Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bbm7616.2%
Eb7513.5%
Abmaj7513.5%
Cm738.1%
Gb938.1%
Dbmaj738.1%
Ab625.4%
B0712.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)5
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Gm7b5 -> C7Setup (Minor Key)1
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Eb7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)1
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)1
Ab7 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
F7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)1
Cm7 -> F7b9Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes a foundational ii-V-I in Ab major (Bbm7-Eb7-Abmaj7) to establish and reinforce the primary key center.
  • Features a chromatic bridge via the B°7 diminished chord, acting as a passing link between Cm7 and Bbm7 (iii-biii°-ii).
  • Includes a “backdoor” cadence sequence using Dbm6 and Gb9 (iv-bVII7), providing a sophisticated modal interchange approach back to the tonic.
  • Targets the relative minor through a ii-V of vi (Gm7b5-C7 to Fm7), introducing minor-key tension before returning to the major tonality.

Improvisation Focus Ab Major Bebop scale, with specific focus on voice-leading the b6 (Fb/E) and b7 (Gb) during the iv-bVII7 backdoor progression.

Difficulty Rating 3/5. The tune follows a predictable AABA structure but requires precise navigation of chromatic passing tones and non-diatonic backdoor cadences.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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