Micky Dolenz set to release solo album of Michael Nesmith covers

Micky Dolenz / Photo courtesy of the artist

I can't think of many better ideas than today's announcement that Micky Dolenz is going to record a full-length album of songs written by his fellow Monkee, Michael "Nez" Nesmith. Dolenz sang lead vocals on most of the Monkees best-known material, and Nesmith was always the most gifted writer in the quartet. 

As reported in Rolling Stone magazine, Dolenz has been a tremendous fan of Nesmith's original songs for "the past five decades," including classics "Mary Mary," "Listen to the Band" and "Papa Gene's Blues" that were all featured on the groundbreaking NBC-TV series and top-selling albums. This forthcoming project will allow Dolenz to use his still-incredible voice to celebrate Nesmith's top-tier song craft.

“I think I first mentioned this idea to Nez years ago when we first got together for a tour with Peter [Tork] after Davy [Jones] passed,” Dolenz says in the Rolling Stone article available here. “I don’t know where the idea came from, maybe from my friend Harry Nilsson and his [1970 Randy Newman tribute LP] Nilsson Sings Newman. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, Dolenz Sings Nesmith.'”

Michael Nesmith performing with the Monkees at
 the Pantages Theatre in September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The album is set to be produced by Nesmith's talented son Christian Nesmith with well-known Monkees manager/historian Andrew Sandoval coordinating A&R duties. 

This writer last saw Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith on stage together (along with the late Peter Tork) as part of a Monkees show at the Pantages Theatre in September 2016. You can read my review of that memorable concert here.

Earlier this year, Dolenz and Nesmith were featured on The Mike & Micky Show; that essential title marks the first-ever official live album from the '60s hitmakers. You can see the cover art for that Rhino Records release on the right. Read my review of that live album here.

Robert Kinsler

Peter Tork Remembered

Micky Dolenz, left, and Peter Tork at the Pantages Theatre in
September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Monkees, from left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz,
Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Tork earlier today. I have seen him perform several times over the years with the Monkees, most recently at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA in September of 2016. You can read my review of that concert event here.

Perhaps my favorite Monkees concert was catching Tork and company (including the late Davy Jones) at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in July 2011. Read my review of that concert event here. 

Tork was only 77 at the time of his death. I know he had battled cancer about 10 years ago, but he continued to perform and was always a key part of the Monkees' performances with his virtuoso skills on several instruments including keyboards and banjo. 

You can read a wonderful tribute to the musician/actor here.

Peter Tork, left, with Micky Dolenz on July 16, 2011.

Robert Kinsler

From left, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones perform at the Greek Theatre on July 16, 2011.