Fine Gentleman's Club to record album at Comedy Works on Halloween

By Josiah M. Hesse Tue., Oct. 30 2012 at 10:59 AM

Categories: Comedy

Crystal Allen Photography

Known for their wild, unpredictable comedy nights at Deer Pile, as well as several open mics around town, the Fine Gentleman's Club comedy co-op will attempt to put chaos to order on Halloween, when they record a live album at Comedy Works. "One of my favorite comedy albums, Dave Attell's Skanks for the Memories, was recorded at Comedy Works," says FGC comedian Sam Tallent. "Everyone wants to record at Comedy Works. We lucked out."

The Fine Gentleman's Club's live album will be put out by Hot Congress, a local indie-rock label that previously only dealt with musicians. "Before I got to know Hot Congress, I didn't know that all my favorite bands were on their label," says Tallent. Like Illegal Petes's Greater Than Collective, Hot Congress is now pushing the cultural link between rock shows and standup comedy, a move that started this summer when it co-sponsored FGC's Too Much Funstival, a three-day event that paired the label's bands with local comedians.

"Hot Congress is going to put the album out on vinyl," says Tallent, who will be sharing time on it with fellow FGC comics Chris Charpentier, Bobby Crane and Nathan Lund. "I feel a lot of pressure on my shoulders. We're not only representing ourselves, we're representing Hot Congress, Comedy Works and Denver. It's not so much about our own personal gain -- we're going to tour on this, and let people know how righteous shit is in Denver.

"I imagine this is the first time most of our fans have been to Comedy Works," he continues. "They don't usually get to go to shows there. They work late hours as students or in the service industry."

Tallent not only relates to the working-class, DIY worldview, it's become part of the Fine Gentleman's Club's identity within the alternative comedy movement. Having come up in the punk scene, touring and recording with his band Red Vs. Black, Tallent has developed a disciplined work ethic, and released two solo comedy albums this year alone. "I feel like there are a lot of comics who are just waiting," he muses. "Waiting to get booked, waiting for someone to take them on the road, waiting for their first TV credit. But you can't wait. You don't have to. Just put on a show."

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