Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fmaj749.5%
Fm749.5%
Bb749.5%
Am749.5%
Gm749.5%
Fmaj7/C49.5%
Bbm724.8%
Eb724.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
F#m7 -> B7Setup (Major Key)2
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)2
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Dbm7 -> Gb7Setup (Major Key)2

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a parallel minor shift (Fm7) in bar 2, initiating a “backdoor” ii-V (Bbm7–Eb7) that resolves deceptively to the iii chord (Am7).
  • Features a sophisticated sequence of descending chromatic ii-V cells (Am7–D7, Abm7–Db7, Gm7–C7) that replaces standard blues subdominant movement.
  • Utilizes tritone substitutions (Gb7 for C7) and dense harmonic rhythm, transforming the 12-bar blues into a complex bebop vehicle.

Improvisation Focus Navigating chromatic ii-V chains by connecting guide tones (3rds and 7ths) to maintain melodic continuity through rapid key shifts.

Difficulty Rating 4/5. The combination of non-diatonic substitutions and a typical breakneck bebop tempo requires advanced harmonic fluency and precise rhythmic placement.


Standard Available in:

  • The Real Book - Volume II
  • The Bud Powell Real Book
  • The Real Bebop Book
Check the Hal Leonard Jazz Song Finder to make sure that the standard is indeed in the book.