Juju (E minor) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Chord Distribution Analysis

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.

Harmonic Highlights

• Static Tension: The first eight bars drone on B7#5, creating a high-tension modal plateau that replaces traditional functional introductions.
• Chromatic Planing: The sequence B7#5 to Bb7#5 to A7 uses descending parallel movement, emphasizing coloristic shifts over standard V-I resolutions.
• Non-Functional Resolution: The Abmaj7 to Em7 transition utilizes a chromatic mediant relationship, pivoting from a subdominant substitute back to the minor tonic.
• Modal Ambiguity: The inclusion of Fmaj7 (the Neapolitan II) against the tonic Em7 highlights Shorter’s preference for Phrygian-inflected textures.

Improvisation Focus The Whole-Tone scale (specifically B Whole-Tone) is the primary tool for navigating the #5 dominant chords and the composition’s signature “mystical” atmosphere.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The non-functional harmonic leaps and long static sections require advanced rhythmic phrasing and a sophisticated command of symmetrical scales to sustain melodic interest.