Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Am71219.0%
Bm71117.5%
E7b9711.1%
D7b946.3%
Bb0734.8%
Bbm734.8%
Eb734.8%
Cm634.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bm7 -> E7b9Setup (Major Key)6
E7b9 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)6
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)3
Am7 -> D7b9Setup (Major Key)3
Cm6 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
F#m7b5 -> B7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
B7b9 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
E7 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a primary ii-V-i framework in A minor (Bm7b5-E7b9-Am7) frequently embellished with secondary dominants like D7b9.
  • Features sophisticated chromatic root movement, specifically the Bm7 to Bbº7 to Bbm7 descent, requiring precise linear voice leading.
  • Utilizes “backdoor” ii-Vs (Bbm7-Eb7 and Cm6-F7) that temporarily pull the ear away from the A minor tonic center.
  • Leverages tonic minor variations (Am7 to Am6) to create the signature melancholic Van Heusen harmonic palette.

Improvisation Focus A Melodic Minor and its associated modes (Altered, Lydian Dominant) to resolve the frequent non-diatonic dominant chords.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: Navigating the dense, chromatic “side-slipping” ii-V sequences demands advanced harmonic knowledge and rapid scale switching.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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