Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week’s CD releases Hawkwind,”Somnia” (Cherry Red)- The pioneers of space rock have been plying their trade live and on record for well over half a century now, and the current incarnation of the band finds founder member Dave Brock working alongside drummer Richard Chadwick and bass and keyboards ace Magnus Martin. The latter’s creative contribution to the 34th Hawkwind album is also invaluable as he shares songwriting duties with the octogenarian Brock in a mildly unsettling exploration of the world of sleep and dreams. “I Can’t Get You Off My Mind,” “Strange Encounters” and the languid “Alcyone” are three of the stand-out tracks.

Reg Meuross + Harbottle & Jonas,”Songs of Love & Death” (Self Released)- This exquisite vehicle for the collective talents of singer-songwriter Reg Meuross and acclaimed folk duo Harbottle and Jonas breathes new life into some of the finest songs in the English tradition, including “Lord Franklin,” “Anachie Gordon” and “She Moved Through The Fair” to name but a few. The contents were captured for posterity in the atmospheric surroundings of a 15th century church on the fringes of Dartmoor, and Meuross’ first fully fledged venture into the world of traditional music is an unqualified success which should be required listening for discerning roots music enthusiasts everywhere.

Ashley Hutchings,”Ninety-nine Impressions” (Talking Elephant)- This thought-provoking collection was the brainchild of roots music luminary Ashley Hutchings, who embraced this opportunity to regale his listeners with some of the most memorable poetry and prose which had touched his heart over the years. Ashley’s son Blair Dunlop joins forces with Jacob Stoney,Sid Peacock and fiddler Ruth Angell to supply the evocative instrumental backdrop for a haunting spoken word performance featuring literary contributions from the likes of Graham Greene,William Blake,Thomas Hardy and Angela Carter to name but a few.