Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Eb7816.0%
Eb48.0%
Ab648.0%
Bbm748.0%
Gm748.0%
Fm748.0%
Bb748.0%
Abmaj724.0%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)4
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)4
Eb7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)2
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Gm7 -> C7b9Setup (Major Key)2
C7b9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)2
Dm7b5 -> G7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
G7b9 -> CmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights:

  • Secondary dominant movement (Bbm7-Eb7) effectively tonicizes the IV chord (Abmaj7), reinforcing a blues-inflected gospel feel.
  • The transition from Abmaj7 to Abm6 introduces a minor plagal cadence, providing a characteristic “darkened” resolution back to the Eb tonic.
  • The bridge utilizes a chromatic line cliché (Cm, Cm/maj7, Cm7, Cm6), necessitating precise internal voice leading over a static minor root.
  • Frequent use of the VI7 (C7b9) provides a strong secondary dominant pull to the ii chord (Fm7), typical of sophisticated AABA song forms.

Improvisation Focus: Melodic targeting of the b6 interval (Cb) to highlight the Abm6 “minor IV” tonality.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5. The ballad tempo is accessible, but the chromatic bridge and frequent modulation toward the subdominant require intermediate harmonic navigation.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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