February 16, 2001 15:14

AS YOU IKE IT

'Here And Now', the first album from Tina's charming hubby since 1978, is set to be released in May...

IKE TURNER is completing work on new album 'HERE AND NOW', due for a May release, and is also planning to head out on a US tour.

The guitarist, best known for his often turbulent, abusive marriage to Tina Turner, has been working on the record with sometime Al Green producer Willie Mitchell. According to www.sonicnet.com, it is due for release on May 22.

A version of 'Rocket 88' will be included on the release. Viewed by some as the very first rock'n'roll record, it was originally recorded by Turner in 1951, even though Sun Records attributed it to Jackie Brenston And The Delta Cats.

Turner will play at this March's South By Southwest music festival/conference in Austin, Texas, before heading out on tour.

His last solo album was 'I'm Tore Up', released in 1978.