House Of Jade (Ab major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• The opening #ivø7 (Dm7b5) to IVmaj7 (Dbmaj7) creates a dark, non-functional chromatic approach that subverts traditional ii-V-I expectations in Ab major.
• Parallel dominant movement (Db7#11 to Eb7 to F7) utilizes constant structures, shifting the tonal center through lateral motion rather than dominant-tonic resolution.
• The D9sus to Db7 to Cm7 sequence employs chromatic side-slipping, delaying the arrival at the mediant (iii) and creating melodic tension.
• Final bars utilize an extended Eb13sus pedal point, providing a static, suspended dominant anchor to stabilize the preceding harmonic fluidity.

Improvisation Focus Melodic Minor shifting: Use G Melodic Minor over Dm7b5 and Ab Melodic Minor over Db7#11 to navigate the specific Lydian-Dominant and Locrian #2 colors.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The non-diatonic root movements and unconventional chord relationships require advanced modal fluency and a sophisticated ear for phrasing across “sidestepping” changes.