Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Ab7sus812.9%
Ebm7812.9%
Bb746.5%
Cm734.8%
Em734.8%
A734.8%
Am7b523.2%
D7b923.2%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Ab7sus -> Ebm7Resolution (Minor)8
Ebm7 -> Ab7susSetup (Major Key)7
Em7 -> A7Setup (Major Key)3
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Db7 -> Gbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
A7 -> Dmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
A7 -> Dm7b5Resolution (Minor)1
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes a minor ii-V-i (Am7b5-D7b9-Gm7) to establish the relative minor before resolving toward the Eb major tonic through a chain of secondary dominants.
  • Features rapid chromatic modulation to the bIII (Gb major) via Abm7-Db7-Gbmaj7, creating a distinctive harmonic “lift” common in Brubeck’s writing.
  • The bridge shifts the tonal center a semitone down to D major (Em7-A7-Dmaj7), demanding fluid navigation between distantly related keys.
  • Employs functional turnaround patterns (F7alt-B7-Bb7) that utilize tritone substitutions and altered tensions to smooth the return to the Eb major head.

Improvisation Focus Navigating rapid ii-V-I sequences across multiple distant key centers using smooth guide-tone voice leading.

Difficulty Rating 4; the fast harmonic rhythm and frequent shifts to non-diatonic keys like Gb and D major require advanced analytical skills and technical agility.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume V
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