Ben Webster, a.k.a. "The Brute" or "Frog", was considered one of the three most important "swing tenors" along with Coleman Hawkins (his main influence) and Lester Young. Known affectionately as "The Brute", he had a tough, raspy, and brutal tone on stomps (with his own distinctive growls), yet on ballads he played with warmth and sentiment. Stylistically he was also indebted to alto star Johnny Hodges, who, he said, taught him to play his instrument.
Webster learned to play piano and violin at an early age, before learning to play the saxophone. Once Budd Johnson showed him some basics on the saxophone, Webster began to play that instrument in the Young Family Band (which at the time included Lester Young). Webster spent time with quite a few orchestras in the 1930s (including Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson in 1934, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Cab Calloway, and the short-lived Teddy Wilson big band).
In 1940 Ben Webster became the first major tenor soloist of Duke Ellington's orchestra. During the next three years he was on many famous recordings, including "Cotton Tail" and "All Too Soon." After three productive years of playing with Ellington, Webster left the band in an angry altercation, during which he cut up one of Ellington's suits. After leaving Ellington in 1943, Webster worked on 52nd Street in New York City; recorded frequently as both a leader and a sideman; had short periods with Raymond Scott, John Kirby, and Sid Catlett; and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic during several seasons in the 1950s.
Webster recorded a classic set with pianist Art Tatum and generally worked steadily, but in 1964 he moved permanently to join other American jazz musicians in Copenhagen, Denmark where he played when he pleased during his last decade. Although not all that flexible, Webster could swing with the best, and his tone was a later influence on such diverse players as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, Scott Hamilton, David Murray, and Bennie Wallace. In 1971 Webster reunited with Duke Ellington and his big band for a couple of shows at the Tivoli Gardens in Denmark
Ben Webster died in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 1973 and was interred in the Assistens Kirkegård in the Nørrebro section of Copenhagen.
After Webster's death, Billy Moore Jr. created The Ben Webster Foundation, together with the trustee of Webster's estate. Since Webster's only legal heir, Harley Robinson in Los Angeles, gladly assigned his rights to the foundation, The Ben Webster Foundation was confirmed by The Queen of Denmark's Seal in 1976. In the Foundation's trust deed, one of the initial paragraphs reads: "to support the dissemination of jazz in Denmark".
It is a beneficial Foundation, which channels Webster's annual royalties to musicians, both in Denmark and the U.S. An annual Ben Webster Prize is awarded to a young outstanding musician. The prize is not large, but considered highly prestigious. Over the years, several American musicians have visited Denmark with the help of the Foundation, and concerts, a few recordings, and other jazz-related events have been supported.
Webster's private collection of jazz recordings and memorabilia is archived in the jazz collections at the University Library of Southern Denmark, Odense.
Ben Webster has a street named after him in southern Copenhagen, "Ben Websters Vej" (Ben Webster's Street).
Embraceable You
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
You and you alone
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Don't be a naughty baby,
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
My sweet embraceable you!
The lyrics of Ben Webster's song, "Embraceable You," is a love song that expresses a desire to hold and be close to someone beloved. The opening line, "Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!" is a plea for intimacy, asking the person to hold the singer tightly. The use of "embraceable" and "irreplaceable" emphasize the importance of this person to the singer, as the person is not just replaceable by anyone.
The second stanza, "Just one look at you, my heart grew tipsy in me, you and you alone bring out the gypsy in me!" refers to falling in love at first sight. The singer describes being intoxicated by the sight of the person and how they bring out a carefree, adventurous side of the singer. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the desire for the person's embrace, which is described as irresistible.
The final stanza, "I love all the many charms about you, above all, I want my arms about you! Don't be a naughty baby, come to papa, come to papa, do! My sweet embraceable you!" reiterates the singer's affection and desire for the person. The emphasis on wanting to hold the person and the use of the term "naughty baby" portrays a sense of playfulness and flirtation.
Overall, "Embraceable You" is a love song that conveys a deep desire for closeness and affection with someone beloved.
Line by Line Meaning
Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hold me close, my dear and lovable companion!
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Wrap your arms around me, nobody can replace you!
Just one look at you
With a single glance at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
My heart became dizzy with delight,
You and you alone
Only you, and no one else
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Awakens a lively and adventurous spirit within me!
I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore every enchanting quality you possess!
Above all, I want my arms about you!
But more than anything, I long to hold you close!
Don't be a naughty baby,
Don't be stubborn or mischievous, my dear
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come to me, my beloved, come to me please!
My sweet embraceable you!
My lovable and huggable companion!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L., Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nadia Lynggaard
No words how beautifully Ben Webster plays! Theme is sweet !! Thanks dear Rujazz always with good taste ...
tyayasgur
Beautiful!!!!. One of my Mother's favorite songs. MAY SHE RIP!!!.' Thanks for posting.
lastknowngood0
Big Ben Blowing Terrific Tenor as always! <3
vova47
This is very pretty! Thank you, my friend, as always!
Just wanted to let you know that I have a new CD release (Roving Spirit)
It's a duo with a great Japanese bass player Satsuki Kusui. I hope you'll give it a listen and let me know what you think.
Best regards, V.S.
Ilario Schanzer Official
▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ █ 100 % Real Jazz !!!!
drummerman
Nice: How about Bob Petterutti on bass. A Legend in Rhode Island.
mizpahboy
♥ ♥ ♥ words fail me