New Recordings

Levon Helm gets sole billing on the front cover of this live set recorded at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in September 2008. But as with the group in which he became famous, the Band, Helm is actually part of a highly accomplished and well-oiled ensemble. The 71-year-old singer, drummer, and mandolinist can't handle front-man duties all the time because his recovery from throat cancer has robbed his Arkansas tenor of much of its robustness. He sings on only about half the tracks here, and you can hear the strain, even if he does bring his usual soul.

Still, Ramble at the Ryman is a rich, freewheeling foray through American roots music, from R&B, jug band, and rock-and-roll through country, folk, and Cajun - including, of course, Band classics such as "Rag Mama Rag," "The Shape I'm In," and "The Weight." Helm's 12-member band, including daughter Amy and multi-instrumental virtuoso Larry Campbell, is augmented by guests including Buddy Miller, Sheryl Crow, and John Hiatt, who all make strong vocal contributions to an evening of joyously spirited music.

- Nick Cristiano

The Levon Helm Band, with Sunny War, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside. Tickets: $39.50 and $59.50. Phone: 215-572-7650.

Jazz

Jane Bunnett & Hilario Durán

Cuban Rhapsody

(ALMA ****)

Soprano saxophonist and flutist Jane Bunnett joins with pianist Hilario Durán on what is likely to be one of the top recordings of the year. Their duets cover compositions from the 19th century to the 1960s; that means they are romantic and unspoiled.

Bunnett comes by her love of Cuban music honestly. She's Canadian, and compensates by having a 25-year obsession with the island's amazing vibe. Durán is a much-lionized native Cubano whose Latin Jazz Big Band is a going concern, and their duets are just the lightest thing going.

The two wend through the Cuban canon with such deftness that you find yourself yearning for a mojito. Duran is a subtle cat who continually lands on intriguing stuff. Bunnett revels in the lightness of being that results.

- Karl Stark

Classical

Adams
Son of Chamber Symphony and String Quartet

International Contemporary Ensemble, John Adams conducting. St. Lawrence String Quartet.

(Nonesuch ****)