Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Eb6310.0%
Dm626.7%
Em7b526.7%
A7b926.7%
F726.7%
Am726.7%
Gm726.7%
C726.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression utilizes minor ii-V-i cells (Em7b5โ€“A7b9โ€“Gm) that frequently pivot into major-key ii-Vs (Cm7โ€“F7โ€“Bb), reflecting Cole Porter’s signature modal interchange.
  • Chromatic descending ii-V chains and backdoor dominants (Ab7 to Gm7) create smooth voice-leading despite the rapid shifts between G minor and Eb major key centers.
  • The structure incorporates extended dominant cycles (C7-F7-Bb7-Eb) to prolong harmonic tension before returning to the home key of G minor.

Improvisation Focus Navigating rapid ii-V-I transitions across multiple tonal centers at high performance tempos.

Difficulty Rating 4/5. The 64-bar form and dense, fast-moving harmonic substitutions require advanced proficiency in both melodic minor applications and vertical voice-leading.


๐Ÿ“š Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume VI
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