Music in Jewish brothels

[Paul M. Gifford <PGIFFORD...>]

Has anyone done any research into Jewish-run houses of ill-repute,
especially in places like London and Amsterdam, in the 17th and
18th century? Or, for that matter, in Germany or Eastern Europe?

In researching dulcimer history, I've found some tantalizing bits
of information which suggests that Jewish musicians played in taverns 
in London and Dublin that were somewhat associated with prostitution.
For example, a German-born Jew, Isaac Isaacs (d. 1791), played in 
taverns in Dublin and was under contract to play weekly for a 
wealthy Dublin madam as she rode in her carriage to the races, etc. 
In a book on Covent Garden, there was a reference to at least one 
Jewish-run whorehouse or tavern in the early 18th century. 

It's well known, of course, that there used to be a lot of music in 
brothels (we all know where jazz started). My father had a job in the 
'30s playing piano accompanying the operatic voice of a West Indian 
"whoremaster" in New York City, and I've talked to American Gypsies 
who played in them in the '30s. Also, Gypsies played in Bucharest 
houses of prostitution before World War II. So what about klezmorim 
or letsonim in Central Europe? 

Paul Gifford

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