And On The Third Day (D major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Chord Distribution Analysis

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.

Harmonic Highlights

• The extended D7 opening establishes a static dominant-seventh foundation, functioning as a modal plateau rather than a functional V chord.
• The movement to Cmaj7 (bVIImaj7) introduces a sub-tonic Lydian flavor, creating a non-functional harmonic shift typical of Gibbs’ post-bop style.
• Transitioning to E7 (II7) provides a bright, secondary dominant lift that avoids standard ii-V resolution, favoring parallel color over traditional cadence.
• The arrival at Dmaj7#11 transforms the initial dominant tension into a stable D Lydian tonic, highlighting the sharp eleventh.

Improvisation Focus Modal shifting between D Mixolydian and D Lydian, emphasizing the precise adjustment of the 4th and 7th scale degrees.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The slow harmonic rhythm provides space, but the non-functional relationships and modal interchange require sophisticated melodic navigation.