The Frim Fram Sauce (arr. John Wasson): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Nat King Cole / Arranged by John Wasson
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00441579
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Description
Although composed primarily as a novelty song and famously recorded by Nat King Cole in the 1940s, this catchy tune has established itself as a standard recorded by such jazz artists as Ella Fitzgerald (with Louis Armstrong), Les Brown, and more recently Diana Krall. This version for younger players honors the original style and includes a few contemporary twists. Solos are included or trumpet and trombone.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00441579
More about this title
About the Artist: Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole emerged as one of the most influential vocalists and pianists of the 20th century, known for his smooth baritone and ability to bridge jazz, pop, and standards repertoire. His 1940s recording of "The Frim Fram Sauce" exemplified his gift for bringing charm and sophistication to novelty material, transforming a playful tune into a jazz standard that has endured through generations of musicians.
Why we love this
Wasson's arrangement captures the playful spirit of Cole's original without sacrificing musical substance, making it genuinely fun for younger ensembles to perform. The included trumpet and trombone solos give your section players opportunities to shine on a recognizable melody, and the contemporary touches keep the arrangement fresh without alienating jazz traditionalists.
What to expect
Light, witty, and sophisticated without pretension. The arrangement swings with vintage charm while remaining energetic and engaging for younger players, inviting the audience into the joke while respecting the original composition's melodic appeal.
Who it's for
Grade 3-4 jazz ensembles seeking accessible material with genuine jazz credibility and solo opportunities. Directors looking to program a crowd-pleasing novelty standard that their students can execute with style and musicality will find this arrangement ideal for concerts and informal performances alike.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with gentle phrasing rather than mechanical articulation; this tune thrives on conversational swing feel.
- Balance the solo voices clearly against the ensemble so each trumpet and trombone feature lands with personality.
- Lock the comping figures to a relaxed pulse—rushing the rhythmic underpinning will undercut the song's inherent wit.
How to use it
Position this as a fun palate cleanser in a mixed jazz program, or feature it during a dedicated standards set to demonstrate your ensemble's comfort with jazz idiom. Its moderate difficulty makes it suitable for early-season programming when students are still developing their jazz vocabulary.
Skills your students will build
- Jazz articulation and phrasing in the context of a recognizable standard
- Solo improvisation framework for trumpet and trombone
- Ensemble swing feel and comping consistency
- Balancing melody-driven arrangement with active accompaniment voices