Dead Man’s Curve – Jan & Dean – Authentic Sheet Music

Jan Berry’s original music score, used by Wrecking Crew studio musicians to record the original track in 1963 and 1964.

Jan’s & Dean’s classic Top-10 hit from the spring of 1964 (#8 Billboard; #9 Cash Box; #28 Billboard Year-End; #70 Cash Box Year-End). A BMI Award-winning song. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.

Transcribed by Mark A. Moore from Jan Berry’s music archive, in association with his estate. Moore is the author of Dead Man’s Curve: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Life of Jan Berry (McFarland 2021) and The Jan & Dan Record (McFarland 2016).

Jan Berry wrote a master score for “Dead Man’s Curve” with a Big Band-style brass and woodwind arrangement (featured in this publication). He initially scored the song in the key of G Major, and then transcribed it to F# Major to fit the desired vocal range. The 1963-64 studio (hit single) version and the version used for live performances in the ‘60s, were culled from this arrangement. It moves between 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures. Jan’s initial horn arrangement for the inferior 1963 Drag City album version of the song was largely scrapped.

Perfect for high school and college ensembles, or any combo interested in tackling this classic Top-10 hit.

Audio Preview:

The video recording is a sound font audio preview, generated by music notation software, that allows potential sheet music buyers to get an idea of what the notes on paper will convey when played by real musicians.

Master Score Arrangement:

WOODWINDS: Alto Sax 1-2; Tenor Sax 1-2; Baritone Sax.

BRASS: French Horn; Trumpet 1-3; Trombone 1-3.

RHYTHM: Guitar 1; Guitar 2 (Electric 12-String); Guitar 3 (Danelectro 6-String Bass Guitar); Bass 1 (Fender); Bass 2 (Upright); Percussion (Timpani); Drums; Piano.

Vocal Arrangement:

VOCALS: Jan’s vocal arrangement for “Dead Man’s Curve” is currently not included in this publication, but it will be added to a future updated release. Stay Tuned.

Publication Includes:

(1) Illustrated cover page; (2) Introductory text with context for the music and the musicians who performed it; (3) Song chronology with recording session details; (4) Full music score; (5) Individual charts for each part in the music score; and (6) Illustrations, including images from Jan Berry’s music archive.

15 Distinct Chords.

Size: 11″ x 17″
Length: 48 pages.

Distributed by: ArrangeMe and the Hal Leonard Corporation.
Licensed from: Screen Gems-EMI Music, Inc.
Available from: Sheet Music Direct, Hal Leonard’s premier outlet for digital sheet music. Also available from Sheet Music Plus.
Published: May 17, 2022 (Fiji Printing #1).

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