Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Cm71021.3%
F7714.9%
Dm748.5%
G748.5%
Db0724.3%
Dm7b524.3%
B0724.3%
Ebm724.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)7
Dm7b5 -> G7Setup (Minor Key)2
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)2
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)2
Fm7 -> Bb7#9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7#9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Fm7 -> Bb7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7b9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Em7 -> A7#9Setup (Major Key)1
A7#9 -> Dmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
F7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1

🎼 Sheet Music

Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression centers on a i-IV movement (Cm7 to F7), creating a Dorian-inflected modal foundation that contrasts with traditional functional minor cadences.
  • Systematic use of diminished seventh passing chords (Db°7 and B°7) facilitates chromatic voice leading between the ii-V and tonic chords.
  • The composition utilizes “backdoor” ii-V sequences (Fm7 to Bb7) to resolve into the relative major (Ebmaj7), demonstrating frequent shifts in tonal center.
  • Minor ii-V-I cells (Dm7b5-G7-Cm7) are often embellished with altered dominant tensions to heighten the melancholic ballad aesthetic.

Improvisation Focus Voice leading through minor ii-V-I cells using the C Melodic Minor scale and altered dominant resolutions.

Difficulty Rating 3/5. While the slow tempo is forgiving, the frequent modulations and chromatic passing chords require a sophisticated understanding of minor-key functional harmony.

📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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