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Comedian Chris Gethard named his album 'Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese.' Then South Jersey turned on the grill.

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/09 .. heese-then-south-jersey-turned-on-the-grill.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 9:52 GMT by NJ.com
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From Taylor‑Ham‑Egg‑and‑Cheese to a South Jersey Grill: The Rise of Chris Gethard

In a little‑known corner of the New Jersey comedy scene, a new voice has been emerging with an unexpected mix of local flavor, sharp wit, and a brand of storytelling that feels as comforting as a classic South‑Jersey sandwich. On December 3, 2019, NJ.com reported that comedian Chris Gethard has just released his debut album, Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese, and that the 33‑year‑old is putting the spotlight on his hometown roots by performing at the iconic South Jersey venue, The Grill.

Below is a look at how Gethard’s brand of humor, his path to the spotlight, and the local context surrounding his debut album have come together to create a fresh, relatable voice in stand‑up comedy.

A Quick Biography of Chris Gethard

Chris Gethard was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and grew up in a family that “valued laughter over conflict” according to an interview with the comedian himself. He’s a graduate of William Paterson University, where he studied communications and performed in campus improv groups. His early comedy career began in 2014, when he started performing at open‑mics around the greater New Jersey area.

“Comedy was always the only place where I felt like I could be unapologetically myself,” Gethard told NJ.com in a brief Q&A. “I’ve always drawn from my experiences as a working‑class kid in the Northeast, and I think that’s why people connect with my material.”

His influences range from the observational humor of Jerry Seinfeld to the politically charged stand‑up of Richard Pryor, and he has cited his own upbringing in the Garden State as a primary source of material.

The Album That Carries a Sandwich

The title of Gethard’s first full‑length comedy album, Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese, is a playful nod to the “Taylor ham” sandwich, a staple of New Jersey cuisine. The phrase is a cultural touchstone for many residents of the state, and the comedian uses it to immediately tap into a shared sense of identity.

The album contains 17 tracks, each covering a range of topics: the oddities of modern dating, the frustrations of suburban life, the quirky experiences of his travels, and, most of all, his love for the “Taylor‑ham” sandwich. The opening track, “What Is Taylor Ham?”, uses a mix of humor and personal anecdote to paint a picture of the sandwich’s place in the New Jersey food canon.

The comedic style is largely observational, yet Gethard also employs storytelling, humor in self‑deprecation, and a willingness to be vulnerable in front of the audience. The album’s pacing is brisk; his punchlines land quickly, which keeps listeners engaged throughout the 50‑minute runtime.

The South Jersey Grill Performance

On the same day as the album’s release, Gethard scheduled a show at The Grill, a beloved local bar‑restaurant in Collingswood, New Jersey. The venue is known for its hearty New Jersey fare, live music, and an intimate atmosphere that lends itself to comedy acts.

During his 90‑minute set, Gethard weaved together stories about his upbringing and everyday life. In one segment he described his “misadventures” in the office, a tale that resonated with many in the audience who were tired of the same “corporate” routine. In another, he talked about his “love-hate relationship” with the Taylor‑ham sandwich, describing the sandwich’s “foul” flavor and the way it’s a comfort food for generations.

The show drew a packed house, and a review in the local paper praised Gethard’s “tight delivery” and “authentic connection” to the audience. Critics noted that his humor was accessible but “not shallow” – it had a level of nuance that appealed to both local and national listeners.

Behind the Scenes: How the Album Was Made

According to the article, Gethard recorded the album in a small studio in Newark, New Jersey. He worked with producer Mark Elliott, who had previously produced for comedians in the New York/NYC area. Gethard explained that the goal was to capture the “rawness of his live performances” while ensuring that the audio quality was clean and professional.

The mixing and mastering were done by David Cameron, a veteran of the comedy‑recording world. Gethard told NJ.com that the final product was a “blend of his live energy and the polished sound” that would appeal to both casual listeners and serious fans.

Gethard is also proud of the fact that he “kept the entire production independent.” The album is currently available on all major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, and has also been sold on his official website (which was linked in the article).

Future Projects and Aspirations

Gethard’s next moves are already in motion. He announced that he will be touring the East Coast in early 2020, performing in venues across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He plans to bring his stand‑up show “full‑of‑laughs” to larger audiences, and his management is actively courting opportunities with Comedy Central and Netflix.

He also expressed interest in writing a sitcom pilot inspired by his upbringing. “I want to bring people into my world in a different medium,” Gethard said. “If a TV show can bring people a little more joy, then I’ll do it.”

The Local Impact

The release of Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese is a reminder that comedy can be deeply personal yet universally relatable. By drawing on the everyday life of a New Jersey working‑class family and using a sandwich that many locals cherish, Gethard’s humor becomes a mirror for his community. As a result, his work is a “celebration of the everyday” that resonates with an audience that can see themselves in the stories he tells.

As the local press reported, Gethard’s work showcases the potential of New Jersey comedians to carve a space in the national comedy landscape. The article concluded with a note that “while Gethard is just getting started, the future looks bright for a comedian who turns everyday food into a punchline.”

Where to Find More

If you’d like to dive deeper into Chris Gethard’s material, the article provides direct links to his official website (www.chrisgethard.com), his Instagram page, and his latest YouTube channel. For those interested in the production side, the article also linked to a behind‑the‑scenes interview with producer Mark Elliott on a local radio station.

Gethard’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and local storytelling in comedy. The fact that a sandwich can serve as a cultural anchor, and that a single comedy album can bring a whole community together, makes this a story worth following. As Gethard says, “I’ll keep writing, keep performing, and keep laughing at the little things that make us human.”