CD Review: New Releases From Legendary Artists Nik Turner, Steve Hunter, Sonja Kristina & Rick Wakeman

Musician Nik Turner, co-founder of the band Hawkwind, recently released his brand new studio album titled "Life In Space." He is following up that album's release with a month-long North American tour. Turner plays the role of your pilot for this latest sonic journey, beginning with the classic, space-rock of "End Of The World." The song carries a timeless, classic rock quality, which could place his music in any era. Next, Turner delivers the seven-minute, psychedelic mind drifter, "Why Are You?" as he continues to delivery a nostalgic sound. Turner lets you in on the "Secrets Of The Galaxy" as he rocks out with this guitar led piece, before returning to the more experimental, ambient sound of "Approaching The Unknown." Nik Turner finishes up his latest album with a visit to the past as he remakes the Hawkwind classic "Master Of The Universe," adding a more modern rock flair. For a complete list of shows and to find out more about his latest release "Life In Space," please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/NikTurnermusic.

Guitar legend Steve Hunter (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed) returns with a new solo album titled "Before The Lights Go Out." Hunter also uses this latest release to announce that this may be one of his last musical statements, due to his failing eyesight. Hunter kicks things off with the sonic blues groove of "On The Edge Of Uncertainty," which also showcases another side to his legacy. Fellow guitarist Joe Satriani lends a hand on the electrifying boogie shuffle of "Mojo Man," before Hunter continues with the country tones of "Summer's Eve." Hunter heads down south with the back country bayou strumming of "Cinder Block," then delivers the Latin flair of "Tienes Mi Corazon (You Have My Heart)." He wraps up his new album with the seven-minute journey "Under The Bodhi Tree" and the lullabye cover of "Happy Trails," which features the only vocals on the album, supplied by his wife Karen Hunter. To find out more about Steve Hunter and his latest release "Before The Lights Go Out," please visit stevehunter.com.

Legendary Curved Air singer Sonja Kristina is releasing a two-disc compilation titled "Anthology." The set features her first collection of her solo work along with exclusive newly recorded tracks. According to Sonja, these songs deal with "life and love through the decades and beautiful songs that I have had the privilege to perform and make my own." Her  ​ angelic vocals shine on the folk storytelling of "Frank Mills," before she settles into her comfort with "The Passion" and "Full Time Woman." One of the highlights of the first disc is the floating melody of "One To One" as Sonja's vocals capture the mood of the song perfectly. The second disc comes out rocking with "Devil May Care" and "San Tropez" as Sonja shows a different side to her solo work. The gentle touch of "I Don't Believe A Word" highlights her beautiful vocals, before closing this set with the progressive rock appeal of "Love Child" and the grand delivery of "Citadel." To find out more about Sonja Kristina and her new solo collection "Anthology," please visit sonjakristina.com.

The 1984 erotic thriller "Crimes Of Passion" may not have turned many heads when it was released in movie theaters, but it's soundtrack has become a cult collectors dream. The movie revolves around human relationships and mental illness and starred Kathleen Turner and Anthony Perkins. As the film brought upon negative reviews, fans sought out the film's soundtrack, which was scored by Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Now the soundtrack is being re-released on CD and includes a bonus track that features Maggie Bell on vocals. The mostly instrumental album begins with the eighties rock number "It's A Lovely Life" that features Swedish vocalist Maggie Bell, as she gives her all to this opening track. Wakeman works his magic on the songs "Eastern Shadows" and "The Stretch" and all their eighties glory. He delivers the blues with "Stax," before returning the energy of "Taken In Hand." The bonus track, "Dangerous Woman" has a pop/rock vibe that would climb up any eighties music chart. To find out more about this album, please visit rwcc.com.