This past January during a 5-concert jaunt throughout California, Michael Nesmith brought new life to his initial post-Monkees outfit, The First National Band. Originally consisting of Nez, Red Rhodes, John London, and John Ware, the group released three albums between 1970 and 1971, but their live performance history was fairly limited. Ignored and almost shunned by audiences and peers during their heyday, the music of the First National Band has since been cited by critics and contemporaries as a pioneering influence in the country rock genre. In one of the more unexpected moves of Michael Nesmith's career, a reconstituted First National Band hit the road in early 2018 with Christian Nesmith (guitar), Jonathan Nesmith (piano/guitar/vocals), Circe Link (vocals), Christopher Allis (drums), Jason Chesney (bass), Amy Spear (vocals), and Pete Finney (pedal steel). Sadly, original members Rhodes and London have passed away, but Ware gave his blessing to the project and wished everyone well. The concerts by the First National Band Redux, as they were dubbed, were ultimately a critical and commercial triumph. And now, The Monkees Live Almanac is proud to be the first to share the details about a forthcoming live album from 7a Records that will document this unique event in Nesmith/First National Band history. Since 2015, 7a Records and its proprietors Glenn Gretlund and Iain Lee have been producing Monkees-related releases, including a collection of Micky Dolenz's 1970s MGM singles, Bobby Hart's first solo album, various limited edition vinyl 45s (Dolenz/Davy Jones/Dolenz with Circe Link & Christian Nesmith), and more recently, vintage and new live recordings by both Nesmith and Dolenz. And now 7a has made an agreement with Michael Nesmith and the members of the First National Band to release a live album documenting their January 2018 performances. "We are extremely proud and excited to be able to work with Michael Nesmith and the First National Band on this album," Glenn told the Live Almanac. "What I have heard so far literally gave me goose bumps. It's that good. By all accounts this will be a superb album and one of 7a Records' biggest releases to date." Iain was just as enthused. "If you’d have told 15-year-old me I’d be releasing a brand new First National Band live album on my own record label I’d have laughed in your face. This is a dream come true and is the culmination of years of hard work and dreaming from both myself and my business partner Glenn. We make it our business to only release records that we would buy and man, I’d buy a dozen copies of this. It’s a thrill and an honor to be working with Michael and the band on this. And you wait until you hear what Christian [Nesmith] has done with the production. Stunning." As Iain said, Christian Nesmith is currently in the process of mixing and mastering the recordings, but at this moment, it has not yet been decided whether the album will consist of one full show or a compilation of the best performances from the various stops on the tour. Nez will have the final vote once everything has been mixed. The following songs are very likely to be included on the album:
Be sure to check back with The Monkees Live Almanac as Glenn and Iain have promised more details about the upcoming First National Band live album release as they become available. I would also like to take a moment to thank both Glenn Gretlund and Iain Lee for sharing this news with the Live Almanac and its readers, and for their constant support of the site. UPDATE 4/22/2018: Iain Lee is reporting on Facebook that 7a hopes to release the First National Band live album in July 2018. It will be available on compact disc and as a 2-LP set.
10 Comments
George
2/23/2018 19:14:01
This sounds like it's going to be a double album (LP) !! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication 7A ( And a thank you to Monkees live Almanac )
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Joe B.
2/23/2018 20:01:57
I hope this will be released on CD...I don't have a record player.
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SCOTT NELSON
2/23/2018 20:10:27
Excellent and Exciting News -- Can't wait to hear it!
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Brian
2/23/2018 21:13:36
Tengo Amore has really become a favorite over the years. For me, there's no question that a compilation of the best performances is the best route. There's only gonna be one release: give me the BEST.
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Mark James Meli
2/23/2018 22:42:58
This will be really great to have released, as I couldn't get to California to catch the shows. Also, having 7A release this will most likely mean good distribution, or at least better than the MOVIES OF THE MIND release. I've been preaching FNB to everyone I've known since high school (1978-1982).
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Frank Lowry
2/24/2018 02:39:37
If anyone asks me where my paycheck went, I'll have to show them this package, along with the rereleases of Magnetic South, Loose Salute and Nevada Fighter.
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PAUL DEAN
2/24/2018 04:56:56
WOW ! Looking forward too these , Saw Michael Live here in England few years back WHERE can i get that Badge / pin ? Cheers from Liverpool England ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ !
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Dave
2/24/2018 08:37:41
You can get it at Videoranch:
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2/25/2018 19:00:01
Great news, its great that there are these small boutique labels like 7A, who can manage niche releases, a large record company would never consider a project like this.
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Ryan
5/18/2018 08:22:59
Will there be a free digital download with the lp release?
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