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
Ghost Of A Chance
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming
The above lyrics are taken from Ruby Braff's song Ghost Of A Chance. The song is about a person who is deeply in love with someone but knows that they don't stand a chance to be with them because that person is surrounded by other lovers. The lyrics express the desire of the person to be with their love, despite the reality that they can never be with them. The persona of the song is willing to do anything to win the love of the person they love, but they know that they are just dreaming and that their love will never be fulfilled.
The song Ghost Of A Chance is a classic jazz standard that has been recorded by several musicians, including Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, and Tony Bennett. The song was composed by Victor Young in 1932, with lyrics written by Ned Washington and Bing Crosby. The song appeared in the movie "Night After Night," which starred George Raft and Mae West. The song became an instant hit and has since been recorded by several jazz musicians.
The lyrics of the song express a feeling that is familiar to many people, the feeling of being in love but knowing that it can never be. The music and the lyrics work together to create a haunting and melancholic mood that captures the essence of the feeling of unrequited love. The song is a poignant reminder of the power of love and how it can both lift us up and break our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I passionately desire and crave your love with intense longing
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
However, I am aware that my chances are hopeless and nonexistent
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed that I had finally discovered you, but now see that other admirers are present
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Which affirms my previous notion that my chances with you are impossible
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you would only give in and kiss me gently
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
Then you might realize that I am the one you are meant to be with
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be faithful and loyal to you, but there is no point in planning or plotting
I know I must be dreaming
I am aware that this hope is nothing more than a fanciful dream
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind