Marc Maron is the rarest breed of comic. All comics go for laughs and in that regard Maron ranks among the top. He is extremely funny. But at any given time in comedy history there are a very small number of comics who don't stop there. Standup for them is a higher calling, a search for fundamental truths, an exploration of self. The laughs have to be infused with some insights, some revelations, some confession. They transcend the classic joke structure and standup becomes like jazz; largely improvisational, fully connected to the moment but with a thorough mastery of the craft.
 Maron describes his comedy as being an ongoing conversation with his audience. He does his writing on the stage. He is happiest when he has no idea what's going to happen next and thrives on being in situations where he has to rely on his wits alone. He takes big chances. At the same time his decades of experience make him a skilled and capable practitioner of what he likes to call "doing the job of comedy". He has appeared everywhere a standup comic can appear on stage and television.
And on March 21st he'll be making his first Cleveland appearance at the Grog Shop on Coventry.
Maron's career has been a rollercoaster. His one man show "Jerusalem Syndrome" had an extended off-Broadway run in 2000 and was released in book form in 2001. He has appeared regularly on David Letterman, Tough Crowd, and 44 times on Conan O'Brian, more than any other comic. He has done HBO and Comedy Central specials. He has released 3 CDs - "Not Sold Out" (2002), "Tickets Still Available" (2006), and "Final Engagement" (2009).
And he was one of the pioneer performers on Air America. Maron co-hosted a show with Sam Sedar called "Morning Sedition" that brought politically tinged humor to the station. It was a wildly popular show and garnered a very loyal following. Then came executive Danny Goldberg. Goldberg did not "get" the comedy. He didn't like the satire or the anger. Maron's contract was not renewed. Morning Sedition was cancelled over the strident objections and petitions by loyal fans. In many people's minds, this marked the beginning of the rapid decay of Air America. Air America is gone. Marc Maron is still here.
Maron's latest undertaking is the exceptionally good podcast "What The Fuck". Recorded in his garage in California or in hijacked radio stations when in New York, this podcast showcases both Maron's humor and wit as well as his skills as a radio personality and interviewer. Each show centers around guest interviews of mostly people in the comedy business. They range from the extremely well known like Dave Attell, Janeane Garafalo, Bill Burr, Doug Stanhope; to lesser known working comics like Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Peretti, and Matt Braunger. Of course there is the occasional detour to interview a porn star or the guy who does "Metalocolypse". Pepper this with the occasional live taping at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theater with a cast of many, and you have a pretty varied and entertaining show.
What makes WTF stand out above other podcasts is the ease with which Maron engages in conversations and the depth his guest are willing to go. This sounds more like friends shooting the shit over beers than any kind of interview. But the quality of the conversation is exceptional. It goes behind the scenes of the entertainment industry and gives you a rare glimpse into what the day to day lives of the people who entertain us are really like. They're not afraid to delve into the seedy, unglamorous aspects of the business and the personal insecurities and quirks of the people who make their living from it. It's as real as it gets and it's fascinating.
Do yourself these favors:
1) DO NOT MISS this rare Cleveland appearance Sunday March 21st at the Grog Shop.
2) Listen to this episode of F You Marconi. I interview Maron and it is a truly interesting discussion of the realities of standup and what motivates someone to do such an unlikey thing.
3) Subscribe and listen to WTF at http://wtfpod.com or search for WTF in Itunes. |
