Helen Pantuso, who spearheaded the campaign for the Monkees to receive their star, called on me to help with fan security. Inside the Vogue Theatre the Monkees were finishing up a press conference prior to the ceremony when Helen brought me in. Peter saw me first and then Davy and they both said hi. Peter then introduced me to Nesmith, telling him that I was major booster of the group. As in our previous meetings Nez was friendly and attentive as we spoke. As we were speaking, our mutual friend photographer Michael G. Bush who was taking pictures of the group, politely told me that I was in the shot. I quickly apologized and started to move away when I felt someone tug at my elbow. It was Peter Tork who was pulling me back into the group and said “Fred, you’re IN the picture!!!” So I had a photo taken with myself and all four Monkees as well as musician Lawrence Haley who was part of the Monkees backup band. In the picture it looks like I’m thinking “I can’t believe that I’m in this picture!!!”. The photo is a treasured piece of my Monkees collection, and I’ll always thank the kindness of Peter Tork for helping to make it happen.

 

I’ve had other occasions where I met Nesmith, including a solo concert he performed at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City during the promotional tour of his album ‘Tropical Campfires’. Seeing Nez in a solo show was another check off my bucket list, as he performed from his classic catalog as well as selections from his new album. After the show there was an informal meet & greet where Mike said hello to the fans. I had another opportunity to speak with him and he was just as friendly and attentive as he was at our previous meetings. As we talked I told him that my favorite Monkees song that he wrote was ‘While I Cry’ and I said that I hope he would one day consider performing it live in concert. He gave me a small smile and thanked me and said that he’d think about it.

The years passed. The Monkees with Davy Jones went on a major tour in 2011 which was one of the best tours they had done in years. I caught them at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and was able to attend the after show meet & greet and had a picture taken with Peter, Davy and Micky along with my future wife Linda. Sadly, it turned out to be the last picture of me and Davy together as he passed away from a heart attack on February 29th, 2012. The devastation of that loss was somewhat alleviated by the joy of finding out that Micky and Peter would be joined by Michael Nesmith for a tour to celebrate the Monkees ‘Headquarters’ album. The tour was in the planning stages with Davy before his untimely passing. Linda and I attended two of the shows on that tour, which became both a celebration of the Monkees and the life of Davy Jones.

In 2013 Michael Nesmith embarked on his first solo tour in years with his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows. Me and Linda attended the tour stop at Town Hall in New York City, and I was also able to score tickets for the after show meet & greet with Nez. Nesmith and his band gave incredible renditions of his classic songs, which were accompanied by stories that gave a visual flair to the numbers. I was surprised to learn later that Elvis Costello was also in attendance at the show. After the performance, everyone who had meet and greet tickets lined up as we waited for Nez. He finally appeared and met each fan, autographing Monkees and solo items, giving each fan time to talk with him. Finally it was mine and Linda’s turn as we stepped up and Nesmith smiled and shook our hands and signed our items, which included a ‘Elephant Parts’ DVD, a cd box set of Nesmith’s Pacific Arts catalog, and for our friend musician Gary Owen, the cover of his ‘The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees’ album that had already been signed by Davy, Peter and Micky and just needed Mike’s signature. As on previous occasions, Nez gave his full attention to us as we spoke to him. I mentioned that the last time we saw each other that I had suggested if he would please consider performing ‘While I Cry’ live as it was my favorite Monkees song of his. He again smiled and seem to say “we’ll see”.

In 2014, Linda and I attended the Monkees Convention being run by Jodi Ritzen and Phyliss Paganucci, a year after the successful Davy Jones Memorial Convention that was also co-produced by Charles Rosenay who had co-produced some of the 1980’s Monkees Conventions along with Maggie McManus and Ed Reilly. 2014 saw the publication of my first book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, and I brought along copies of my book which sold out by the end of the weekend. This years’ convention had as special guests Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith in his first full convention appearance since his brief appearance at the 1989 Hollywood Monkees Convention. Nesmith was not only appearing as a guest, he would also be performing one of his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows at the convention. I saved three books to give signed copies to each member of the attending Monkees. At a special breakfast, I was in the company of fans and the families of the individual Monkees. I gave my inscribed copies to Micky and Peter who graciously accepted them. I was pleased to see the members of Micky’s family looking at the book and passing it amongst themselves.

Michael Nesmith was seated with his family at their table, saying hello to fans who dropped by, playing with a little baby one fan brought along. I waited till a more opportune moment when Nez was free and finally came up to say hello, saying what a pleasure it was to see him again. He thanked me and I offered him the copy of my book as my gift to him and asked him how I should address the inscription, as Mike, Michael or Nez? He smiled and said “Nez would be fine”, and I signed it that way. We had a couple of more minutes before he needed to leave and I again addressed our previous conversations about ‘While I Cry’ and that I hoped one day he would consider performing it. He smiled and thanked me for liking the song and gave me a “we’ll see” look. Later that night he performed his ‘Movies of the Mind’ show which knocked out everyone who attended. Nez was surprised and pleased by the incredible crowd response, grinning so wide you could see him glow from the other side of the room. Many in the audience who had never seen a solo Nesmith show before became instant converts. It was one of the best solo Michael Nesmith concerts that I ever had the pleasure of attending.

 

Over the years Nesmith did a few more Monkees tours with Micky and Peter as well as some solo shows. He sat out most of the 2016 50th Anniversary Monkees tour, making a special Skype appearance at the New York Town Hall concert performing ‘Papa Gene’s Blues’.

 

Nez did commit himself to perform live at the September Monkees Pantages Theatre concert in Hollywood. Linda and I quickly got tickets for this show and made hotel arrangements to stay in Hollywood for the weekend of the concert. Peter Tork, who had been diagnosed with throat cancer, was unable to do the two shows prior to the Pantages concert, and Nesmith stood in for him on those dates.

There was a buzz of excitement the night of the Pantages concert. Fans came from all around the world for this major event. As Linda and I entered the theatre we saw old friends like Monkees friend and actress Valerie Kairys Venet, and I was surprised and pleased to see Marty Ross of the New Monkees was there for the show too.

The concert was fantastic, with a mixture of the classic Monkees songs plus selections from the 2016 album ‘Good Times!’, the first album of new Monkees material since the 1996 ‘Justus’ album, the last album with Davy Jones. The songs from the new album that went over the best were the beautifully haunting ‘Me and Magdalena’ written by Ben Gibbard and ‘Birth Of An Accidental Hipster’ written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller.

 

Towards the end of the show, Michael Nesmith took the stage alone with his guitar as he spoke his introduction to the song ‘Tapioca Tundra’, explaining that the inspiration for it was the first concert the Monkees performed in Hawaii in 1966 when with the wild fan adulation, all four members strangely felt the presence of another person sharing the stage with them. After that concert Mike asked the others if they too had felt that presence and Peter said that he thought he knew what it was. Mike pressed him and Peter answered “that was The Monkees”. Nez agreed with the assessment, acknowledging that with the group and the audience together, that they were all collectively ‘The Monkees’, which were expressed in the lyrics, “it can not be a part of me, but now it’s part of you”.

 

The entire show was emotional for the group and the fans attending, especially later when it sadly became the final Monkees concert Michael, Micky and Peter would perform together before Peter Tork succumbed to his cancer on February 21st, 2019.

 

Nesmith and Dolenz would tour together in 2018 as ‘The Mike and Micky Show’ with Michael planning another solo tour with his First National Band Redux band, having already performed a special show at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles earlier that year.

The ‘Mike & Micky’ tour was at the mid-way point when it was reported that Nesmith was ill and the rest of the tour was cancelled to be rescheduled as Mike had to go for a triple bypass. After an amazingly short recovery period, Nez was again on the road for his First National Band Redux tour. The man’s stamina was incredible as he was in good spirits and fine voice for the shows. We saw the show in New York and we were astounded by how strong Nez was.

Later in the year the new dates for the Mike and Micky Show were announced and Linda and I were able to obtain reasonably priced VIP tickets for the pre-show rehearsal at the Beacon Theatre in New York in March 2019. The informality was illuminating as the band went through several numbers, including a couple that they performed only at the rehearsal. The main concert itself had a sad bittersweetness to it as it took place just several weeks after the passing of Peter Tork. Peter was acknowledged in a special video of him performing the classic standard ‘Till Then’ on acoustic guitar. It was a moving tribute and received an emotional ovation.

The main show contain a great selection of classic Monkees tunes, many of them penned by Nesmith with rarities like ‘St. Matthew’ and ‘Auntie’s Municipal Court’ thrown into the mix. Further tributes to the missing Monkees Peter and Davy included ‘For Pete’s Sake’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ and the emotionally charge ‘Daydream Believer’. The show concluded with Nesmith on stage alone starting an a cappella version of ‘Listen To The Band’ which segued into a full band rendition and ending with the group’s biggest hit ‘I’m A Believer’.

The ‘Mike and Micky Show’ was to continue with new dates into 2020. And then the Covid 19 pandemic happened with many events canceled throughout the remainder of the year. The concerts were rescheduled for late 2021 with additional dates added. These shows were going to be different as it was announced that this would be the Monkees Farewell tour. When the early dates of the tour began, while Micky was in good form, there were concerns for the health of Michael Nesmith. He appeared very fragile and unsteady during the early shows, not playing guitar and sitting on a stool for the majority of the show. His voice was a little shaky with him speak-singing for most of the show. Even with the strong support of Micky and the rest of the band, it was hard to ignore Nez’s condition. As the tour progressed, it appear the Mike was getting stronger and more engaged from the emotional energy being given off by the fans. He sang a little more strongly and seemed to feed off the love coming from the audience. As with the tour previous many Monkees classics were performed, several of them written by Nez.

