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).
Once In A While
Ben Webster Lyrics
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One little thought to me
Though someone else may be
Nearer your heart?
Once in a while will you dream
Of the moments I shared with you
Moments before we two
In love's smoldering ember
One spark may remain
If love still can remember
That spark may burn again
I know that I'll be contented
With yesterday's memory
Knowing you think of me
Once in a while
In love's smoldering ember
One spark may remain
If love still can remember
The spark may burn again
I know that I'll be contented
With yesterday's memory
Knowing you think of me
Once in a while
Ben Webster's song "Once in a While" is a powerful and heartfelt plea for a love that has faded away. The song speaks to the hope that even though a relationship may have ended, there is still a chance for the spark of love to be reignited. The lyrics ask the listener if, every so often, they might think of the person singing the song, even if they have moved on with someone else. The first verse asks if the listener might try to remember the singer, even if someone else is closer to their heart. The second verse asks the listener if they might dream of the moments they shared together, before they drifted apart.
The chorus of the song speaks to the idea that even though a relationship may have ended, there is a chance that the love that was once there may still exist, even if it is just a small ember that is still burning within. The singer expresses contentment with the memories of the past, knowing that the listener thinks of them "once in a while."
Overall, "Once in a While" is a touching and nostalgic song that speaks to the longing and hope that often lingers after a relationship ends.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Can you please spare some thoughts for me once in a while?
One little thought to me
I only need a small gesture from you to know that you still care.
Though someone else may be
I understand that you may be with someone else right now, but I hope you still remember me.
Nearer your heart?
Even if you are closer to someone else, do you still have a place for me in your heart?
Once in a while will you dream
Do you ever dream about the past moments we shared together?
Of the moments I shared with you
I cherish the moments we spent together and hope you do too.
Moments before we two
I'm talking about the good old days, before we drifted apart.
Drifted apart?
I hope we can still reconnect and rekindle our relationship.
In love's smoldering ember
Even though our love may have faded, there is still a small flame burning inside us.
One spark may remain
That small flame may be enough to ignite a new spark between us.
If love still can remember
If we can still remember the love we had for each other.
That spark may burn again
We might be able to reignite our love and start something new.
I know that I'll be contented
Even if we can't be together, I will still be happy knowing that you think of me.
With yesterday's memory
I hold onto the memories of our past, and they bring me happiness.
Knowing you think of me
It's enough for me to know that you still have me in your thoughts.
Once in a while
Just every so often.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind