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The Federation Headspinz (Cup of Tea/Iron Music) Considering this is Reprazent's live bassist Si John's band, comparisons between this and Roni Size's drum & bass supergroup are inevitable. However, apart from Si's excellent double bass playing, the two groups have nothing in common: the Federation sound is more "acid jazz" circa 1994, with the unfortunate addition of bad white-boy soul vocals. Avoid this, and go hear him play with Reprazent at their next live performance instead, on March 17. 844-1647 5/10 (Mateo)
Once on the frontlines of the rock-tronica cross-over that was the U.K.'s snappy answer to the stupidity of Yankee grunge, Curve resurface after half a decade of silence to brave the new post-Portishead world. Their hazy dream(pop)boat now navigates rockier waters, a bold if ill-advised retooling. Singer Toni Halliday can still deliver the shivers, though, as the first single "Coming Up Roses" should prove. Frankly, Come Clean is a lot like a fun but unfulfilling night in an old lover's bed. 7/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) Dave Young Inner Urge (Justin Time/Fusion III) The leader of this superb trio is an outstanding, Juno-winning bassist and his sidemen, the team of guitarist Reg Schwager and drummer Michel Lambert are two of the best-kept secrets in jazz. The well-paced program includes Cedar Walton's "Bolivia," Joe Henderson's "Urge," some Ellington, Jobim and Thad Jones as well as four by the leader. Vibraphone virtuoso Gary Burton is an added bonus on a trio of cuts. 9/10 (Len Dobbin)
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Curve Come Clean (Estupendo/Universal)