Braff was a wonderfully characterful and melodic player with an immediately identifiable sound and unique tone on the cornet, an uncommon instrument in post-war jazz. He style was fundamentally based on that of earlier players including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Bunny Berigan but he transcended these influences to always sounds fresh, sparky and somehow modern.
He was born in Boston and began playing in local clubs in the 1940s. In 1949, he was hired to play with the Edmond Hall Orchestra. He relocated to New York in 1953 where he was much in demand for band dates and recordings.
He died February 10, 2003, in Chatham, Massachusetts.
"Sure, they’ve made statements about my supposedly combining a modern approach with a feeling for traditional forms. Well, people say all sorts of things, because they want to categorise and label. I’ve only ever had two labels. Either it’s good or it stinks." - Ruby Braff speaking in 1968
Embraceable You
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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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!
In the song "Embraceable You," Ruby Braff expresses his desire to be held by his lover, who he refers to as "my sweet embraceable you" and "you irreplaceable you." He recounts feeling intoxicated by her mere presence and how she brings out the adventurous and carefree side of him. He admits to being captivated by her many charms and expresses his longing to embrace her. The song ends with a playful plea for her to come to him and be held tightly, as he calls himself "papa."
The lyrics of "Embraceable You" capture the essence of love and desire. Ruby Braff's longing for his lover is conveyed through metaphors of inebriation and feeling carefree. He paints a picture of a love that overwhelms him, making him lose control of his senses.
Line by Line Meaning
Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hug me, my dear one and only!
Just one look at you
In an instant, upon seeing you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
My heart began to flutter and beat fast
You and you alone
No one else but you
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Evoke my wild, free spirit
I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore the many qualities that make you unique
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Most importantly, I desire to embrace you
Don't be a naughty baby,
Please don't be mischievous
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come to me, come to me, please!
My sweet embraceable you!
My dearest to hold and love!
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
@lesterwyoung
Love Al Cohn's clarinet playing!
@TheRayricardo
thank you for uploading. music for the soul. these guys are the greatest.
@richardkrochmal6028
Ruby Braff was one of the most underrated Trumpeters. Has assembled a wonderful sextet for this recording. Ruby could swing with the best of them. He shines on his cut of Stardust. Never understood why he switched from Trumpet to Cornet. Rest in peace Ruby.
@loumcconnell503
Think Ruby got a softer tone with the cornet ; worth checking out his collaboration with Buck Clayton on ‘the Essential Buck Clayton” ignore the personnel listings ; if you’re a Braff fan you’ll recognise him anyway.
@icecreamforcrowhurst
Beautiful. Jim Hall playing a bit too reticent here, his comping is practically invisible. Can’t blame I guess with Hank Jones at the keys.