Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm71322.0%
Am7b5610.2%
Eb7610.2%
Gm7/F46.8%
Cm746.8%
C946.8%
D7b946.8%
C9/E23.4%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7b9Setup (Major Key)2
G7b9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)2
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7b5 -> D7#9Setup (Minor Key)2
D7#9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
D7b13 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
D7b9 -> Am7b5Resolution (Minor)1

🎼 Sheet Music

Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)

Harmonic Highlights

  • The opening features a sophisticated descending chromatic bass line (G–F–E–Eb) shifting through Gm7, Gm7/F, C9/E, and Cm6/Eb, creating rich internal voice leading.
  • The progression utilizes C9 as a secondary dominant (IV7), lending a Dorian flavor and a blues-inflected “soulful” quality to the G minor tonality.
  • Tritone substitutions like Ab7 (subV/i) provide dark, chromatic approaches to the tonic, typical of Carmichael’s harmonically dense style.
  • Standard minor ii-V-i cells (Am7b5–D7#9–Gm7) anchor the chromaticism, ensuring the G minor center remains the primary resolution point.

Improvisation Focus G Melodic Minor (to navigate the natural 6th of C9 and the leading tone of D7#9).

Difficulty Rating 4 (Advanced Intermediate). The unconventional descending bass movement and non-functional dominant chords require precise chord-tone targeting and a mastery of minor-key voice leading.

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The Real Book - Volume II
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