Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Eb7 | 8 | 13.8% |
| Bbm7 | 4 | 6.9% |
| Cm7 | 3 | 5.2% |
| Bm7 | 3 | 5.2% |
| Ab6 | 3 | 5.2% |
| Bb7 | 2 | 3.4% |
| Ab7 | 2 | 3.4% |
| Db7 | 2 | 3.4% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 4 |
| Cm7 -> F7b9 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Bm7 -> E7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Eb7 -> Abm | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- Monk utilizes a sequence of dominant cycles (Ab7–Db7–Gb7) that subverts traditional functional expectations, creating a bluesy, chromatic descent away from the tonic.
- The movement from F7b9 to Bm7–E7 demonstrates a sudden shift to a distant tonal center (A), showcasing Monk’s signature use of tritone relationships and side-slipping.
- The frequent use of dominant 7#11 and b9 alterations facilitates a bridge between Ab major tonality and the whole-tone scale.
- The coda employs a dominant pedal (Eb) with moving triads (Ab/Eb, Bbm/Eb), providing a stable anchor against the preceding harmonic density.
Improvisation Focus The Whole-Tone scale and thematic development of the melody’s specific rhythmic fragments.
Difficulty Rating 4/5; the through-composed nature and specific, idiosyncratic voicings require a high level of harmonic precision and mastery of rubato phrasing.