MST & The A-List
"Stick It In Your Ear"
(Swallow Hard Records)

Mary-Sue Tobin has played in every kind of band imaginable: rock, blues, jazz, reggae, punk, you name it. And every one of those musical experiences are obviously meaningful to her, because "Stick It In Your Ear" -- her debut as a bandleader -- brings them all together into a melding of tripped-out funk, smooth jazz, Jamaican rhythms, and metal riffs.

The line-up of MST & The A-List is a kickin' one. Headed by Tobin, an accomplished singer, pianist, and saxophonist, the group is rounded out by musicians who have played with, or are currently playing with, such bands as Herbie Hancock, Pink Martini, The Instigators, and Curtis Salgado. What really makes this album tight, though, is the horn section of Tobin, Gavin Bondy, Mel Kubik, and Danny Lamb; the jazzy "Gypsies" floats along with a soft, mellow trumpet tone reminiscent of Miles Davis, and "Bite Me" smolders with a crisp, funky horn backing.

"Stick It In Your Ear" has a predominantly hip-hop feel due to Tobin's rapping delivery, sounding almost like Spearhead at times, but intermittent, heavily distorted guitar-licks by Newell Briggs and Kevin Russell surprisingly take songs in a drastically different direction. Such tunes as "Don't Let It Get You Down" and "Pocket" have a mishmash of R&B, reggae, and metal riffs; one minute your groovin' on some sweet tropical beats and then you're suddenly ripped from this mellow head-space and thrown into a high-speed tailspin.

On the other hand, when it comes to a complete, beautiful song, look no further than "Edie." Written in loving memory of Nevi A. Russell, it is one of the strongest songs on the album, both lyrically and musically. Tobin's vocal style shines, and the percussion of Pink Martini's Brian Davis is the perfect compliment.

"Stick It In Your Ear" takes the listener on a trip varying in styles, moods, and beats -- mirroring Tobin's musical journey so far. Where will she take us next? -- Curtis Waterbury, CitySearch.com Music Editor