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).
Moonlight In Vermont
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Falling leaves a sycamore
Moonlight in Vermont
Gentle finger waves
Ski trails down a mountain side
Snow light in Vermont
As they travel each bend in the road
And when people meet, in this romantic setting
They're so hypnotized be the lovely
Evening summer breeze
Sweet warblings of the meadowlark
Moonlight in Vermont
The lyrics of Ben Webster's "Moonlight In Vermont" evoke a serene and picturesque scene of nature in the beautiful state of Vermont. The song captures the essence of a peaceful evening immersed in the wonders of nature. The opening lines, "Pennies in a stream, falling leaves a sycamore" paint a vivid picture of autumn, with the leaves falling gently amidst a stream. The mention of "moonlight in Vermont" brings attention to the serene and romantic atmosphere created by the moon's gentle glow over the landscape.
The song continues to describe the beauty of Vermont, mentioning "gentle finger waves" indicative of a calm breeze blowing through the area. The "ski trails down a mountainside" conjure images of winter sports and the pristine white snow that covers the mountains in Vermont, adding to the natural charm of the scenery. It highlights the tranquility and beauty that is often associated with this state.
The lyrics also mention "telegraph cables" that sing down the highway, symbolizing the presence of modernity in this idyllic setting. Despite the intrusion of technology, people who meet in Vermont's romantic ambiance become captivated by the lovely evening summer breeze and the sweet warblings of the meadowlark. This emphasizes the power of nature's beauty to enchant and mesmerize individuals.
Overall, "Moonlight In Vermont" presents a peaceful and enchanting scene of Vermont, portraying the harmony between nature and the romantic atmosphere it creates.
Line by Line Meaning
Pennies in a stream
Small, insignificant, and ephemeral moments of joy and beauty
Falling leaves a sycamore
Nature's graceful and constant cycle of change
Moonlight in Vermont
The ethereal and enchanting atmosphere of Vermont under the moonlight
Gentle finger waves
Delicate and soothing gestures that create a peaceful and comforting ambiance
Ski trails down a mountain side
The thrilling and adventurous spirit of winter sports in Vermont
Snow light in Vermont
The soft and luminous glow that snow brings to the landscape in Vermont
Telegraph cables--how they sing down the highway
The technological advancement that connects people and brings communication
As they travel each bend in the road
The constant flow and movement of information through the telegraph cables
And when people meet, in this romantic setting
The magical and captivating environment that brings people closer
They're so hypnotized be the lovely
They become spellbound and captivated by the enchanting surroundings
Evening summer breeze
The refreshing and gentle wind that carries the essence of a summer evening
Sweet warblings of the meadowlark
The beautiful songs and melodies of nature's creatures, expressing joy and harmony
Moonlight in Vermont
The continued allure and captivating aura of Vermont under the moonlight
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John M. Blackburn, Karl Suessdorf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AMT
Breathtaking ....
AMT
Sensational ....