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
When Lights Are Low
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
The lyrics of Ruby Braff's song When Lights Are Low evoke a romantic and dreamy tone. The melody is described as entrancing and blends in softly and sweetly as the dancers sway to its fascinating strains. The music is described as soothing and slow, with the strains of a mellow 'cello adding to its mellowness. The song creates an intimate atmosphere, with two hearts revealing and lips meeting softly and tenderly as they surrender to the enchanting music when the lights are low.
The lyrics also create an aura of happiness with their imagery of hearts beating joyfully like the ocean beating upon the sand, and the dancers' feet moving in rhythm with the band's music. The song emphasizes the transformative power of music, with life becoming more appealing and inspired when two hearts are in each other's arms and lost in the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the melody entrancing
Pay attention to the captivating melody
Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
Mixing in a gentle and pleasant tune
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
As we dance around the floor, my dear
Swaying to a fascinating strain
Moving to an intriguing musical composition
Sweet music soft and mellow
Gentle and soothing melodies
Soothing and slow
Calming and leisurely
Strains of a mellow 'cello
Sounds of a gentle cello
When lights are low
In the darkness of dimmed lights
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
My dear, we are intimately close and I love you deeply
Why think about the weather
Why bother with thoughts of the weather
Two hearts revealing
Two hearts baring themselves
Music hath charms
Music has the power to enchant
Life's so appealing
Life becomes so alluring
With inspiration, in your arms
With inspiration while held in your embrace
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Our lips are gently and tenderly meeting
Love's all aglow
Love is radiant and shining
Why shouldn't we surrender
Why not surrender to this love
Listen how happy hearts are beating
Hear the sound of joyous hearts beating
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
Just like the ocean beats against the sand
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
And our feet repeat in rhythm
Ev'ry little movement of the band
Every small movement of the band
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benny Carter, Spencer Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeffrey Craven
Couple of my favorite horn players, Braff and Hamilton. Comping on piano perfect. I hate rock though I made some money playing the crap.
John Whitehead
VERY NICE - THANK YOU
John Whitehead
MAGIC
William Mccall
John Bunch swinging the piano, as well..........