Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Eb7614.0%
Dm6614.0%
Em7b5614.0%
A7b949.3%
Gm737.0%
Fmaj737.0%
Dm24.7%
Eb7#1124.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)4
A7b9 -> DmResolution (Minor)2
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1
Gm7b5 -> C7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
C7b9 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Dm7 -> G7#11Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The A section utilizes a persistent $bII7$ (Eb7) to $Im6$ (Dm6) movement, functioning as a tritone substitution for the primary dominant (A7).
  • The bridge transitions through rapid $ii-V-I$ sequences, modulating from G minor ($Am7b5 - D7b9 - Gm7$) to F major ($Gm7b5 - C7b9 - Fmaj7$).
  • The “interlude” or “Famous Break” features a chromatic $ii-V$ progression that sets up the solo section, requiring precise rhythmic and harmonic timing.
  • Frequent use of half-diminished and altered dominant chords ($A7b9$, $D7b9$) emphasizes a dark, minor-key aesthetic typical of Afro-Cuban jazz influences.

Improvisation Focus Mastery of the D Harmonic Minor scale and the Lydian Dominant scale over the $bII7$ (Eb7) chord.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The non-standard tritone-based vamp, rapid bridge modulations, and the technical demands of the “Famous Break” require advanced harmonic navigation and rhythmic maturity.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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