There are times, especially on first exposure, when this fine collection of neo-traditional Native American music seems cursed by the spectre of that other, not-so-great Native American musical tradition: Hollywood's innumerable "ugga-bugga" kitschifications of it. But that curse quickly fades as the real soul and substance of these 17 selections from recent recordings by ten Native American artists/groups transforms old cliches into fresh insights.

Do expect to hear lots of entrancing chanting, an abundance of virtuosically fleet and expressive wood flute playing, and, of course, the frequent thud of deep toms and the rattle and sizzle of other percussion instruments too.

But also expect a few surprises. Like the a capella healing chants of Primeaux, Mike & Attson: With their mellow, feather-gentle voices and honey-sweet harmonies, you have to keep reminding yourself this isn't South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo. And check out the appealing Native/jazz fusion of trumpeter Charles Jefferson and ensemble. On "500 Drums," a traditional pow-wow "groove" is gradually overlayed by Jefferson's breezy jazz trumpet and a mellow brass section. As the groove heats up, this unique worldbeat recipe really gets to cookin'.

Think of this one as a very satisfying snapshot of the living tradition of Native American music.