Have you ever felt that you’re different from everyone else, and nobody truly understands you? Well, Janet McNamara seems to feel the same way. She just happened to record a whole album about it, so you’re officially no longer alone in your thinking.
Unleashing her debut comedy album Not Smart Enough, which landed on digital platforms today (January 22) via Pretty Good Friends Records, McNamara pulled up to a live audience at The Gutter in Brooklyn to showcase exactly what has brought her through the ranks over the course of her career rooted in the Boston comedy scene, with her artistically-crafted approach that mixes her low-energy demeanor with thoughtful set-ups and sharp punchlines that oftentimes come out of left field.
While every angle on workplace stresses, sex, and everyday mundane experiences may seem to be covered and then some, McNamara refreshes the venture with a point of view that carries us through nearly an hour of well-timed storytelling and jokes through the lens of someone who is hilariously vollied between being questioned about having autism, despite repeatedly being told she doesn’t have autism. Offering up vulnerability with a generous dose of blunt perspective, McNamara’s “introduction” to the world is a truly real and honest representation of why she’s been a fan favorite ‘round these parts for so many years.
In the spirit of celebrating the milestone, McNamara will headline a record release show hosted by fellow comedian and PGF Records founder Eugene Mirman on January 29 at Goofs Comedy Club in Somerville. McNamara will be joined by a number of fan favorites around the bustling Boston scene like Katie Arroyo, Emily Ruskowski, Isabel Thurston, and Ryan Howe.
JANET MCNAMARA RECORD RELEASE SHOW :: Thursday, January 29 at Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Hwy. in Somerville, MA :: 7 p.m., $25.63 to $30.75 :: Advance tickets