RECORDS / New release

Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble: Music For The Native Americans (Capitol, CD/ tape). The ex-Band leader's third solo album is not very solo at all. He writes and plays on some of the songs on this documentary soundtrack, but his main role is to co-ordinate the Native Americans who give a taste of their traditional music (Robertson himself is of Mohawk descent). The result is rich and diverse, alien yet accessible. 'Ancestor Song' echoes the chanting that is familiar from Westerns, while, to my uncultured ears, the tinkling 'Mahk Jchi' sounds Oriental. 'Akua Tuta' melds Robertson's dusty adult-oriented rock with Innu vocals, and the chorus of 'The Golden Feather' is addictively sweet. A unique record which deserves to sell more copies than it will. Nicholas Barber THE IoS PLAYLIST Brahms, Piano Concerto No 2. Kovacevich/LPO/Sawallisch (EMI, CD). A worthy follow-up to last year's award-winning No 1, with the conviction and strength of mature artists who know what they and this music are about.

Michael White Kenny Baker's Dozen: The Boss is Home (Castle, CD/tape). The BBC trumpeter dusts off the old band-book. Lively, listener- friendly jazz with some outstanding solos. Richard Williams Bryan Ferry: Your Painted Smile (Virgin, single). Not the best thing on Mamouna, but still a fine swoony ballad. Tim de Lisle Lyle Lovett: I Love Everybody (MCA, CD/LP/tape). A crooked smile, a warped wit, and a wonderful voice. NB Johnny Cash: American Recordings (BMG/American, CD/ LP/tape). Sepulchral rumblings to lift the soul. Ben Thompson