Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bb7726.9%
Ebmaj7415.4%
F7415.4%
Bbmaj7311.5%
Cm727.7%
Bb627.7%
Eb727.7%
E0713.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bbmaj7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
F7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The structure utilizes a modified 12-bar blues framework, substituting standard dominant chords with Bbmaj7 and Bb6 for a sophisticated swing-era palette.
  • A chromatic #IV diminished chord (E°7) provides smooth voice-leading from the IV chord (Eb7) back to the tonic, a hallmark of early jazz harmony.
  • The progression employs tonicization of the IV chord through Bb7 (V/IV), creating brief shifts in tonal gravity away from the I.
  • Standard ii-V-I cadences (Cm7–F7–Bb) are used to reinforce the Bb major key center and provide clear resolutions.

Improvisation Focus The Bb Major Pentatonic scale, blended with the Bb Blues scale to capture the “sweet” yet soulful Ellingtonian aesthetic.

Difficulty Rating 2 (Beginner-Intermediate): The form follows a predictable blues-based logic with clear diatonic changes, requiring only basic knowledge of chromatic passing chords.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
🛒 Buy on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the Hal Leonard Jazz Song Finder to make sure that the standard is indeed in the book before buying it.