Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bbmaj7516.7%
Cm7413.3%
F7413.3%
A7#526.7%
Dm7b5/Ab26.7%
G7sus26.7%
G7b926.7%
F7sus26.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
A7#5 -> Dm7b5/AbResolution (Minor)2
Dm7b5/Ab -> G7susSetup (Minor Key)2
G7b9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)2
Cm7 -> F7susSetup (Major Key)2
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes a chromatic approach to the ii-V via Dm7b5/Ab to G7b9, creating a sophisticated tritone-inflected transition to Cm7.
  • Non-diatonic movement through Abmaj7 and Dbmaj7 introduces modal interchange, briefly shifting the tonal center away from the Bb major home key.
  • The Gm line cliché (Gm - Gm/maj7 - Gm7) provides essential internal motion, requiring specific navigation of the descending major-to-minor seventh.
  • Frequent use of altered dominants (A7#5, G7b9) necessitates precise voice leading to resolve the tension into the subsequent minor chords.

Improvisation Focus

G Melodic Minor (ascending) to navigate the tonic minor clichés and altered dominant tensions effectively.

Difficulty Rating

3/5. While the ballad tempo is accessible, the non-functional chromaticism and frequent chord substitutions require an intermediate understanding of jazz harmony.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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