Affirmation (B major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• The progression centers on a B minor modal framework (Bm9 to Em9), despite the B major key center, establishing a soulful Dorian-inflected groove.
• The sequence Am7 to D7 functions as a ii-V pivot that deceptively resolves to Bbmaj9, utilizing a non-functional chromatic shift to a distant tonal plane.
• Bbmaj9 acts as a static harmonic plateau, providing a bright Lydian contrast to the darker, bluesy B minor sections.
• The A9sus chord serves as a dominant-function anchor, smoothing the modulation back to the Bm9 tonic center.

Improvisation Focus B Dorian modal vocabulary with a distinct shift to Bb Lydian for the major seventh section.

Difficulty Rating 3/5; the soloist must navigate abrupt non-diatonic shifts between B minor and Bb major while maintaining a consistent rhythmic pocket.