Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
D71128.9%
Am7923.7%
A7410.5%
Gmaj725.3%
Gb725.3%
F725.3%
E725.3%
G625.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)9
D7 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)7
D7 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)2
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights:

  • The opening features a distinctive i-V7/VI vamp (Am7-D7), repeatedly pulling towards G major while maintaining the A minor tonic, creating a cyclical tension.
  • A section employs a chromatic descending dominant progression (Gb7-F7-E7) following Gmaj7, providing a rich, blues-infused movement back to the tonic’s dominant.
  • The standard incorporates elements of both A minor and G major (Gmaj7, G6/7), along with Cmaj7 (bIII in A minor), suggesting a blend of modal and functional harmony.
  • Frequent secondary dominant usage (A7 to D7, D7 to G, G7 to C) drives the progression, typical of swing era harmony.

Improvisation Focus: Mixolydian scales over the numerous dominant 7th chords.

Difficulty Rating: 4 (Advanced Intermediate) – The rapid chromatic dominant changes and the blend of minor/major tonalities require agile harmonic thinking and scale application.