The “Jazz Age” was more than just a new type of music. It also meant a new view on life and a less strict perspective regarding the world at large. Of course, those who loved the music denied it then and still deny it now, but the music most definitely DID result in a loosening of cultural and/or societal mores.

Sexuality was more pronounced, more public, and more…varied. For the first time since God only knows when, it was okay to sing openly about sex, provided you did so with a clever wink, avoiding anything too obvious that might offend the censors. At this point in time, you’ll hear sexuality sneaking its way into some of the best-known compositions of this period. It was a glorious age, but its days were numbered.

Featured tracks include:

Embraceable You – Charlie Parker

I Can’t Give You Anything but Love – Louis Armstrong

I Wanna Be Loved by Lou – Helen Kane

Let’s Do It – Eartha Kitt

Love Me or Leave Me – Nina Simone

Lover, Come Back to Me – Mildred Bailey

Makin’ Whoopee – Eddie Cantor

Nagasaki – Rickie Lee Jones

Sonny Boy – Al Jolson

You Took Advantage of Me – Ella Fitzgerald

You’re the Cream in My Coffee – The Nat King Cole Trio

Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Louis Armstrong