Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gm7 | 5 | 12.8% |
| C7 | 4 | 10.3% |
| F6 | 3 | 7.7% |
| D7b9 | 3 | 7.7% |
| Fmaj7 | 2 | 5.1% |
| Bb7 | 2 | 5.1% |
| A7 | 2 | 5.1% |
| Eb9 | 2 | 5.1% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Gm7 -> C7 | Setup (Major Key) | 4 |
| C7 -> Fmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 2 |
| Cm7 -> F7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| F7 -> Cm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| F7 -> Bbmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| Bbmaj7 -> Eb7#11 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Eb7#11 -> Bbm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Eb7 -> Bbm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Eb7 -> Abmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| Am7 -> D7b5 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| D7b5 -> Gm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Am7 -> D7b9 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The progression utilizes secondary ii-V-I cells (Gm7-C7-Fmaj7) to tonicize the relative major, creating tonal ambiguity against the G minor home key.
- Chromatic descending dominant chains (Bb7 to A7 to Eb9) function as sophisticated approach chords and tritone substitutions leading toward the dominant D7b9.
- The inclusion of G7#11 introduces the Lydian Dominant sound, providing melodic tension that bridges the gap between the minor tonic and the subdominant areas.
- Frequent parallel ii-V shifts (Cm7-F7 to Bbm7-Eb7) require constant adjustment to rapidly changing tonal centers.
Improvisation Focus Guide-tone connectivity across shifting ii-V-I cells.
Difficulty Rating 4/5: Navigating the frequent, non-diatonic modulations and Ellington’s dense chromatic substitutions requires advanced harmonic fluency and precise voice leading.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume IV
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