Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Em7b5 | 8 | 19.0% |
| A7b9 | 8 | 19.0% |
| Dm | 6 | 14.3% |
| Gm7 | 4 | 9.5% |
| C7 | 4 | 9.5% |
| Fmaj7 | 4 | 9.5% |
| Eb7#11 | 2 | 4.8% |
| Db7#11 | 2 | 4.8% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Em7b5 -> A7b9 | Setup (Minor Key) | 6 |
| A7b9 -> Dm | Resolution (Minor) | 5 |
| Gm7 -> C7 | Setup (Major Key) | 4 |
| C7 -> Fmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 4 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- Employs repetitive minor ii-V-i cadences (Em7b5–A7b9–Dm) to anchor the somber D minor tonality and provide a structural foundation.
- Features chromatic tritone substitutions (Eb7#11 and Db7#11) that act as sophisticated passing chords leading toward the subdominant (Gm7).
- Utilizes a ii-V-I progression (Gm7–C7–Fmaj7) to momentarily shift to the relative major, creating essential tonal contrast.
- Uses Bb7 as a subdominant minor substitution, functioning as a “backdoor” dominant to resolve tension back toward the tonic or dominant.
Improvisation Focus D Harmonic Minor to accommodate the A7b9 dominant alterations while maintaining the D minor blues aesthetic.
Difficulty Rating 3/5: The ballad tempo allows for melodic space, but the performer must navigate non-diatonic chromatic substitutions and altered dominant tensions effectively.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume II
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