Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dm729.5%
Db729.5%
Am729.5%
Gm729.5%
C729.5%
Fmaj714.8%
Em7b514.8%
A7b914.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes the “Bird Blues” structure, replacing static blues harmonies with a rapid chain of descending ii-V sequences.
  • Employs sequential ii-V cells (Em7b5-A7b9 to Dm7-G7 to Cm7-F7) to transition from the tonic Fmaj7 to the IV chord (Bb7).
  • Features a chromatic “side-slipping” ii-V (Abm7-Db7) in measure 8, functioning as a deceptive resolution before reaching the Gm7.
  • Replaces the traditional blues ending with a back-cycled iii-VI-ii-V (Am7-D7-Gm7-C7) turnaround.

Improvisation Focus Continuous voice leading via guide tones (3rds and 7ths) to navigate rapid-fire chord changes.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The dense harmonic rhythm and constant shifts in tonal centers demand advanced proficiency in navigating complex ii-V-I vocabulary at high tempos.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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