SMALL FACES

After forays into pop standards, lush adult contemporary sounds, Mexican music and lullabies, Linda Ronstadt is returning to her folk-rock roots for the first time since 1982. Among the songs she’s recording for her next album, due in the spring, are Bruce Springsteen’s “If I Should Fall Behind,” Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” and two John Hiatt songs. Her band for the project includes guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench (both of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers) and guitarist Waddy Wachtel. . . .

A production deal is being finalized for Ice Cube with A&M; Records. The first release under the deal is expected to be the soundtrack to the film “Player’s Club,” which the rapper-actor directed, with a track he performed being the album’s first single. The album will be in stores in March, while the movie is due in April. Ice Cube’s own albums will continue to be released by Priority Records. . . .

The three “surviving” members of the Rutles will perform together in L.A. for the first time as part of the ninth annual Beatlefest, Friday, Saturday and next Sunday at the LAX Marriott. Len Garry, who played with John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the pre-Beatles teen skiffle band the Quarry Men, will also perform, as well as sign his new book, “John, Paul and Me.” For information, call (888) 923-2853.