Review of Bawdy Jokes & Patter Songs

[roddma]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Bawdy Jokes & Patter Songs" by Denny Hatch.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I didn't know what a patter song was until I read Bawdy Jokes and Patter Songs. Patter songs are musical compositions characterized by their fast-paced and witty lyrics. Hatch carefully curates a collection of songs from different genres and eras, showcasing the comedic aspect of these often overlooked pieces. The inclusion of these songs provides a unique addition to the book, giving readers a chance to explore humor through a different medium.

Bawdy jokes, characterized by their explicit or suggestive content, have a rich historical tradition in various forms of entertainment, including theater, vaudeville, and cabaret. These jokes often rely on double entendres, wordplay, and innuendos to elicit laughter from the audience.

Denny Hatch is a humorist, author, and reviewer who has made a significant impact on the world of comedy and satire. His witty commentary and insightful critiques have solidified his position as an authority in his field.

On a scale of one to five, I rate Bawdy Jokes and Patter Songs a four. I give it this rating because I don't find some of the jokes funny. Also, Bawdy jokes and patter songs, while entertaining, can often stir controversy. Their innuendos and explicit themes can offend some,leading to criticism. For example, in the first few jokes, there is a joke where a lady requests a monogram on napkins with explicit letters.

What I like is the author includes the YouTube links,so they can listen for themselves. The author's neutral tone also lets readers form their own opinions. While some readers may get offended,it pushes back against puritanical culture.

Top entertainers like Cole Porter often had to edit their musicals and omit "irreverent usage of God". Norman Mailer was required to remove an explicit word in "The Naked and the Dead" before it could be published. I still recommend it for readers who want to read something different.

******
Bawdy Jokes & Patter Songs
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon