Dave mentions Stevie's "forthcoming album" in new Billboard article

[Nikolaj]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

Stevie always rehearses, perhaps more than she should... . For the record, I hope she proves me wrong and debuts new material, and it blows everyone's socks off! I just don't see casino audiences as a very "Stevie" place to do that.

Again, I see what you're saying. But 'casino audiences' are exactly who Stevie has chosen to perform to this coming month, because she's getting her price. Stevie must be aware that her fans will be right there along with the highrollers. I think if she loves the new music, she could really go out on a limb and do a few new songs, or more even, because it's not like she has a major concert promoter to say 'you can't'- plus, I don't think anybody is successful in telling Stevie 'you can't'.
I just really think the cd is almost completed. Really, why would a RS writer with his reputation at stake, say how good what he heard was, if he had only heard the music without the lead vocals on it? I believe he heard a good handful of songs, perhaps 7, that were complete. Stevie and Dave may have finished 2 more by now.
I'm not saying it will happen, but I think it makes sense to debut a bunch of new material in these size settings. The MGM Grand in CT seats 4,000. That's not tiny, tiny. In fact, it's about the perfect size venue for her to do whatever the hell she wants to do, which is what she does, usually. I think this time around, it could mean new songs. It could also mean she'll come through with what she said on that subscription (Serius?) radio show, about doing songs like 'Sable on Blonde' and 'Wild Heart' "the next time I go out solo".
I also am very aware that it could not be that way, at all. I have seen every tour she's done since 1982. I think the tinyness of this tour may help. The first solo tour was short, and she pulled out 'Blue Lamp' and a bunch of things that hadn't been heard before. Or since!