Linda and I attended the October 22nd show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We saw many familiar faces like Jodi Ritzen, Scott Erickson and Micky’s wife Donna. By this time I had written my second book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’. I had brought along three signed copies for Micky, Mike and their manager and Monkees archivist and author Andrew Sandoval. Security were able to get my books backstage and Andrew contacted me afterwards to assure me that he, Mike and Micky had gotten the books.

The show soon began and everyone cheered as Micky and Mike entered from separate sides of the stage. Micky looked great and energized. Nesmith however looked a bit frail and walked steadily to his chair. He smiled and waved to the fans and thanked them for coming. As they performed the opening number of Nez’s ‘Good Clean Fun’, Mike spoke/sang the song as Micky sang to keep the tempo up. Despite early concerns, Nesmith’s spirit seemed to rise as he fed off the love generated by the fans. At times his vocals were a bit shaky, and other times his voice was as strong as it had been just a few years earlier. He waved and clowned with Micky on stage to the delight of the audience. When a song associated with Micky was being performed, Nez would duck into the wings on his side of the stage to rest before coming back.

After the intermission came the part of the show I was waiting for as I learned about the set list prior to the show. Nesmith haltingly explained the song he was about to sing and how it expressed sentiments felt by many. Then Mike began to sing ‘While I Cry’ from the 1969 Monkees ‘Instant Replay’ album, the song I had been waiting for years to hear him perform. While the vocals were shaky at times, Nez’s emotions reflected those in the lyrics, as the audience sat silently listening. The band played beautifully and with Micky’s sister Coco, sang lovely backup vocals. As the song came to its emotional conclusion with Mike tearfully singing the last lines, there was not a dry eye in the house. When the song ended I along with the rest of the audience gave Nesmith a well deserved standing ovation, which pleasantly surprised Mike who graciously thanked the fans as Micky came forward and gave Nez a big hug.

There were many highlights in the show, with Mike beaming at the enthusiastic response from the audience. The show came to an end with ‘I’m A Believer’ with Micky, Mike, Coco and the rest of the band bowing to a standing ovation from the fans. Micky and Mike soon exited to separate sides of the stage, with every eye on Nesmith as he disappeared into the wings.

A few weeks later the tour would end at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on November 14th, the official last stop on the tour. It was fitting that the tour would conclude on the historic stage that all four Monkees reunited on in 1986. Mike and Micky were to perform on a couple of makeup shows that had to be rescheduled plus a cruise show co-headlining with The Beach Boys in 2022.

 

Sadly, barely three weeks after that final show at the Greek, Michael Nesmith passed away from natural causes.

Following the man’s career for nearly 55 years, we are blessed by the music and art Nez gave to the world. Words are inadequate for everything I feel about his passing. His loss is as devastating as those of Davy Jones, Peter Tork and earlier Elvis Presley, John Lennon and George Harrison. For many fans, they all had the impact of a death in the family.

It’s been a long journey, and we should feel privileged that in a small way, we were able to tag along on Michael Nesmith’s journey.

Thanx for the ride, Nez.

Fred Velez, 2021.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

 

Review: Dolenz Sings Nesmith

 

By Fred Velez

The latest 7a Records release, Dolenz Sings Nesmith, is a dream project Micky Dolenz has been wanting to do for years. Inspired by his friend Harry Nilsson’s ‘Nilsson Sings Newman’ (the songs of Randy Newman), Micky has been itching to record an album of the solo songs of his fellow Monkee Michael Nesmith. With Nez’s son Christian Nesmith helming the production, the dream project is now a reality of outstanding quality and creativity.

Rather than do a straight, karaoke-type album of covers sticking to the original arrangements, Christian and Micky decided to put a different twist to the songs from Nesmith’s catalog, giving each track a unique identity and creating a whole new listening experience. There are hints of the old arrangements within the numbers, with a sheen giving the songs a whole new interpretive flavor.

The moments of “psycho-jello” are amazing throughout this album. The opening track of Carlisle Wheeling (later issued as Conversations on the Loose Salute album) sprinkles appropriate Nez weirdness during the middle part of the song, with faint samples of Nesmith’s ‘Rio’ just under the surface, hinting at the kind of ride the listener is in for.

The Pop Country take on Different Drum is a shout out to the Linda Ronstadt/Stone Ponys hit version that also embraces the country roots of Nesmith’s version of his composition. The simple acoustic rendition of Don’t Wait For Me from the 1969 Monkees’ Instant Replay album is spot on perfect, Micky reflecting on the poignant lyrics with a sincere vocal performance. The subtle organ and drum intro with the other instruments joining in for Keep On  provides a wonderful dynamic to the song. Marie’s Theme from The Prison separates the song from its original conceptual arrangement and turns it into a countrified Pop love tune. The use of pedal steel guitar on the song is a nice nod to Nez’s late cosmic partner Red Rhodes.

The pairing of Nine Times Blue, followed by Little Red Rider is particularly notable as these songs followed each other on Nesmith’s Magnetic South LP, his first post-Monkees release with the First National Band. ‘Blues’ is done in poignant piano arrangement with a solemn Dolenz vocal, when incredible background vocals come in and the song segues into a hard rocking version of ‘Rider’. The transition is wonderfully brilliant. You can tell that Micky was paying close attention to Nesmith during his solo period.

Micky Dolenz definitely deserves the accolades of being one of the great Pop voices of the 1960’s. His voice sounds amazing throughout the album, expressing exuberance and pathos in the numbers as needed. This is very true with his version of Tomorrow And Me, with a lovely acoustic/orchestral arrangement, Dolenz vocally expressing the tunes’ sweet sadness. The Eastern Music take of Circle Sky is a unique homage to the original number as well a nod to the late Ravi Shankar, George Harrison and Peter Tork. It turns this well known Nesmith penned Monkees tune into a whole new animal in its own right. The harder Country Rock edge given to Propinquity (I’ve Just Begun To Care), provides an element of fun to the song. And the jaunty new spin on Tapioca Tundra, with the layered vocals of Christian Nesmith and his wife and music partner Circe Link, is a subtle and loving tribute to Harry Nilsson, one of the inspirations for this album.

The album starts to wind down with an acoustically cosmic arrangement of Only Bound featuring a gentle vocal from Micky. The vocal phasing adds to the songs elements of ‘pycho-jello’, giving it a 1967 Monkees/Beatles vibe, which transitions into a shorter, freakier version of You Are My One which is reminiscent of a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson type arrangement.

While the turquoise vinyl and the digital version of the album end on this pyschedelic note, the cd version includes the bonus track of Grand Ennui with a cool, boogie woogie Dr. John like arrangement which gives off a joyful party atmosphere that ends the album.

The original Nilsson Sings Newman album

 

The album artwork and design by Tim Johnson is a nice homage to the original ‘Nilsson Sings Newman’ album that inspired it, and the booklet is sprinkled with great archival photos of Dolenz and Nez from the Monkees period and more recent years, as well as introductory notes from Micky and Christian on the origins of the project. The Rev. Mark Stephen Kleiner provides informative liner notes on the early partnership of Dolenz and Nesmith during the Monkees era and Micky’s admiration for the brilliant creativity of Nez’s songs and his desire to cover them. Besides helming the production, Christian Nesmith also played most of the music on the album with additional musicianship that includes members of the First National Band Redux.

Glenn Gretlund and 7a Records deserve a lot of credit for helping to make Micky Dolenz’s dream project come true. Micky’s voice always finely complimented the songs Michael Nesmith wrote for The Monkees. And now, with this album covering Nez’s solo songs with three Monkees era songs thrown into the mix, fans can fully enjoy Dolenz Sings Nesmith and appreciate it for the loving tribute from one friend to another that it is.

 

Fred Velez, 2021.

 

Purchase Links:

Deep Discount: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=Dolenz+sings+nesmith&mod=AP

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Sings-Nesmith-Micky-Dolenz/dp/B08Y4RQ95Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=153I1QKHWN7A5&dchild=1&keywords=dolenz+sings+nesmith&qid=1621713010&sprefix=Dolenz+sing%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolenz-Sings-Nesmith-Micky/dp/B08Y4RQ95Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=356ENSQITX16C&dchild=1&keywords=dolenz+sings+nesmith&qid=1621713079&sprefix=Dolenz+s%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1

Autographed Copies from Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith can be purchased at the following links:

Micky Dolenz – CD: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114816491651?hash=item1abb98a083:g:fr8AAOSwYTdgXLTt

Micky Dolenz – Turquoise Vinyl: https://www.ebay.com/itm/164752051550?hash=item265bfccd5e:g:1TkAAOSwnvRgXLb7

Michael Nesmith – Turquoise Vinyl: https://www.videoranch3d.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_code=300-DSN

 

Fred Velez is the author of the books A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective and A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives. 

Books Links: https://www.amazon.com/Fred-Velez/e/B08RW1N1YY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1621713549&sr=8-1

Monkees 2021 Tour Dates!

Reported by Fred Velez

 

Tour dates for The Monkees 2021 Tour have been announced on TicketMaster and Live Nation. The shows have been listed as a “Farewell Tour”. Besides the rescheduled shows that were postponed from the 2020 tour, additional dates have been added for 2021. Tickets will go on sale at some locations on May 6th and May 7th 2021, with pre-sales at some venues on May 5th, 2021.

