Tracey Ashley has ‘Two First Names’

Tracey Ashley has ‘Two First Names’

Tracey Ashley is an up-and-coming comedienne perhaps best known as one of the featured comics on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing 5” and Wanda Sykes’s OWN Network special “Herlarious.”  She has also co-hosted  TVLAND’s “Prime Movies”, been named Campus Activities magazine’s Best Female Performer and is also a recognizable voice talent.  Her recent release, recorded live in Minnesota, contains 14 cuts and is titled Two First Names.

Tracey Ashley has ‘Two First Names’

It opens appropriately enough with the introductory “Where It All Started” which oddly enough seems like a much needed audience warm-up.  She quickly moves on to “Break the News”, “Hippopotamus” and “Interracial Marriage” as she wins over her audience with humor that is perhaps even funnier at times when one can see her perform.  (Yes, Ms. Ashley, those of us who date black women are just like your man: we “don’t care what they’re thinking as long as they’re thinking ‘he must have a big d*ck’.”)

She pulls off a decent Oprah Winfrey impersonation on “Homeschooled” before going into “DINKs” (which features the prerequisite Wal*Mart reference and “My Favorite Word” (which she says is “t*tties”).  She keeps it going with “Trust My Guy” which reveals the insanity behind the author here.  Another almost required bit for female comics is “Time for a Female President” which unfortunately almost already dates the disc.

She segues into “Happy Travels” which if not for the Mayberry-like references and revelatory racist duel routine would also be little more than another expected bit.  Next is the titular track “Two First Names” which reveals a low level of tolerance for stupid people . . . (something your rockin’ reviewer can totally appreciate).

Her tales of travel continue with “Trip to Maine” which touches on topical humor topics such as gay marriage.  “Sugar Dealer” does the same thing with eating disorders.  It’s still unclear what a “gay demon” or “sugar dealer” look like though.

Tracey Ashley has ‘Two First Names’

The closing cut is “The Pot Experience” It’s a solid album end-note that includes a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.  Overall, Tracey Ashley’s album is an entertaining albeit occasionally explicit offering.  It exemplifies her story-telling skills and reveals her previous experience in clubs and college campus venues across the country.   Check out Tracey Ashley’s Two First Names and learn more of her “Happy Travels”.

 (Images courtesy of Tracey Ashley)