Michael Nesmith talks about his solo tour and inspirations

The singer, songwriter and Monkee, who will play the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on March 24, cites Cole Porter and Bo Diddley as influences and says he likes Mumford & Sons.

By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times

March 23, 2013, 8:00 a.m.

Once pegged as “the smart Monkee,” singer, songwriter and guitarist Michael Nesmith is now embarking on his first U.S. solo tour in more than two decades.

Nesmith shot to fame after “The Monkees” series premiered in 1966, and though he recently reunited with the band for a tour, it’s now his turn to hit the road solo. The 70-year-old artist and his backing band will focus on the deep trove of country, folk and rock music he made after leaving the Monkees in 1970.

Nesmith will hit the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on March 24, with guest guitarist John Jorgenson dropping in for one number during the L.A.-area tour stop.

What have you got in mind for this tour?

The songs I’ll play are a touch chronological and a touch thematic. I picked my favorites to play, the ones I have come to love over the years, and the ones that are most requested by fans of my solo work.

Given the round of Monkees reunion shows you did with Peter and Micky last year, how do you see that balancing with your solo interests—is there a sense of having the best of both worlds?

It gives me a great sense of being able to do it all. Because I enjoy playing with the Monkees. It’s a great good time [but it’s a completley different thing. With the Monkees, I’m a passenger on the bus; on my own shows I’m the creative fire and the center of it.

It’s been seven years since your most recent studio album, “Rays”—what are the prospects for new music from you?

I’m actually recording a little all the time. I have four new songs in the can now. And a whole stack more. I’m glad I waited to record these latest ones because this band is one of the best I have ever worked with. I am excited to take them in the studio.

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