Tour Press Release:

 

Check the individual venues, TicketMaster and Live Nation for additional ticket information. Keep visiting this site for updates. 

Postponed/TBA: Schermerhorn Symphony Center – Nashville, TN 

Added Dates:

 

7a Records Dolenz Sings Nesmith: Pre-Order Links!

Posted by Fred Velez

Micky Dolenz: Dolenz Sings Nesmith [7a Records; May 21, 2021]

7A Records is pleased to announce the release of ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’ – Micky Dolenz’s first new solo studio album in nine years. The album is comprised of songs Michael Nesmith wrote throughout his career, all beautifully reimagined. Produced by Nesmith’s son, Christian Nesmith, this is the album Monkees fans have waited years to hear.

The Album
Dolenz got the idea for the album a long time ago. As Micky says “I think I first mentioned it to Nez years ago, I don’t know where the idea came from, maybe from my friend Harry Nilsson and his Nilsson Sings Newman album. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, Dolenz Sings Nesmith’”.

Original Nilsson Sings Newman Album

The new album, which was recorded between September 2020 and February 2021, features songs written throughout Nesmith’s long career, including many from the critically acclaimed Michael Nesmith & The First National Band albums, as well as a few Monkees deep cuts. And who better to produce the album than Nesmith’s son, Christian Nesmith, who has done an incredible job in coming up with fresh and completely new arrangements for all of the songs.

This is the album Monkees fans have waited years to hear. The LP version is on 180gm Turquoise Colored Vinyl. The CD version includes a CD Only Bonus track, as well as a big colour booklet with extensive liner notes, previously unseen photos and lyrics to all of the songs.

Signed copies can be ordered on https://mickydolenz.com

Tracklist
1. Carlisle Wheeling
2. Different Drum
3. Don’t Wait for Me
4. Keep On
5. Marie’s Theme
6. Nine Times Blue
7. Little Red Rider
8. Tomorrow and Me
9. Circle Sky
10. Propinquity (I’ve Just Begun to Care)
11. Tapioca Tundra
12. Only Bound
13. You are My One
14. Grand Ennui [CD bonus track]

Pre-Order at the following links:

US – Deep Discount CD Pre-Order Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith/

US – Deep Discount Turquoise Coloured Vinyl LP Pre-Order Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith-180gm-turquoise-coloured-vinyl/5060209950341

US – Amazon CD Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y4RQ95Y/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EB35W9N0AV156E719362

US – Amazon Turquoise Coloured Vinyl LP Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y4T6XXH/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=89HSZPXGP9GV59SVERPD

Amazon UK CD Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolenz-Sings-Nesmith-Micky/dp/B08Y4RQ95Y/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1615375050&sr=8-8

Amazon UK Turquoise Coloured Vinyl LP Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolenz-Sings-Nesmith-Coloured-Vinyl/dp/B08Y4T6XXH/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=dolenz&qid=1615375050&sr=8-8

Import CDs CD Pre-Order Link: https://www.importcds.com/sings-nesmith/5060209950334

Import CDs Turquoise Coloured Vinyl LP Pre-Order Link: https://www.importcds.com/sings-nesmith-180gm-turquoise-coloured-vinyl/5060209950341

Rare Michael Nesmith Tracks Release

Michael Nesmith: “Different Drum: The Lost RCA Victor Recordings” (Second Disc/Real Gone Music) April 30, 2021

Michael Nesmith has always travelled to the beat of a ‘Different Drum’ – whether as the writer of that classic hit for Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys, the wool hat-clad member of The Monkees, or one of the earliest progenitors of the country-rock genre.

In recent years, Nesmith has penned a critically acclaimed autobiography, reformed the First National Band to sold-out audiences, and both recorded and performed live to fans young and old with The Monkees.

Now, Real Gone Music and Second Disc Records are proud to present a major deep dive into the Nez archives. Different Drum: The Lost RCA Victor Recordings features 22 tracks drawn from the RCA Victor vaults, every one of which is previously unreleased in any physical format.

Over six RCA albums released between 1970 and 1973, Nesmith blossomed as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer under the aegis of RCA Nashville legends Chet Atkins and Felton Jarvis. With bandmates including legendary pedal steel guitarist O.J. ‘Red’ Rhodes, John Ware, and John London, Nesmith pioneered country-rock with a spiritual and searching style all his own.

Different Drum premieres on CD some of his most remarkable musical explorations from this vivid period including cosmic reimaginings of Monkees-era favorites like ‘Tapioca Tundra,’ ‘Magnolia Simms,’ ‘Circle Sky,’ and ‘Listen to the Band;’ unheard outtakes like ‘American Airman’ and ‘Six Days on the Road;’ vastly different alternate takes of ‘Different Drum,’ ‘Dedicated Friend,’ and ‘Tengo Amore;’ and even an early version of ‘Marie’s Theme’ from his cult classic multimedia project The Prison.

The mind-altering music on Different Drum has been mixed from the original multitracks by Andrew Sandoval and mastered by Vic Anesini at Sony’s Battery Studios, while Papa Nez himself has contributed insightful new commentary to the liner notes by The Second Disc’s Joe Marchese.

Rare photos by renowned photographer Henry Diltz and previously unseen images round out this landmark package. Different Drum is a freewheeling, widescreen journey through the world of one of rock’s greatest iconoclasts.

Don’t take our word for it: listen to the band!

Video Ranch Signed Michael Nesmith CD Link: https://www.videoranch3d.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Category_code=100&Product_code=100-DDCD&fbclid=IwAR3uvMH3WDM8sAb5DiXpN2LUdQ9Gl-Bf-RKufi5bLjkZW0BOReVfovW9ifs

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08Y675LCZ?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

Monkees 2021 Tour Update

Micky Sings Nez: New Solo Album Covering Nesmith!

According to the Rolling Stone Magazine website, Micky Dolenz will be recording a new solo album covering songs by fellow Monkee Michael Nesmith. 7a Records, which has issued several excellent solo Monkees recordings, will be releasing the album.

Website Link to Rolling Stone Article:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/micky-dolenz-plots-solo-record-michael-nesmith-covers-1042375/?fbclid=IwAR3O2mhAY3NrQ1mcQkthByvVgQvI05miemlWbjftA4QitESu9c89BemIlmQ

Monkees Tour Rescheduled to 2021

Andrew Sandoval’s Message Posted on the Zilch Podcast Facebook Page:

May 26, 2020 –

As you might imagine, our tour plans for 2020 have been postponed till 2021.

The good news is, we hope to be back on the road in March and will be adding dates to be announced in the coming weeks for 2021. In other words, we may be coming to your town. Please see below for our rescheduled dates that are currently onsale.

All tickets purchased for shows in April 2020 will be valid at the rescheduled date in March 2021. If you have any issue with attending a specific show, please return to your original point of purchase to see what their policy is for resolution. Any issues with the fulfillment of live CDs must be handled directly through Ticketmaster.

Mike & Micky do not get paid anything from the ticket sales until after a show is performed. And since no shows have been performed on our tour, the power is purely with the ticket sellers now to clear the road for us to return as soon as it is safe for all of us.

Our live album – THE MONKEES LIVE: THE MIKE & MICKY SHOW – is streaming and available now on CD from Rhino. The vinyl version has been delayed a bit in the USA to July 10, 2020. Many of our fans overseas had to wait a little longer for the CD, but they got their vinyl release ahead of the States.

The tracklisting for the vinyl, CD and streaming versions of the album are the same globally: 25 fantastic songs recorded live in 2019, mixed beautifully by Christian Nesmith. We have two live videos from the record you can watch now: https://www.youtube.com/user/themonkees/videos

We hope to have another special video event for the U.S. vinyl release – stay tuned for all the Monkees news & updates.

Here are the newly rescheduled dates for The Monkees featuring Mike Nesmith & Micky Dolenz. Tickets are on sale for all shows!

3/18/21– Vancouver, BC Canada– Commodore Ballroom

https://bit.ly/32zTdS4

3/21/21– Seattle, WA– Moore Theatre

https://bit.ly/34T5JO1

3/23/21– Sacramento, CA– The Crest Theatre

https://bit.ly/2ylB4OG

3/24/21– San Jose, CA– San Jose Civic

https://bit.ly/36TeWaR

3/26/21– Riverside, CA– Fox Performing Arts Center

https://bit.ly/2rzLIh8

3/27/21– El Cajon, CA– The Magnolia

https://bit.ly/2NCEf9D

3/28/21– Phoenix, AZ– Celebrity Theatre

https://bit.ly/2NF6HHG

4/1/21– San Antonio, TX– The Tobin Center for Performing Arts

https://bit.ly/2ZBtLhh

4/2/21– Austin, TX– ACL Live at the Moody Theatre

https://bit.ly/32EgC4J

4/3/21– Dallas, TX- The Majestic Theatre

https://bit.ly/2rDNbD8

4/12/21– Nashville, TN– Schermerhorn Symphony Center

https://bit.ly/2Q9jrs3

Monkees 2020 Tour Rescheduled

Hello from The Monkees:

We wanted to reach out & say that we hope you are staying safe and healthy. We are truly disappointed that we won’t be seeing you all sooner, but thankfully we have been able to move most of our April tour to July 2020. 

We are sharing all of the dates that we have confirmed up to this moment. There are a few shows that are getting ironed out right now, so we will be back with another update ASAP. If your date is pending, do not worry! Every date previously scheduled will be played; no dates will be cancelled from our tour.

