William Shatner to perform new ‘Ponder the Mystery’ album live

William Shatner will take his latest musical project, a progressive-rock album he recorded with members of Yes and other prog-rock and fusion musicians, on the road for three Los Angeles-area performances during which he will perform “Ponder the Mystery” in its entirety.

The album, due Oct. 8, is described as a concept album “following a man in despair through the setting sun, twilight and finally darkness, and [who] in the process, regains his joy of life.” The “Star Trek”/”T.J. Hooker”/”Boston Legal” actor will be joined for the live performances by prog-rock group Circa, which features Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye, both former members of Yes.

Sherwood composed the music for Shatner’s poetry that is at the heart of the album, which also features appearances by Rick Wakeman, Al DiMeola, Steve Vai, Robbie Krieger, Vince Gill, Edgar Winter, George Duke and Dave Koz.

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Shatner, 82, has recorded several albums of his poetry over the years, including a 2004 project with musician Ben Folds, “Has Been,” that was critically well received. His 1968 album “Transformer Man” is considered a camp classic.

Shatner and Circa are scheduled to perform “Ponder the Mystery” on Oct. 23 at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, Oct. 24 at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills and Oct. 25 at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

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Twitter: @RandyLewis2