Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 1

Martin Lawrence hosts Def Comedy Jam All Stars, Vol. 1 with his usual loose-limbed aplomb. Lawrence doesn't so much tell jokes as create an atmosphere of enjoyment. He makes fun of the audience, runs around the stage, twists his elastic face into a variety of shapes; it's not so much funny as just fun. The other comedians on this compilation of standup routines are a mixed bag of newcomers and old hands, ranging from J. Anthony Brown, who does a precise imitation of someone moistening his Jheri-curls, to Adele Givens, who describes getting an orgasm during her pap smear. Sex is a primary topic; most everyone relies on sex talk to get a strong audience response. Even D.L. Hughley, the strongest performer of the bunch aside from Lawrence, touches on it--but he's smart enough to make it just one element among many. Hughley manages to talk about topics like Magic Johnson's announcement that he has AIDS and Desert Storm without seeming pointedly political. He makes some clear-eyed observations without losing a moment of humor. But one of the most engaging aspects of Def Comedy Jam is the audience itself. Unlike white audiences, who laugh but generally maintain a calm demeanor, African American audiences jump out of their seats when they're having a good time. It's infectious and gives the show some added juice. --Bret Fetzer