Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7614.0%
Eb649.3%
Ab749.3%
C749.3%
Ebmaj737.0%
Cm737.0%
Fm737.0%
Bb737.0%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)4
Ab7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
C7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
C7 -> Fm/AbResolution (Minor)2
Ebmaj7/G -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)1
Ab7 -> Ebmaj7/BbResolution (Major)1
Ebmaj7/Bb -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a signature Ellingtonian I–IV7 movement (Eb6 to Ab7), utilizing the dominant-quality subdominant for a bluesy, swing-era color.
  • Uses the F#dim7 (oVII/iii) as a chromatic passing chord to facilitate smooth voice leading between Fm7 and the tonic in first inversion (Ebmaj7/G).
  • The bridge shifts tonal centers to the mediant (G minor) and submediant (C minor) via secondary minor ii-V-I progressions (Am7b5–D7–Gm and Dm7b5–G7–Cm).
  • Frequent secondary dominant usage, specifically C7 (V/ii), creates a strong cycle-of-fourths pull toward the Fm7 (ii) chord.

Improvisation Focus Guide-tone navigation to highlight the shifting 3rds and 7ths through the bridge’s minor ii-V-I sequences.

Difficulty Rating 3/5. While the A sections are diatonic and accessible, the bridge requires precise navigation of rapid modulations and minor-key harmonic centers.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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