Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bbm7 | 3 | 7.1% |
| Dbmaj7 | 3 | 7.1% |
| Bbm7b9 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Eb13b9 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Ab07 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Abmaj7 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Eb13 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Ebm7 | 2 | 4.8% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| F#m7 -> B7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| B7 -> Emaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| Bbm7/Eb -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Eb7 -> Bbm7b9 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Ebm7 -> Ab7b9 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Ab7b9 -> Dbmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| Bbm7 -> Eb7sus | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- Employs a signature Strayhorn “drag” by preceding the tonic with a diminished chord (Ab°7), creating a heavy, somber resolution from the altered V7.
- Features sophisticated subdominant movement using a tritone substitution (D9#11) to target the IV chord (Dbmaj7).
- Utilizes a sudden, remote modulation to E major (bVI) via an F#m7 - B7 sequence, showcasing Strayhorn’s penchant for non-diatonic tonal shifts.
- Integrates dense chromatic voice leading through the use of Abm6 and passing diminished chords, blurring the line between major and minor tonalities.
Improvisation Focus Chromatic Voice Leading and Modal Interchange: Prioritize navigating altered tensions (b9, #11) and connecting the distant Ab major and E major tonal centers through smooth scalar transitions.
Difficulty Rating 4/5: The slow tempo demands mastery over dense, altered harmonies and the ability to navigate frequent modulations to unrelated keys with melodic continuity.