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Review: Cosmic Partners – Michael Nesmith with Red Rhodes by 7a Records
November 6, 2019 by fred.velez
Filed under Albums, blogs, Fred Velez, michael, monkees alert, music, news, news feed
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’.
