Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7723.3%
D7413.3%
Dbmaj7413.3%
Dm726.7%
Fm726.7%
Bb726.7%
Ebmaj726.7%
Am726.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)4
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7b5 -> D7#9Setup (Minor Key)2
Gm7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)2
A7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs “sidestepping” harmony, shifting from a Dm7 opening into a rapid ii-V-I sequence in Eb Major (Fm7-Bb7-Ebmaj7).
  • Utilizes Dbmaj7 as a chromatic color or tritone-related substitute, creating non-functional tension that floats before resolving to the Gm7 tonic.
  • Balances functional minor turnarounds (Am7b5-D7#9) with static vamps, reflecting Shorter’s transition from hard bop to post-bop abstraction.

Improvisation Focus Navigating rapid modulations and shifting modal centers while maintaining melodic cohesion.

Difficulty Rating 4/5. The non-linear harmonic shifts and asymmetrical phrase structure require high-level scalar fluency and the ability to connect disparate tonal centers.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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