Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dm7818.2%
G7715.9%
Cmaj7511.4%
Fmaj736.8%
Am736.8%
Em724.5%
G#0724.5%
G7/B24.5%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)5
G7/B -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)2
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Dm7/A -> G7/BSetup (Major Key)1
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Incorporates a chromatic ascending bass line (F - G - G# - A) using G#°7 as a passing chord (vii°7/vi) to bridge the dominant and submediant.
  • Employs a subV7/ii (Db7/Ab) to approach the Gm7-C7-Fmaj7 progression, showcasing Alec Wilder’s sophisticated use of tritone substitutions in the subdominant direction.
  • Utilizes diatonic stepwise movement (Cmaj7 - Dm7 - Em7 - Fmaj7) to establish a strong tonal center before introducing non-functional chromatic shifts.
  • Features Ab7/Eb as a chromatic pivot, creating a smooth transition via common-tone or half-step resolutions into the next harmonic area.

Improvisation Focus Voice leading through chromatic substitutions, specifically targeting guide-tone resolutions during the Db7 to Gm7 transitions.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: The tune remains largely diatonic but requires an intermediate grasp of tritone substitutes and smooth navigation of non-standard chromatic passing chords.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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