Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| D9sus | 12 | 38.7% |
| F#7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| F7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| E7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| G7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| C7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| A7 | 2 | 6.5% |
| Eb7 | 1 | 3.2% |
No obvious ii-V patterns detected.
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The composition utilizes static D9sus chords for the initial measures, creating a modal, suspended atmosphere that avoids early tonic resolution.
- A rapid chromatic descent of dominant 7th chords (F#7–F7–E7–Eb7–D7) functions as a series of tritone substitutions leading toward the subdominant.
- The progression incorporates “back-door” harmony via the C7 (bVII7) chord, moving away from traditional V-I cadences in D major.
- Non-functional cycling of dominant chords (G7 to C7 to A7) highlights Monk’s preference for symmetrical intervals over diatonic functionality.
Improvisation Focus D Mixolydian (with emphasis on the “Monkian” #11 and b7 tensions).
Difficulty Rating 3 (Intermediate): Navigating the long static stretches followed by dense chromatic dominant cycles requires strong rhythmic grounding and melodic patience.