Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Cm7412.1%
Abmaj739.1%
Fm739.1%
Dbmaj726.1%
Fm7/Eb26.1%
Dm7b526.1%
G7#5#926.1%
Cm7/Bb26.1%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7b5 -> G7#5#9Setup (Minor Key)2
G7#5#9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)2
Bbm7 -> Eb7susSetup (Major Key)1
Gm7b5 -> C7#5#9Setup (Minor Key)1
C7#5#9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
C7b9#5 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Fm7 -> Bb7#5Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7#5 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
G7b9#5 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7b5 -> D7#5#9Setup (Minor Key)1
D7#5#9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The composition utilizes a systematic sequence of ii-V-I progressions that modulate downward through the circle of fifths, shifting key centers every four bars.
  • It begins with a ii-V-I in Ab major (Bbm7–Eb7–Abmaj7) before shifting to Fm and then Cm, utilizing the bII (Dbmaj7) as a pivot or Neapolitan chord.
  • Frequent use of altered dominants (C7#5#9, G7#5#9) provides high-tension resolutions into minor tonalities, characteristic of Evans’ post-bop vocabulary.
  • The harmonic rhythm is dense, requiring precise navigation of moving inner voices and chromatic bass descents (Fm7–Fm7/Eb–Dm7b5).

Improvisation Focus Navigating rapid tonal shifts by targeting 3rds and 7ths within the localized ii-V-I cycles.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The constant modulation through multiple keys via the circle of fifths demands advanced harmonic fluency and quick mental transposition.