The pleasures of drinking have been celebrated in music throughout history, and on 'Rhythm & Booze' we've gathered together a selection of tracks written specifically on the subject of alcohol, with the occasional reference to the female of the species. The tracks are all from the height of the R&B era (the 1940's-1950's), pre-rock 'n' roll. Heavy drinking has always been over-glamorized and certainly after World War II excessive behaviour was tolerated and accepted, rather than frowned upon. For the first time many people had a disposable income; money in their pocket to spend as they wished. Lounges and late-night clubs sprung up all over the place, either featuring live acts or housing a jukebox. Big swing bands were replaced with smaller ensembles, with a tinkling piano or honking sax as the main focus of the group. A style called 'jump blues' became popular - an energetic and often humorous form of R&B.