What a treat to see Mike Nesmith and his crack band, playing songs he has written over his entire career (all except one from his career outside the Monkees). Before each number, Nesmith gives a brief introduction, describing the visual scene he had in mind when writing the song (or maybe what he imagines now when performing it). "Different Drum" is cast as a conversation between two lovers in a Paris cafe, and the arrangement for the song was a charming re-imaging as a chanson with accordion (via keyboard emulation) and mandolin (a real one played by a sideman). Several performances were medleys or groupings of two or three songs that were similar in style or theme. Most of the other songs stuck pretty close to their familiar arrangements, but the band gave everything an extra bite. "The Grand Ennui" was suitably ominous. "Cruisin" was great and a good deal heavier than the original recording. "Dance" is a surprisingly effective disco number, of all things, and sounded great. Best of all for me was a rave-up version of "Listen to the Band" (the only Monkees song) that closed the show.
Nesmith's songs all reflect a high degree of intelligence and craft, and seem to get better with repeated listenings.
Nesmith will be 71 in December but his performance doesn't concede much if anything to age. His plain-spoken vocalizing sounds about the same as it always has, and he actively strummed his 12 string acoustic guitar, but left any fancy solo work to a sideman. (I think I have read that he claimed his guitar skills had suffered due to lack of practice and/or problems with his hands, but he appeared to have no problems playing his 12 string, an instrument that can be a challenge to the most adept guitarists). Mike graciously gives up the spotlight when his bandmates are soloing and takes care to introduce and credit the band at the beginning and end of the show.
Mike came out on stage in a sharp-looking medium gray suit, darker gray shirt, and white tie. The best part of his outfit was his shoes, which were covered with multicolored sequins - how fun! Mike's down-to-earth nature is reflected in his lack of pretension about his appearance -- he looks great but there is no mistaking that he is an older fellow. With a receding hairline (unbolstered by toupee, implants, combover, or hat) and a little more jowly than in his youth (no facelifts here), he still possesses clear bright eyes, a trim figure, a welcoming smile, and the same old wit and intelligence. I hope I am in as good shape when I am his age (not all that far away).
Anyone with any interest in the Monkees (despite him not playing many Monkees' songs) or Nesmith's solo career should take the opportunity to see him in concert, you may not have another chance.
One last note: I know Mike is doing fine financially, but I wonder if he's making any money on this tour! He had a huge tour bus, a four piece band, lots of instruments/gear, and several techies/roadies with him. Tickets were about $32, with a 500 seat house, so a total of $16,000 in ticket sales. By the time you take out the venue's cut, taxes, paying all of the others in the tour, expenses, etc., there might not be anything left. More reason to appreciate this very classy performer for putting on a first-class show.
Thanks Mike.
