(REVIEW) Stevie Nicks' voice clear, stunning at MGM Grand show

BY STEPHEN PETERSON
The Sun Chronicle
MASHANTUCKET, Conn.

Stevie Nicks tours even when she isn't really touring.

The stellar rock singer performed Saturday night at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, the last of just six dates on a mini-tour.

Nicks is scheduled to come out with a new solo album in March, which likely will mean a longer tour, however.

Nicks, 62, the singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac along with Lindsey Buckingham, and the group's most popular member, sang several of that supergroup's hits along with her own material.

She stayed away from any new songs, fearing they would end up on the Internet before her seventh album and the first one since 2001 comes out. But she explained one reason she decided to do a few concerts was because she finds making an album "very solitary."

Her new songs are being co-written with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics.

Nicks' voice remains as stunning as ever, and that was clear after the opening songs in which the lyrics were a bit difficult to hear.

Kicking off with "Fall From Grace" from her 2001 album, "Outside the Rain" from her first album, "Bella Donna," a No. 1 from 1981 and her best effort, segued into Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams."

That No. 1 song was off the phenomenal 1977 Grammy-winning "Rumours" album that has sold over 25 million copies and led to a cover of Tom Petty's country-rock tune, "You Wreck Me."

Nicks had a big hit with a duet with Petty on her first album, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around."

Nicks' "Sorcerer" featured a riveting solo from her longtime lead guitarist and music director, Waddy Wachtel.

Nicks stretched her voice at the tail end of "Gold Dust Woman," also from "Rumours." Here she really displayed her mystic pose in her black outfit and shawl.

"If Anyone Falls in Love," another solo number, preceded a fast-paced Bob Segar song, "Face the Promise."

There was a sweet piano introduction for "Rhiannon," the group's first hit, off "Fleetwood Mac," the 1975 No. 1 and first album with Buckingham and Nicks.

Nicks performed her famous twirl on her solo smash, "Stand Back," a No. 5 song from 1983's "Wild Heart" that had Prince on keyboards.

Nicks' voice was brilliant and Wachtel was on acoustic for the simply stunning "Landslide" from "Fleetwood Mac."

The smooth "How Still My Love," off her first album, led to solos by the drummer and percussionist.

Another of Nicks' big solo hits, "Edge of Seventeen (Just Like the White Winged Dove)" from 1982, showcased the organ.

The appreciative singer shook hands with dozens of fans along the front of the stage before returning for the encore, a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll," and her "Love Is."

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Nicks was backed up by two female singers - one her sister-in-law. The band was filled out by a bassist and second guitarist.

Nicks' popular "I Can't Wait" didn't make the song list.

Nicks and Buckingham brought a California flavor to the former British blues band of Fleetwood Mac, and they shot the group to worldwide fame when they joined the group in the mid-70s, adding harmony and exceptional songwriting.

Nicks has been nominated for seven Grammys and has inspired many female singers over the years.

Nicks was born Stephanie Nicks in Phoenix, and came out with one album with Buckingham before joining Fleetwood Mac.