All previously purchased tickets and VIP soundcheck packages will be honored for the new dates. You should reach out to your specific venue for any additional questions. Refunds will be available at your point of purchase if necessary. 

13 of the 15 dates (as noted below) include a copy of our new album, The Monkees Live: The Mike & Micky Show. We are really excited for you to hear it! These CD’s will be shipped out as originally planned on April the 3rd. If you have not redeemed your code for a CD or digital download, please do so now. Codes are available still if you bought your tickets from the original venue/seller (not from a third party reseller) and live inside of North America. If you are missing your code, which would have been emailed to you after your ticket purchase, please email: customer_support@ticketmaster.com and they will help you.

If we are not coming to your town soon, you can still grab our album via the normal retailers; it will be released as planned on 4/3/20. A 2-LP vinyl version will also be available on May 15th. And now, here are the dates and further information for our upcoming tour.

4/3/20– Vancouver, BC Canada– Commodore Ballroom
Now July 12

4/4/20– Seattle, WA– Moore Theatre
Now July 11

4/7/20– Sacramento, CA– The Crest Theatre
Now July 14

4/8/20– San Jose, CA– San Jose Civic
Now July 15

4/10/20– Riverside, CA– Fox Performing Arts Center
Now July 17

4/11/20– El Cajon, CA– The Magnolia
Now July 18

4/14/20– Phoenix, AZ– Celebrity Theatre
Now July 21

4/16/20– Dallas, TX– Majestic Theatre
July date pending confirmation

4/18/20– Bossier City, LA– Horseshoe Casino Hotel
Moving to September 2020
[PLEASE NOTE: free live album not included in ticket]

4/19/20– San Antonio, TX– The Tobin Center for Performing Arts
Now July 26

4/20/20– Austin, TX– ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
Now July 27

4/22/20– Birmingham, AL– Iron City
July date pending confirmation

4/24/20– Lake Charles, LA– Golden Nugget- Grand Event Center
Moving to September 2020

4/25/20– Biloxi, MS– IP Casino Resort & Spa
Moving to September 2020
[PLEASE NOTE: free live album not included in ticket]

4/26/20– Nashville, TN– Schermerhorn Symphony Center
July date pending confirmation

Official Video For The Monkees Live – The Mike & Micky Show Plus Zilch Podcast Andrew Sandoval Interview

Reported by Fred Velez

The first official video for the upcoming ‘The Monkees Live – The Mike & Micky Show’ has dropped. The album is due for release on April 3rd, 2020 as the 2020 Monkees Tour begins.

The latest Zilch! Monkees podcast has Podfather Ken Mills with Monkees producer Andrew Sandoval talking about the new Monkees Live album.

Zilch Podcast Andrew Sandoval Interview: https://zilchmonkeescast.blogspot.com/2020/03/zilch-151-andrew-sandoval-talks-monkees.html

CD: https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Micky-Show-Live/dp/B0849Y7Y2J/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&tag=mfconvert-20

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Micky-Show-Live/dp/B0851MGW6X/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

MP3 and Streaming: https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Micky-Show-Live/dp/B0858RN226/ref=tmm_msc_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-mike-micky-show-live/1500906339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6WntYayOiYGilzHFrW4VsV?si=hBPM_wcITh6XZ5SxsZKOpQ

Fred Velez, 2020.

Fred Velez is the author of the book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’

Monkees 2020 Tour Dates Announced! New Live Album!

Reported by Fred Velez

The Rolling Stone Magazine website has announced tour dates for the 2020 An Evening with The Monkees with Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz. The tour begins April 3rd, 2020 in Vancouver and wraps on April 26 in Nashville. A Live album of ‘The Mike & Micky Show’ will also be released on April 3rd as the tour kicks off. Fans who purchase tickets for the upcoming tour will receive the album as a physical CD or digital download.

Here is the link to the Rolling Stone Announcement: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-monkees-2020-tour-911179/

Tour Dates:

April 3rd – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
April 4th – Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
April 7th – Sacramento, CA @ The Crest Theatre
April 8th – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
April 10th – Riverside, CA @ Fox Performing Arts Center
April 11th – El Cajon, CA @ The Magnolia
April 14th – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
April 16th – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
April 19th – San Antonio, TX @ The Tobin Center For Performing Arts
April 20th – Austin, TX @ ACL Live At The Moody Theatre
April 22nd – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City
April 24th – Lake Charles, LA @ Golden Nugget – Grand Event Center
April 25th – Biloxi, MS @ IP Casino Resort & Spa
April 26th – Nashville, TN @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Mike & Micky Show Live (Rhino, 2020) (Amazon U.S. (TBD) / Amazon U.K. (TBD) / Amazon Canada (TBD))

1. Last Train To Clarksville
2. Sunny Girlfriend
3. Mary, Mary
4. You Told Me
5. For Pete’s Sake
6. The Door Into Summer
7. The Girl I Knew Somewhere
8. You Just May Be The One
9. Birth Of An Accidental Hipster
10. St. Matthew
11. Porpoise Song
12. Circle Sky
13. Me & Magdalena
14. Papa Gene’s Blues
15. Randy Scouse Git
16. Tapioca Tundra
17. Take a Giant Step
18. Auntie’s Municipal Court
19. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
20. Goin’ Down
21. Daydream Believer
22. Pleasant Valley Sunday
23. Listen To The Band
24. I’m a Believer

First New Mike and Micky 2020 Show Plus Live Album!

https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2019-2020-season/an-evening-with-the-monkees/?fbclid=IwAR2x_OFdsBmuPyy7_1qjcGF1msPIiplg646lVjDOmKiKTcthK3go6ZZnTvk

Hey, hey, The Monkees are making their first Nashville visit in five years! Be there as Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith play all of the hits that made The Monkees one of the most popular bands of the 1960s. Stroll down memory lane with favorites like: 

Daydream Believer | Last Train to Clarksville | I’m a Believer | Pleasant Valley Sunday | A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You | Valleri | (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone

Every ticket purchased online for The Monkees includes your choice of a CD or digital copy of the new album, The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show LIVE, released on 4/3/2020. You’ll receive instructions via email on how to redeem your album after ticket purchase.

---

VIP Soundcheck with Mike & Micky 

Includes:

• One premium reserved ticket
• Access to a soundcheck with Mike & Micky
• One signed hardcover copy of the tour book
• One commemorative VIP laminate
• Priority entry into the venue
• First access merch shopping

Presale Tickets Link: https://tickets.nashvillesymphony.org/7095/7096

Review: Cosmic Partners – Michael Nesmith with Red Rhodes by 7a Records

By Fred Velez

For a fan to follow the career of an artist like Michael Nesmith is very rewarding when you consider the incredible body of work, from the Monkees to his solo material, he has created in his 50 plus years. So, it’s something special when something new pops up that has never been heard before, especially by Nez himself! That’s the case with the brand new 7a Records release ‘Cosmic Partners’. Recorded at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, California on August 18, 1973, this live performance of the ‘The McCabe’s Tapes’ was recorded direct from the soundboard on two track analogue reel to reel tape with ambient microphones. As this is a direct soundboard recording, you hear the concert exactly as it was recorded that night, ambient crowd noise and onstage antics intact, which adds to the intimacy of the ‘Live’ feel of the performance.

Nesmith is joined on stage by Colin Cameron on Bass, Danny Lane on Drums and his ‘Cosmic Partner’, O.J. ‘Red’ Rhodes on Pedal Steel Guitar. Nez and Red are in a playful mood throughout the concert, joking and laughing and appearing to be having as much fun as the audience. But what really stands out is the music. The whole band are in the pocket and in the groove as they perform songs from Nesmith’s most current album at the time ‘Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash’, his last for RCA, plus songs from the previous ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Coming’ and his earlier RCA recordings. What really grabs your attention is the artistry of Rhodes’ Pedal Steel Guitar playing. Red takes Nesmith’s songs into a whole new, other worldly level. ‘Cosmic’ is an appropriate description for the synchronous rapport between Michael Nesmith’s vocals and lyrics and Red Rhodes atmospheric backing. This is further highlighted when Nez generously puts the spotlight on Red who performs instrumental renditions of ‘Rose City Chimes’, ‘Poinciana’ and a stunning instrumental take on ‘The Cripple Lion’. 

The onstage band chatter was retained on the tape, so we hear the playful give and take between Nez, Red and the other musicians and the audience who are cheerfully enjoying the show. On the cd only track ‘The Great Escape’, Nesmith hilariously recounts the infamous Monkees ‘Cincinnati Concert Incident’. Hearing the tale just a few years after the actual event took place is a highlight in itself. The vinyl version of the album will be available as an limited edition picture disc.

Throughout the 58 minute set the music is the grabber. Because of the ambient sounds, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself seated in a small, smoky club surrounded by other patrons while in front of you is Michael Nesmith with Red Rhodes and the band playing some of the most incredible music you’ll ever hear. The songs are all played beautifully and Red Rhodes playing takes them right into the stratosphere. The last two songs, ‘Joanne’ and ‘Silver Moon’ are perfect closers. And you’re reminded that you’re listening to a reel to reel tape when ‘Silver Moon’ abruptly ends in an audible “Bloop!”, an inadvertent, yet somehow appropriate way to end this little glimpse of a magical night of music in 1973.

