Keswick Review: Lock Haven Express

[michelej1]

Lock Haven Express, 10-28-08

http://www.lockhaven.com/page/conten....html?nav=5003

By JACQUELYN PLESSINGER — For The Express

Fleetwood Mac frontman wows Pa. audience

Lindsey Buckingham, lead guitarist and visionary producer of Fleetwood Mac, dazzled a sold-out crowd at the Keswick Theater in Glenside as part of a tour to support his latest solo CD, Gift of Screws.

Buckingham came out on stage wearing his signature blue jeans, black t-shirt, and black leather jacket.

His guitar pulsated through the theater during his opening number, "Great Day," a song which showcased his unique finger-picking style.

For the first time in over 11 years, Buckingham performed "Trouble" and "Go Insane," both solo hits from the '80s, with a full backup band.

Although this rich version lacked the intimacy of Buckingham's previous self-accompanied, guitar-only performances, the now fast-paced "Trouble" created a dynamic sound that came to a peak with Buckingham screaming, "I think I'm in trouble," over and over, building the song to a potent climax and leaving the audience cheering for more.

Between songs, the audience took turns shouting out song requests.

When one audience member shouted, "Just play the guitar," Buckingham got a huge smile on his face as he strapped on a new guitar and launched right into the next tune.

"Tusk," a Fleetwood Mac hit, took the audience back to the original version recorded with the USC Trojan marching band.

The tension in the music slowly built and came to a peak with a pre-recorded track of a marching band flawlessly mixing with Buckingham's lead guitar, the driving beat of drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., and the accompaniment of bassist Brett Tuggle and rhythm guitarist Neale Heywood.

Buckingham took time out between songs to explain their meanings, including his virtuoso performance of "Big Love," a stand-out piece with a single guitar and vocal.

He said, "There's a line that says, 'Looking out for love,' and I realize now that I was not really looking out for love, I was looking out for love," as he held up his hand, as if to say "Stop!"

He carefully placed his fingers on the neck of the guitar, while he held up his strumming hand and quickly shook it as if to prepare it for some very hard work.

The effect, as he began to play without a pick, sounded as if two guitars were playing simultaneously, moving faster and faster as the song came to a climax, ending with his vocal of, "Oooh...Ah...Oooh...Ah."

Buckingham's passion was most evident on the song, "Come," from Fleetwood Mac's last studio recording Say You Will, as he slowly built up the tempo alone on his guitar, singing, "Can you feel the fever?"

Suddenly, he exploded into the chorus, and all at once, the band kicked in full force. The house lights lit up the theater and aroused the audience as Buckingham ripped through a spellbinding guitar solo.

Toward the end of the evening, Buckingham performed another song showcasing his genius ability on lead guitar in the bluesy number, "I'm So Afraid."

During the six-minute guitar solo, Buckingham closed his eyes and held his head back, revealing his heart, soul, and emotion through his fingers plucking the strings on his electric Rick Turner.

The screaming vibrations rippled out into the audience as he played in the incandescent glow of red lights, instantly connecting the audience with his spirit.

Buckingham is clearly in his glory while performing the innovative music of Gift of Screws as well as new takes on old favorites.

His sweet tenor was strong and true throughout the evening.

He played his guitar with passion and soul-as if he were fighting for his very existence-reminding his listeners that with age come experience and wisdom-and on this tour, he intimately shares that with all those privileged to enter his world and experience his music firsthand.