Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
F#m7b5512.5%
B7b9410.0%
Em7410.0%
Am7410.0%
Em637.5%
E7b937.5%
Gmaj737.5%
Bm7b525.0%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
F#m7b5 -> B7b9Setup (Minor Key)4
B7b9 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)3
Bm7b5 -> E7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
E7b9 -> Am6Resolution (Minor)2
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)2
D7 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Bm7 -> E7b9Setup (Major Key)1
E7b9 -> AmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
F#m7b5 -> B7b13Setup (Minor Key)1
B7b13 -> Em6Resolution (Minor)1
B7b9 -> Em6Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Extensive use of minor ii-V-i sequences, notably Bm7b5–E7b9 targeting the subdominant (Am) and F#m7b5–B7b9 resolving to the tonic (Em).
  • Chromatic line clichés within the Am tonality (Am–Am/maj7–Am7) provide internal voice-leading tension typical of dark jazz ballads.
  • Brief modulation to the relative major (G major) via a standard ii-V-I (Am7–D7–Gmaj7) offers a momentary lift from the prevailing E minor gloom.

Improvisation Focus E Melodic Minor scale, emphasizing the major 6th and major 7th to navigate the tonic minor and its dominant transitions.

Difficulty Rating 3/5; the slow ballad tempo demands precise control over altered dominant extensions and smooth navigation of minor-key functional harmony.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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