The original Live soundboard recording was made by Ron Marks and the album was produced by Ed Heffelfinger and co-produced and mastered by Christian Nesmith. Informative liner notes are provided by producer Ed Heffelfinger, Michael Nesmith, Circe Link and a biographical essay on the late Red Rhodes written by Joe Alterio. Archival photographs of Nesmith, Red Rhodes and the band from the period taken by Norman Seeff and Bob Warford are excellent, including photos taken for the ‘Ranch Stash’ album. Monkees Historian Gary Strobl and 7a Records Executive Producers Iain Lee and Glenn Gretlund deserve extra kudos for bringing this long-lost Live Michael Nesmith and Red Rhodes recording to light and available for fans to discover and enjoy. 

For the best ‘You Are There’ live listening experience you can possibly have, Nez fans can’t go wrong with ‘Cosmic Partners – The McCabe’s Tapes’. 

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y4KVKSG?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=VSR0TZW8E0MY1SB1ER04

Video Ranch Link which includes signed copies and gifts with the pre-order: https://www.videoranch3d.com

Fred Velez, 2019. 

Fred Velez is the author of the book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’.

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Me-You-Perspective-ebook/dp/B00IS7JYFY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fred+velez&qid=1573080168&s=books&sr=1-1

Announcement: New Michael Nesmith 7a Records Release

Announcement from 7a Records:

Mondays suck right?

WRONG!

Here’s a secret little project that ain’t so secret no more. A brand new Nesmith album….

7a Records are delighted to announce the release of their third Michael Nesmith album. Recorded at McCabe’s in Santa Monica, CA, on August 18th, 1973, “Cosmic Partners: The McCabe’s Tapes” is a rare and previously unreleased concert recording featuring Nesmith and a small coterie of fellow musicians, including long time recording partner and pedal steel player Red Rhodes. Released as a lavishly packaged CD set with a 24 page booklet with previously unseen pictures and liner notes by Michael Nesmith. This recording is from a mini concert tour that was in support of what was to be Nesmith’s final record on the RCA label, Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash. Consisting of a rhythm section featuring Danny Lane on drums and Colin Cameron on bass, and the legendary O.J. “Red” Rhodes on pedal steel, this would be the last performance of its kind and the beginning of an almost Homeric journey for Nesmith. On the heels of an inordinately successful Monkees TV show, the hangover from overnight celebrity, and the disappointments that so often follow such ascents, this forgotten and almost lost board mix in all its unvarnished glory (remastered here by Christian Nesmith, Michael’s oldest son) stands as a ready witness to the spirit of a man full of heartache, a performer bruised by the claws of the star-maker machine, and an artist whose songs have become touchstones for our lives. What you hear is exactly as it happened with no overdubs or audio mumbo jumbo. The perfection you hear is totally for real.

US Customers:
CD

https://www.deepdiscount.com/cosmic-partners-…/5060209950259

Picture Disc Vinyl:

https://www.deepdiscount.com/cosmic-partners-…/5060209950266

UK customers
CD

https://www.keymailrecords.com/cosmic-partners-the-mccabes-…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Y4KVKSG…

Picture Disc Vinyl:

https://www.keymailrecords.com/cosmic-partners-the-mccabes-…

1. Welcome To McCabe’s
2. Tomorrow And Me
3. The Upside Of Goodbye
4. The Sock Cymbal Scared Me
5. Grand Ennui
6. Some Of Shelly’s Blues
7. Cosmic Partners
8. Rose City Chimes
9. A Dog Wrote It
10. Poinciana  
11. The Crippled Lion
12. Alice Nesmith
13. The One Rose
14. Propinquity (I’ve Just Begun To Care)
15. The Great Escape*
16. Joanne
17. Silver Moon

Recorded at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA, August 18th, 1973

Personnel:

Michael Nesmith – Vocal, Acoustic Guitar
O.J. ‘Red’ Rhodes – Pedal Steel Guitar
Colin Cameron – Bass
Danny Lane – Drums

Executive Producers: Iain Lee and Glenn Gretlund

Produced by Ed Heffelfinger
Co-Produced and Mastered by Christian Nesmith
Recorded by: Ron Marks

All songs written by Michael Nesmith and published by Screen Gems-EMI Music Ltd, except for: 
‘Rose City Chimes’ by John Robert Garrett (Carlin Music Corp.)
‘Poinciana’ by Nat Simon & Buddy Bernier (Francis Day & Hunter Ltd)
‘The One Rose’ by Del Lyon and Lani McIntire (Shapiro Bernstein & Co Ltd) 

Photography: Norman Seeff and Bob Warford
Artwork by Scott Balcony – www.balconyshirts.co.uk,
with thanks to Tim Johnson at Silver Parrot 

Special Thanks to: Wayne Griffith, Kora ‘Koko’ Peterson, Lisa Jenio, Nichole Jaymes, Circe Link, Melodie Akers, Gary Strobl, Sophia Heffelfinger, Robin Campbell,
Joseph Jones, Jason Chesney, Kinon, Alexander, Katherine and the Zilch Podcast Team

McCabe’s Master of Ceremonies: Bobby Kimmel
Mr. Rhodes’ Performance Courtesy of Jif Peanut Butter 

*does NOT feature on the vinyl

Review: The Monkees Present The Mike And Micky Show, Beacon Theatre 3-9-2019

By Fred Velez (all photos by Fred Velez)

The March 9th, 2019 Beacon Theater performance of The Monkees Present The Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz Show was destined to be a special show. The concert was originally scheduled for June, 2018 when it was rescheduled due to Michael Nesmith’s health scare. Between that time to this show was Nesmith’s First National Band Redux Tour and the sad passing of Peter Tork. I was fortunate to attend the VIP sound check where Micky and Mike and their band performed six songs that were not going to be played during the regular show that night:

D. W. Washburn
Different Drum
Steam Engine
Some of Shelly’s Blues
As We Go Along
Grand Ennui

Sound Check

For ‘As We Go Along’ the video for the song from the movie ‘Head’ was shown on the screen backdrop, and the images of Peter Tork and Davy Jones made the song even more poignant. Micky and Mike set the tone of what the show was going to be like for that evening with Micky being focused and funny and Nesmith being a little giddy and silly, but still very serious as he played his acoustic guitar. Their band included Coco Dolenz on backing vocals, Christian Nesmith on guitars, Circe Link on backing vocals, guitarist and band leader Wayne Avers, drummer Rich Dart, John Billings on bass, Alex Jules on keyboards and backing vocals, Paul Kramer on fiddle, guitar and banjo, and Pete Finney, who accompanied Nez on his First National Band Redux and his solo January 2019 tour, on pedal steel and guitar. Probyn Gregory from the Brian Wilson Band was recently added to lineup also performed at the Beacon show.

After a dinner break we returned to the Beacon Theatre for the main event. The lights dimmed and the band took their positions. Then from the wings emerged Micky and Michael, who waved hello. As Micky started to strap on his guitar, Nez approached him and said he had something to say to him, and he turned to the crowd and admonished them to remain quiet until he finished. Then Mike looked at Micky and softly began singing “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,…”, and it was at that point the audience began to sing along, much to Mike’s chagrin. As the previous day, March 8th, was Micky’s birthday, it was only natural that Nez wanted to keep the celebration going.

With a light hearted scold to the audience, the concert promptly started with a rigorous version of ‘Good Clean Fun’ followed by the one two punch of ‘Last Train To Clarksville’. Micky was very energetic throughout the show and drove the band through Monkees classics and rare deep cuts. Michael Nesmith was more laid back in his performance which he augmented with his unique, dry humor. Among the highlights of the show was a lovely rendition of ‘Me & Magdalena’ from the ‘Good Times’ album. The presence of Davy Jones and Peter Tork were felt with the performances of two songs associated with them, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ and ‘For Pete’s Sake’. Before the intermission a video of Peter Tork singing ‘Til Then’ played on the backdrop screen, not leaving a dry eye in the house and was a proper tribute to Peter.

There were many surprises in the show, including ‘Auntie’s Municipal Court’ which fans have had in their wishlist for years, and ‘Birth Of An Accidental Hipster’ which segued into the Nez rarity ‘St. Matthew’. The acoustic set included an acoustic take on ‘Randy Scouse Git’ and ‘I’ll Spend My Life With You.

Acknowledging TV anchorman Brian Williams in the audience, Nesmith dedicated his solo song ‘Joanne’ to him, accompanied by Pete Finney on pedal steel guitar.

Coming towards the end of the show, the image of Davy Jones flickered on the backdrop and Micky and Mike led the audience in an emotional singalong of ‘Daydream Believer’, made all the more poignant with Peter Tork’s image on the screen too. After performing ‘What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round’, Micky and the band left Michael Nesmith alone on the stage as he strummed the first couple of notes of ‘Listen To The Band’ solo, then the band returned to the stage and they launched into a full version of the song. The evening ended with ‘I’m A Believer’, the entire theater on their feet giving Micky, Nez and the band a well deserved standing ovation.

No matter how many times I’ve seen The Monkees in concert in their many incarnations, I’ve never seen them give a bad performance. This evening at The Beacon Theatre definitely rates as one of their best shows, as well as one of the most poignant now that the lineup has been reduced sadly again.

Thank Heavens that we can still show Micky and Mike how much they are loved by the fans.

Fred Velez, 2019.

Fred Velez is the author of the book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’

Link: Fred Velez Monkees Book

 

The Monkees ‘The Christmas Song’ Video

Rhino has dropped the third video from ‘The Monkees Christmas Party’ album, Michael Nesmith’s rendition of Mel Torme’s ‘The Christmas Song’. The song was produced in the style of the First National Band by Christian and Jonathan Nesmith, the video was produced by Jonathan Nesmith and Susan Holloway in a similar style to the ‘You Bring The Summer’ video done for ‘Good Times!’. Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz recorded dialogue for their animated selves in the video. The video has a nice, dreamy nostalgic quality to it that perfectly suits the song, with enough in jokes to satisfy Monkees fans this Christmas Season!

