Review: Cathy Boyd, Wise Tracks

Let’s begin by acknowledging that comedy albums typically have a shorter shelf life than fresh basil. Hilarious the first time, highly amusing a second or third time when shared with friends but doomed to succumb to the law of diminishing returns. 

Even so, this live-to-tape special by American-bred, Toronto-based comedian Cathy Boyd is all kinds of fabulous, not least because her material — drawn uniquely and maybe improbably from her status as a 60-something nascent stand-up — is wholly her own, as well as clever, left-field, and largely free of profanity which few comics actually wield with anything like wit. 

Self-deprecation may be a comedic touchstone, but few can crack about having grown children who have children of their own, “which makes me a… amazing.” Boyd basks in the age thing as well she should: the turf is uncrowded. Across 14 brief minutes, Boyd — all deadpan delivery — lets the zingers rip, many with local references to prick Hogtown ears. Mostly though, her stuff in universal.

“I can remember when this face used to be able to stop traffic. I was a school crossing guard at the time.” And this: “I’m not your stereotypical comic. I have a car.” Or this: “I don’t tend to joke about the same things my younger cohorts do, especially the female comics. They all tend to have a piece about their periods. Whereas I am a period piece. Thank you.” 

No, no Ms. Boyd, thank you for an exceedingly pleasant afternoon and a powerful reminder that age is just a number, yo!

Wise Tracks was released June 5, 2020.
Listen to it here.

I Am a Period Piece · Cathy Boyd Wise Tracks ℗ 2020