Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
D7sus225.0%
Am7225.0%
Dm7b5112.5%
G7b9112.5%
Cm7112.5%
Cm7/Bb112.5%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Dm7b5 -> G7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
G7b9 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression opens with D7sus, creating a modal, non-functional tension that delays the expected resolution to C major.
  • It utilizes a minor ii-V-i (Dm7b5 - G7b9 - Cm7), representing a modal interchange that shifts the tonal center from C major to the parallel C minor.
  • The descending bass line (Cm7 - Cm7/Bb - Am7) functions as a bridge, transitioning from the minor tonality back to the diatonic vi chord of C major.
  • The harmony blends traditional functional dominant cycles with modern suspended textures, typical of Abercrombie’s contemporary jazz language.

Improvisation Focus The C Melodic Minor scale (and its modes, such as G Altered) to navigate the darker tensions of the minor ii-V and the Cm7 tonicization.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The frequent shifts between parallel major and minor tonalities require a sophisticated understanding of modal interchange and precise voice leading.