Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fm7621.4%
Dm7414.3%
Abm7414.3%
Ebmaj7414.3%
Bb727.1%
Am727.1%
C#m727.1%
F#713.6%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
C#m7 -> F#7Setup (Major Key)1
F#7 -> Bmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes “constant structure” minor 7th chords shifting by minor thirds (Dm7 to Fm7 to Abm7), creating a modern, modal tension that avoids traditional functional harmony.
  • Features a distant modulation to B Major via a ii-V-I cadence (C#m7-F#7-Bmaj7), showcasing Coltrane’s signature interest in mediant-related key centers.
  • Employs ii-V transitions that resolve to temporary major centers like Ebmaj7, momentarily pulling the listener away from the Ab major home key.
  • The opening Dm7 acts as a non-functional, chromatic entry point, requiring the improviser to immediately navigate outside the primary key center.

Improvisation Focus Transposing the 1-2-3-5 melodic cell (the “Coltrane motif”) across shifting minor tonalities.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: Rapidly navigating between unrelated tonal centers and constant structure chords requires advanced harmonic fluency and precise melodic transposition.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
🛒 Buy on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the Hal Leonard Jazz Song Finder to make sure that the standard is indeed in the book before buying it.