Fred Velez, 2018. Author of the book: A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You – The Monkees From A Fan’s Perpective

Link: Fred Velez Monkees Book

Mike and Micky Australian Tour Announced!

📢TOUR ANNOUNCE: THE MONKEES OZ & NZ 2019 TOUR 📢

The Monkees Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz will tour Australia and New Zealand in June 2019, performing all their hits with The Monkees spanning more than 50 years! 👌

🎶“Last Train to Clarksville”, “Listen To The Band”, “Mary Mary”, “Different Drum”, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”, “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”, “I’m A Believer”, “Good Clean Fun”, “D.W. Washburn”, “Circle Sky”, “Randy Scouse Git”, “Papa Gene’s Blues, “Take a Giant Step”, “What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round”… and that’s less than half of what you’ll get to singalong to on the night! 🎶

⭐️MEET THE MONKEES ⭐️
⭐️VIP MEET AND GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE⭐️

❗️Promoter Presale: Thursday 13th December 9am – 11:59pm AEDT
General On Sale: Friday 14th December 9am AEDT❗️

TICKETS

davidroywilliams.com/tours/themonkees/

Saturday June 8 Christchurch – Isaac Theatre Royal

Sunday June 9 Auckland – Auckland Town Hall

Monday June 10 Wellington – Michael Fowler Centre

Wednesday June 12 Brisbane – QPAC

Saturday June 15 Melbourne – Palais Theatre

Sunday June 16 Perth – Astor Theatre Perth

Tuesday June 18 Sydney – Sydney Opera House

Michael Nesmith Solo Tour Announced

From the Video Ranch website:

This January, Michael Nesmith will play six concerts as a duo with pedal steel guitarist Pete Finney.

The tour is orchestrated around the classic album And the Hits Just Keep On Comin’… whose stripped down instrumentation showcases Nesmith’s compositions, voice, and Red Rhodes’s magic as a pedal steel player.

January’s tour with Pete Finney aims to reignite those essential elements of Nesmith’s music.

From Andrew Sandoval:

I am pleased to announce that in a few weeks, Michael Nesmith will return to the concert stage to perform his classic 1972 album, And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’ for a series of West Coast shows. Accompanied by just his trusty pedal steel guitarist, Pete Finney, these performances will mark the first time Nez has toured in a duo format since 1975. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, November 21, 2018. VIP Meet & Greet packages will also be available in limited numbers.

Although his recent performances have focused on his legendary 1970s albums recorded for RCA, this is the first time he will perform any of his albums in its entirety. And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’ is significant in Nesmith’s catalog, because it returned him to his roots as a singer-songwriter where his career began before The Monkees. Featuring just the accompaniment of Red Rhodes on pedal steel, his music and message achieved real purity on the album’s ten original songs.

Hits served as the truest songbook that Michael would ever issue on record and it remains among his most satisfying albums. In addition to the album’s ten songs, you can expect to hear many of Nesmith’s other key tracks of the era, such as “Joanne,” “Silver Moon,” “Some Of Shelley’s Blues” and “Propinquity.”

If I don’t see you in January for these shows, I hope to catch up with you for the Mike & Micky Show, which is hitting the Northeast & Midwest in March!

Michael Nesmith presents
And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’ Tour

1/17/19–Seattle, WA– Neptune Theatre
https://tinyurl.com/ycpqfqwj

1/19/19–Grants Pass, OR– The Rogue Theater
https://tinyurl.com/y9zj8yqa

1/20/19–Sacramento, CA– Sofia Center For The Arts

Home

1/22/19– West Hollywood, CA– Troubadour
https://www.troubadour.com/

1/24/19– San Juan Capistrano, CA– The Coach House
https://thecoachhouse.com/

1/26/19– Mill Valley, CA– Sweetwater Music Hall
https://www.sweetwatermusichall.com/

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

Update: Mike & Micky Tour – Presale Codes

From The Monkees Tour Facebook Page:

Here are the presale codes for the upcoming shows on The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show tour. Check the dates so you don’t miss out. If you do not see a presale code listed, we do not currently have a code for that show yet. Check back here: we will update daily!

3/1/19–Medford, MA–Chevalier Theatre (presale on 11/14 is WT14)
https://tinyurl.com/y99dlu36 PRESALE PW: CVR14

3/2/19– Atlantic City, NJ– Ocean Resort Casino (presale on 11/15 is MONKEE)
https://tinyurl.com/ycbmtdco

3/3/19–Lancaster, PA– American Music Theatre
https://tinyurl.com/yaxmob3l

3/5/19– Red Bank, NJ– Count Basie Theatre (already on sale)
https://tinyurl.com/y7laqnyj

3/6/19–Glenside, PA– The Keswick Theatre (already on sale)
https://tinyurl.com/y942eb4f

3/8/19–Huntington, NY–The Paramount (already on sale)
https://tinyurl.com/y8qlsc66

3/9/19–New York, NY–The Beacon Theatre (already on sale)
https://tinyurl.com/yahkl5ek

3/10/19–Albany, NY–Palace Theatre
https://tinyurl.com/ybcm9g4h NO PRESALE PW

3/12/19–Royal Oak, MI– Royal Oak Music Theatre (AEG presale on 11/14 is ROMTLIVE)
https://tinyurl.com/y8f5p7gv

3/14/19–Prior Lake. MN–Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (email presale on 11/15 is BELIEVER)
https://tinyurl.com/y9af4sdc
NO PW FOR VIP PRESALE – MEMBER PRESALE PW: HIPSUW

3/15/19–New Buffalo, MI–Four Winds Casino (venue presale on 11/15 is IMAB67)
https://tinyurl.com/ybut3ytk

3/16/19–St Charles, MO–The Family Arena (venue presale on 11/15 is CLARKSVILLE)
https://tinyurl.com/y7h9ugqz

November ‘Head’ Movie Event w/Micky & Mike

We are pleased to announce that The Monkees in association with RHINO will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the motion picture, HEAD, with a special screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday 11/1/18 – 7:30pm.

Michael Nesmith & Micky Dolenz will appear in person to answer questions following the screening, which will be from an original 35mm print. Andrew Sandoval will conduct the Q&A and you are welcome to contribute your questions in advance online. That way everyone can join in!

There will also be merchandise available inside the theatre – which is directly opposite the original venue that HEAD premiered in November 1968. You may also visit The Monkees star, which is on the walk of fame opposite the theatre. Please join us for this incredible event!

Tickets are now available here:
http://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/head-0

Michael & Micky will also be holding a special meet & greet, details are here:

https://www.monkeemeetandgreets.com/head-m-g

Rhino Podcast: The Monkees Christmas Party w/Micky Dolenz & Michael Nesmith

The latest Rhino Podcast talks to Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith about ‘The Monkees Christmas Party’ album.

Rhino Podcast: iTunes Link

Monkees To Release Christmas Album

Link: Rolling Stone – Monkees Christmas Album

Rolling Stone Magazine reports that Rhino Records will be issuing a Monkees Christmas album titled ‘Christmas Party’ which will be released on October 12th, 2018. The album is produced by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne with new songs written by Rivers Cuomo, Andy Partridge, Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey following the formula of The Monkees successful 2016 album ‘Good Times’. Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork provide vocals on the songs with archival songs added from the late Davy Jones.

The latest Zilch podcast talks about the new Monkees Christmas album with Andrew Sandoval and John Hughes:

Link: Zilch Podcast on Monkees Christmas Album

The Davy Jones Facebook page posted additional information:

Hey hey! (Or should that be “ho-ho-ho?”)

Just this very second, Rhino announced that it will be releasing The Monkees’ Christmas Album on October 12! It’ll be available in stores and for download and streaming on that date.

The first worldwide single from the album, “Unwrap,” will be released in October (hey, that’s next month!), along with a “lyric video” similar to “She Makes Me Laugh.” Here are some additional things to know:

*** Target stores will be offering a special edition CD with bonus tracks

*** You’ll also be able to purchase the CD at your favorite Walmart

*** The album won’t be released on vinyl until 2019 (it’s OK, we can survive this though, because CHRISTMAS ALBUM!)

And keep your eyes on rollingstone.com today for an exclusive article on The Monkees’ Christmas Album—it’s a great day to be a Monkees fan!

This will be a great Christmas gift for Monkees fans!

Christmas Party Track List

“Unwrap You At Christmas”
“What Would Santa Do”
“Mele Kalikimaka”
“House Of Broken Gingerbread”
“The Christmas Song”
“Christmas Party”
“Jesus Christ”
“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”
“Silver Bells”
“Wonderful Christmastime”
“Snowfall”
“Angels We Have Heard On High”
“Merry Christmas, Baby”

Target Bonus Tracks:

“Riu Chiu”
“Christmas Is My Time Of Year”

Target version will be available October 19, 2018.

Preorder Link: Target Exclusive with Bonus Tracks

Preorder Link: iTunes

Preorder Link: Amazon

Mike & Micky Monkees Shows Rescheduled

By Fred Velez

The Mike Nesmith & Micky Dolenz Monkees shows that were postponed due to Nesmith’s illness have been rescheduled for dates in March, 2019.

March 5, 2019: Count Basie Theatre / Red Bank, New Jersey
March 6, 2019: Keswick Theatre / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 8, 2019: The Paramount / Huntington, New York
March 9, 2019: Beacon Theatre / New York, New York

Michael Nesmith commented on his Facebook page:

Hello from Roysdale.

