Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Em7813.1%
G746.6%
F#m746.6%
Dm734.9%
B7b934.9%
A734.9%
Cmaj723.3%
Am723.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)3
F#m7 -> B7b9Setup (Major Key)3
Em7 -> A7Setup (Major Key)3
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)2
C#m7 -> F#7#9Setup (Major Key)2
F#7#9 -> Bmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Em7 -> A7b9#5Setup (Major Key)2
B7b9 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)2
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Fm7 -> Bb7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7b9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)1
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Ebm7 -> Ab7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Ab7b9 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
A7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
A7 -> Dmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Em7 -> A7#9Setup (Major Key)1
G7 -> Cmaj9Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Rapid ii-V-I sequences navigate disparate tonal centers, moving from C Major to B Major and Eb Major via chromatic and whole-step shifts.
  • Frequent use of altered dominants (F#7#9, A7b9#5, Bb7b9) creates sophisticated tension-release patterns that dictate specific melodic minor or altered scale choices.
  • Chromatic passing motion via the Gbº7 chord bridges Gm7 and Fm7, demonstrating Mulligan’s use of diminished harmony to smooth transitions between remote keys.
  • The structure features frequent “side-slipping” ii-V cells, which challenge the performer to maintain the E minor key center while exploring distant harmonic terrain.

Improvisation Focus Guide-tone targeting through shifting ii-V-I sequences.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The constant modulation across remote tonal centers requires advanced harmonic visualization and rapid scalar adjustments.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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