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).
Time After Time
Ben Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The moon is my light of love
In the night, I am quite a romancer
I find an answer above
To being me consolation, you're my inspiration
This is my imagination.
Time on my hands, you in my arms
Once and for all, I'll see my dreams come true
Moments to spare for someone you care for
Our love affair for two
With time on my hands and you in my arms
And love in my heart all for you.
The song "Time on My Hands" is a love ballad written by Vincent Youmans, Harold Adamson, and Mack Gordon in 1930. Ben Webster recorded the song in 1957, and it has since become a classic jazz standard. The lyrics express a romantic mood and the desire for love and companionship in moments of solitude.
The first two lines describe the transition between day and night, and how the moon becomes a source of light and love. The singer then proclaims himself as a "romancer" at night, finding solace and inspiration in the stars. The following lines reveal his longing for love, and how the person he cares for provides him with consolation and motivation. The final verse is a declaration of his love, promising to make his dreams come true with the help of the person he loves. The song's structure reflects the singer's inner dialogue, starting with the external world and gradually becoming more personal and emotional.
Overall, "Time on My Hands" is a testament to the power of love as a source of comfort, inspiration, and motivation. The universal theme of longing for companionship in moments of solitude, and the romantic imagery of moonlight and starry nights, make it an enduring classic.
Line by Line Meaning
When the day fades away into twilight
As the day comes to an end and dusk sets in
The moon is my light of love
I rely on the moon to guide me and symbolize my affection
In the night, I am quite a romancer
During the night, I become a passionate lover
I find an answer above
I look to the heavens for answers
To being me consolation, you're my inspiration
You provide me comfort and serve as my creative muse
This is my imagination.
My vivid imagination helps me cope with reality
Time on my hands, you in my arms
With free time and you as my companion
Nothing but love in view, then you fall
All I see is love, until you surrender to me
Once and for all, I'll see my dreams come true
This is the moment where I finally achieve my aspirations
Moments to spare for someone you care for
I have time to devote to the person I cherish
Our love affair for two
Our exclusive romantic relationship
With time on my hands and you in my arms
We have plenty of time together and I can hold you close
And love in my heart all for you.
My affection is solely focused on you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Adamson, Mack Gordon, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BoBo Le Roy
This is real belly rubbing music. Ben Webster, schooled by Johnny Hodges. One of the most beautiful tones on Tenor. After ten or twelve shots this cat can reduce a strong man to tears.
Jesus Soto
Gracias por colgar este tema, es sencillamente mágico.
Andy Somy
++++ my favorite jazz-man, dreamy, melcoholy shows how our society has distanced itself from these feelings....
Mike Steen
Happy to discover such a good track! What a sound!
Akawette
i've got so much love for this version, so soothing & languishing, YUM.
Debb Starr
Nothing compares to great sax. :)
customkey
Simply beautiful !!!!
Andy Galbiati
Ben Webster, one of the all-time heavyweights! He should go down in history as one of the Grandaddies of soul.
Mrguitarman187
timeless time after time
davesk2
The liner comments on the original vinyl album (by Brian Priestley and Leonard Feather): 'On the ballad, "Time After Time" Johnson and Coleman sit out, leaving Webster to break our hearts all by himself.'