Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bb71021.7%
Fm7817.4%
F7613.0%
Ebmaj7510.9%
Bbm736.5%
Eb736.5%
Ab624.3%
Cm724.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)7
Bb7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)3
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)3
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)3
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Eb7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a persistent II7 (F7) secondary dominant (V/V) in the A section, creating a bright “Lydian” color that resolves through a ii-V-I turnaround.
  • Utilizes a secondary ii-V progression (Bbm7 - Eb7) to pivot toward the subdominant (Ab6), typical of Gershwin’s sophisticated but functional bridge transitions.
  • Incorporates chromatic voice leading via the B7, which functions as a tritone substitution for the dominant (Bb7) or a chromatic approach chord to the tonic.

Improvisation Focus Navigating the transition from the natural 4th (Ab) to the #4 (A natural) when shifting from the tonic Ebmaj7 to the secondary dominant F7.

Difficulty Rating 2/5 - The predictable AABA structure and reliance on standard ii-V-I vocabulary make this an ideal study for intermediate players mastering secondary dominants.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume IV
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