Latest update on the FNBR tour — my health is stabilizing and I have green-lit the rest of tour tour that I had to cancel with Micky. Not sure what might happen in the future but looking forward to the dates that will start (in just a few weeks — yikes!) in Houston. Then on to Austin, Dallas and places Northeast!

Great band, great players — music sounds better than ever. See you on stage.

Some concerts were recorded during the original June, 2018 leg of the tour and hopefully a live album will be issued in time for the 2019 tour.

Fred Velez, 2018

Michael Nesmith Recovering From Quadruple Bypass Surgery

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Michael Nesmith is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery after canceling the remaining June dates Mike & Micky Monkees shows.

Link: Rolling Stone – Michael Nesmith In Recovery

Quoting Nesmith from the article:

“I was using the words ‘heart attack’ for a while,” says Nesmith. “But I’m told now that I didn’t have one. It was congestive heart failure. It has taken me four weeks to climb out of it. If anybody ever comes up to you on the street and offers you [bypass surgery] for free, turn them down. It hurts.”

Andrew Sandoval commented on his Facebook page.

‘ A little added perspective from Andrew Sandoval:

The last month has been utter hell seeing my friend suffering. So many people were demanding answers, but it was simply a time for healing and privacy. The information age has caused too many to be pushy and inconsiderate – there I said it. This guy is a member of my extended family and I am so thrilled to hear the happiness in his voice now and the eagerness to play his beautiful songs for the people.”

Christian Nesmith’ Facebook update:

Nez’s surgery and clarifying the Rolling Stone article.

On the day of his surgery I was in LA and immediately made plans to go to Monterey. I was there first thing the next morning and I was with him as often as hospital policy and sleep needs would allow.

Here’s what RS got wrong. He did not spend a month in the hospital.

Nez was in ICU for 6 days, a little longer than average but well within the window. He spent another two and a half days in a regular room and then I drove him home. I’m sure it seemed like a month to him, though.

The first week at home he progressed from just being able to take a few steps to being fully autonomous – dressing, shower, bathroom. Every day he was stronger and clearer.

By the way, full anesthesia is some scary stuff and the most difficult thing for me was watching him climb out of that hole mentally. It’s like “is he ever going to be his old self again?”

Well, not only is he himself but, from where I stand, at 4 weeks after the surgery this last Monday, he’s healthier, more energetic, and clearer than when he went in.

AND he’s super excited to do these shows. I was with him for 17 days. Since I’ve been back in LA I talk to him every day on the phone and he is galvanized and enthusiastic. These shows and future ones are a driving goal and inspiration for him to get back to fighting weight. He actually went to the gym day before yesterday. Ha.

So you all have to come to these next shows because I have a feeling you’re going to see a Nez that’s on fire and rarin’ to go.

For anyone to go through open heart surgery is hard enough. But to do it at 75, well, let’s just say he’s a tough old buzzard. Lol.

I have to say a huge thank you to Jessica Kent, Circe Link, Robin Campbell and Melodie Akers. They we were absolutely instrumental and invaluable in their help with his needs after the surgery.

And it has been good to see all my siblings, Jessica Nesmith, Jonathan Nesmith, and Jason Nesmith rally to the cause. Nothing like family.

So, I NEVER wanna go through THAT again. But the upshot is that this surgery quite literally saved his life and to know I have many more days with him off and on stage couldn’t be regarded by me as any greater of a blessing.

Thanks to all of you for your support and understanding through this very heavy ordeal.

We’re coming to ya soon to show our gratitude.

Peace

The September First National Band Redux shows are still on with some additional dates to be announced.

Zilch Podcast 119

The latest Zilch Monkees podcast has news on Micky Dolenz at the Phillies game, the latest on the Michael Nesmith First National Band Redux Tour, Fred Velez narrating his review of the Nesmith/FNBR Live cd, and more!

Link: Zilch Podcast 119

Review: Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour

By Fred Velez

“And just think, it’s only taken me a half a century to get back!”, Michael Nesmith says with an audible smile on his face early in his set with the First National Band Redux, on the stage of the world famous Troubadour Club in Los Angeles to a loud and appreciative crowd. This historic event is perfectly captured in the new 7a Records cd release ‘Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour’, recorded January 25th, 2018.

When Nez announced that he would be doing a short tour featuring a new version of his second band after leaving The Monkees, performing songs from his first three RCA albums, the enthusiasm from fans guaranteed that all the dates would be sold out. The Troubadour, where Nesmith early in his career was the emcee and where the producers of the Monkees project discovered him, was the ideal setting for this concert, as this was where he debuted the original incarnation of FNB.

The concert opens with a blistering version of ‘Nevada Fighter’, a perfect song to launch with. Next are the trilogy of songs from the ‘Magnetic South’ album, followed by ‘The Crippled Lion’ and a poignant ‘Joanne’ with the audience singing along. Nesmith is in remarkably great voice and charmingly good humor throughout the concert and the FNBR offer spot on recreations of the songs, the band consisting of Nez’s sons Christian and Jonathan on guitar and vocals, Jason Chesney on bass, Jim Cox on keyboards, Christopher Allis on drums, Circe Link and Amy Spear on vocals and percussion, and Peter Finney on pedal steel guitar, doing an amazing job recreating the incredible arrangements of the late pedal steel master, Red Rhodes.

The sound of the cd was mixed and mastered by Christian Nesmith, which sounds wonderful coming through speakers or headphones. The lushness of the song ‘Lady Of The Valley’ really comes through in the mix. The background vocals of Circe and Amy are nicely reminiscent of the vocal stylings of Emmylou Harris. On the track ’50 Years’, Nez tells the story of when he performed these songs a half a century back on that same stage and the favorable reaction he got from the audience then. He then quietly plays and sings the most beautiful version of ‘Propinquity’ I’ve ever heard him perform that made my eyes misty. This is followed by ‘Different Drum’ (which he jokes that the TV producers didn’t see it as a “Monkees” song) which is then followed by a song that did make it into the Monkees first album, ‘Papa Gene’s Blue’, with the audience joining along on the verse, “For I love you, and I know you love me”, and one can tell from the recording that Nez must have been smiling appreciatively at that moment.

As mentioned earlier, Nesmith is in great voice at this show, even handling the high notes and his trademark yodel on the songs like ‘Keys To The Car’, ‘Mama Nantucket’ and a lovely rendition of ‘Silver Moon’, ably assisted by the background vocals of Christian, Jonathan, Circe and Amy. Many of the classic FNB songs were performed at The Troubadour like ‘Grand Ennui’, ‘Dedicated Friend’ and ‘Some Of Shelley’ Blues’.

The concert and the cd ends with ‘Thanx For The Ride’, Pete Finney recreating Red Rhodes classic pedal steel guitar arrangement to perfection. The standing ovation of the cheering audience can be felt as the sound of the cd fades.

7a Records always does a great job packaging their projects and this special cd is no exception. The lettering and cover design are raised giving the cover a nice texture to the touch. The cd booklet features wonderful photos of Nez and the band on the Troubadour stage. Nesmith wrote the liner notes where he recounts his early experience presenting these songs to the “powers that be” on The Monkees project who rejected them, leading to the origins of the original First National Band and the current incarnation of the FNB Redux. It’s a fascinating read that gives one another revealing insight into Nesmith’s career.

Michael Nesmith is considered one of the founding fathers of Country Rock alongside artists like Gram Parsons. The songs on this cd (the two disc vinyl version will include ‘Rio’, exclusive to that release), justifies Nesmith’s qualification. Executive Producers Glenn Gretlund and Iain Lee have produced another fine quality edition to the 7a Records catalog. Not only is this a release that Monkees and Nesmith fans must own, but also lovers of Country Rock should include ‘Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live At The Troubadour’ into their collections.

History never sounded better than this!

Thanx for the ride, Nez.

Link: 2 LP Troubadour Live

Link: CD Troubadour Live

United Kingdom:

2LP: http://keymailorder.com/live-at-the-troubadour-michael-nesmith-7a021?search=Nesmith

CD: http://keymailorder.com/live-at-the-troubadour-michael-nesmith-7a022?search=Nesmith

Fred Velez, 2018.

Fred Velez is the author of the book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’

Fred Velez Book Link

Micky Dolenz Billboard Interview

In Steve Marinucci’s Billboard interview Micky Dolenz talks about The Monkees’ Canceled Concerts Due to Mike Nesmith Illness and future plans.

Link to the Interview:

Micky Dolenz Billboard Interview 6/26/2018

Nez Message on Mike/Micky Tour

Message from Michael Nesmith’s Facebook page:

“Heading to LA tomorrow for meeting and a hang with Mick. Have to cook up the M&M shows. Right now no clue what to do other than Monkees songs — which are of course a lock.

i didn’t expect to go out again singing Monkees songs — but here I am looking at dates with Mick for the month of June — the beginning of Summer, I think — dates are posted at most of the Monkees sites and here — but the set list doesn’t exist yet.

M and I will sit around and sing try to find out what makes sense with the two of us — maybe the occasional guest.

As I write this I put on Chris Smither’s “Live as I’ll Ever Be” and its lifting me up into the skies of songs — opening up settlements where we might perch and gaze out for miles and miles and sing and play the Music.

If all goes as planned I think we will put together a fine show.

I love singing with Mick — this will be the first time an M&M show will be realized — after all these years.

