SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP

JAZZ ENSEMBLE, GRADE 1

PROGRAM NOTES

Surrey With the Fringe on Top is a song from the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!”. It became a standard song among jazz musicians, especially after Miles Davis recorded it. There is a wonderful version recorded by saxophonist  Cannonball Adderly on his 1955 album “Cannonball Adderly With Strings”. 

PERFORMANCE NOTES

Surrey With the Fringe on Top is a 32-bar AABA form in the key of concert B flat. In this arrangement, the A-section melody features several tongue-in-cheek grand pause moments. These are indicated by fermatas over quarter note rests. Have fun with these spots, varying the length of time you pause, which can done with a comical effect. 

The solo section at bar 37 is open to any player, and a set of notes is provided for improvisation. The backgrounds at 41 are to be played each time, and the solo section can be repeated as necessary for additional solos. 

The shout chorus at bar 47 should be played at full volume. Be sure to investigate and balance the chords among the wind instruments.  The shout chorus winds down with a call and response between the brass and saxes.

I hope you have fun with this classic tune!