As I say I suppose we will play the deep cuts from the Monkees catalog — and songs M&I have written over the years — and as we are blessed we will find the space that the great live players find over the years — those deep and real places that are undeniable, that leave no question unanswered — and to me that is a definition of Smithers concert and his magic acoustic guitar. So I am listening closely to him– learning what I can.

Maybe M&M can “Kill the Blues” like Chris —

Anyway, I’m looking forward to the trip and to seeing Mick appear singing along beside me in the same room. One of my life’s gifts and blessings.”

Dolenz/Nesmith Tour Dates Announced!

THE MONKEES PRESENT: THE MIKE & MICKY SHOW

Michael Nesmith And Micky Dolenz Will Tour As A Duo For The First Time
This Summer, Playing Monkees Music Spanning More Than 50 Years

Tickets And VIP Packages Go On Sale February 23

LOS ANGELES – Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will hit the road in June for their first-ever national tour as a duo. Billed as “The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show,” these 16 special performances will feature songs that span the group’s entire career – from its 1966 eponymous debut to 2016’s Good Times . The shows will highlight many of Nesmith’s compositions, including some that have never been performed live. The tour also includes two shows in Canada, which represent Nesmith’s first “Monkees” concerts since the band played there in 1969.

Tickets and VIP packages will go on sale February 23 at www.monkees.com . VIP Packages include access to soundcheck, a signed, hardbound copy of the tourbook, early entry to the show and a commemorative VIP laminate.

“I love being on stage with Micky,” says Nesmith. “We’ve been collaborating for over 50 years, so it’s hard to believe it’s never been just the two of us. I’m excited to dust off some tunes that I haven’t played for a long time too. These are going to be some fun shows.”

“Right from the get-go, I admired Mike’s songs. When we used to get together around the campfire to sing in the early days, we were always doing his songs,” says Dolenz. “We always had such a great a vocal blend; he was the one who encouraged me to write songs of my own. I’ve always been a big fan and now we finally get to do the Mike & Micky show that we riffed on back when we were shooting The Monkees.”

Original Monkee Peter Tork will not take part in the tour. Instead, he’s focusing on Relax Your Mind, a new album by Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues that honors the music of Lead Belly. The album is available now via CD Baby and Bandcamp.

“I have in general made no secret of the fact that all these recent years of Monkees-related projects, as fun as they’ve been, have taken up a lot of my time and energy. Moving forward, I have blues projects that I want to give my attention to, hence Relax Your Mind . So, I’m shifting gears for now, but I wish the boys well, and I’ve learned to never say never on things further down the line.”

“The Monkees Present: The Mike & Micky Show” is the latest chapter in Monkee-mania, a saga that began in 1965 when four young men were cast in a television show about a struggling rock band that was inspired by the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night. Few could have predicted the impact the Monkees would have on music and pop culture at large, one that still reverberates more than 50 years later.

Micky Dolenz & Mike Nesmith Tour Dates

June 1 – Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center For The Arts
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Orpheum
June 3 – San Diego, CA @ Humphrey’s
June 5 – Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
June 6 – Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 8 – Stockton, CA @ Bob Hope Theatre
June 9 – Stateline, NV @ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
June 12 – Denver, CO @ Paramount
June 14 – Chicago, IL @ Copernicus Center
June 15 – Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center
June 16 – Cleveland, OH @ Cain Park
June 18 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Center
June 19 – Kitchener, ON @ Centre In the Square
June 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Keswick Theatre
June 22 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
June 25 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Theatre

Michael Nesmith May Expand First National Band Redux Tour

By Fred Velez

Nearing the eve of the First National Band Redux shows in California, Michael Nesmith announced on his Facebook page that depending how well the first shows go and fan demand, there is a possibility of the tour being expanded:

Link: Michael Nesmith Facebook Page

Here is the scoop on the future of FNBR — if the current dates are strong — i.e. sold out — then a second tour is possible and could be any place — anywhere.

I’m loving playing this music again — very inspiring to me — the band is a joy to work with and powerful — it could travel well if we had a public mandate — but it is too soon to tell — so I have to wait to see how these five shows play out. We are almost sold out with a week or more to go. Watch the skies!

I hope it flies!!!

Tickets for some of the extra FNB shows are still available. Links cans be found on the Video Ranch website:

Link: Video Ranch

Fred Velez, 2018.

Dolenz-Nesmith Tour In 2018

By Fred Velez

According to reports from Michael Nesmith’s appearance at the Chiller Theater Convention the weekend of October 27-29, there are apparent plans for not only a reunion and tour of the First National Band, but also a joint tour of Nesmith with Micky Dolenz.

Convention promoter Jodi Ritzen addressed the rumors on her Facebook page:

It is so much easier to address this rumor here. Is it true Nez told pretty much everyone at Chiller about two exciting events scheduled for 2018? The answer is YES!

Nez made no secret that we will see two shows come together.

First expect The First National Band to reform with two additional Nesmiths. Second was the combination of Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith somewhere close to summer.

If Nez told you, give me a hell yeah and your reaction.

Now I personally cannot help you with dates or cities. No need to send me your requests. I have no information on meet and greets and won’t until details are released.

Your best bet is to subscribe to my website for updates.

www.monkeemeetandgreets.com

They may be coming to your town.

Thanks Nez!!

MICHAEL NESMITH OFFICIALLY ADDED AS SPECIAL GUEST FOR MICKY DOLENZ’S TWO L. A. SHOWS NEXT WEEK – CANYON CLUB (10-20) AND SABAN (10-21)

New York – Micky Dolenz, lead singer of The Monkees, has announced a
special guest for his two L. A. shows next week … fellow-Monkee
Michael Nesmith. The two shows are at The Canyon Club (10-20) and The Saban Theatre (10-21).

Nesmith, who will be joined by his son Christian (and, musical partner Circe Link) will also appear.

This will be the first time the two have appeared together since a Monkees 50th Anniversary tour last year.

Dolenz quote: “It’s always special to play with Nez; let the Good Times continue!”

Dolenz, Nesmith (and, Peter Tork) released the album Good Times (Rhino
Records) last year, which was the group’s first album of new material in 25 years. It was a major success and listed on most reviewers Top Ten lists.

The October 21st Saban Theatre concert will also feature performances by Felix Calvaliere of The Rascals and Marty Ross formerly of the New Monkees. Davy Jones first wife Linda and his daughters Talia, Sarah and Annabel will be attending the October 20th Canyon Club show.

There will be Meet & Greets for both concerts. More details at the following link: Monkees Meet and Greets

Link: Canyon Club October 20

Link: Saban Theatre October 21

Extra! Nez & Micky Skype Monkee Jam!

Reported by Fred Velez

The Monkee Jam fan convention at the Clarion Empire Hotel in Seacaucus, NJ received a special surprise when Micky Dolenz did a pre-recorded Skype introduction for Romeo Delight, the Van Halen tribute band led by his brother-in-law Buddy Blanch.

Later in the evening before Circe Link and Christian Nesmith started their set, Christian did a Skype call to his father Michael Nesmith who said hello to the delighted fans and introduced Christian and Circe’s set. Christian also coax the fans to let Nez know what they thought of the success of the Monkees Good Times album to which they responded with rousing cheers and applause which Nesmith humbly appreciated. Kudos to convention organizer Jodi Ritzen for setting up this delightful surprise.

https://www.facebook.com/jeannie.devito/posts/10209995876441947

https://www.facebook.com/monkees.convention/videos/615334748631434/

https://www.facebook.com/monkees.convention/videos/615354811962761/

https://www.facebook.com/sandra.valles.96/posts/1085562428156537

Fred Velez, 2016

Monkees live 1969 bootleg – I’m a Believer

After the departure of Peter Tork, The Monkees conducted a tour across North America throughout 1969. They were backed by the seven-piece R & B band Sam & The Goodtimers. One concert from this tour (thought to be the May 10, 1969 performance in Wichita, Kansas at the Century II Convention Center) exists as bootleg, and “I’m a Believer” can be heard here. It’s an absolutely horrible recording that I’m only posting for the historical curiosity of it. For years there have been rumors that the band recorded a show on this tour, but no tapes have ever turned up. Please visit my website at www.monkeesconcerts.com.

Michael Nesmith Radio Special (PART 1/4)

In 1980, Michael Nesmith’s company, Pacific Arts, released “The Michael Nesmith Radio Special” on vinyl. The promotional album was meant Read more

Michael Nesmith Radio Special (PART 2/4)

In 1980, Michael Nesmith’s company, Pacific Arts, released “The Michael Nesmith Radio Special” on vinyl. The promotional album was meant Read more

Michael Nesmith Radio Special (PART 3/4)

In 1980, Michael Nesmith’s company, Pacific Arts, released “The Michael Nesmith Radio Special” on vinyl. The promotional album was meant Read more

Michael Nesmith Radio Special (PART 4/4)

In 1980, Michael Nesmith’s company, Pacific Arts, released “The Michael Nesmith Radio Special” on vinyl. The promotional album was meant Read more

Michael Nesmith tribute Monkee Business Part 5 of 6

Part 5 of 6 of a tribute by PJ Lennon on 10Radio to the genius that is Michael (Papa Nez) Nesmith, one of the Monkees. The PJ Lennon and Barry Show feat Dr Colin on 10Radio – www.10radio.org based in Wiveliscombe Somerset in the UK. The more that one learns about this giant among men, the more that one wants to learn.

1966 TV Show Intros Part 2 of 3

(1)The Monkees (2)That Girl (3)Dark Shadows (4)THE Cat (5)Family Affair (6)The Road Runner Show (7)The Newlywed Game