Little Niles (G major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• Employs a recurring i - VI7 - V7 (Gm to Eb7 to D7b9) progression, establishing a dark G minor tonality despite the nominal G major key center.
• Features a signature internal line cliché (D - Eb - E - Eb) over the Gm tonic, shifting the harmony through Gm, Gmb6, and Gm6 textures.
• The bridge utilizes a cycle of dominant chords (B7b5 - E7 - A7b5 - D7b9), acting as a chain of secondary dominants to create harmonic tension before the resolution.
• Utilizes a 3/4 waltz meter combined with chromatic “pedal” chords (Dø7/Db) that emphasize Randy Weston’s percussive, African-influenced harmonic approach.

Improvisation Focus G Melodic Minor scale.

Difficulty Rating 3/5: While the waltz tempo is manageable, the chromatic inner-voice shifts and the rapid secondary dominant cycle in the bridge require sophisticated harmonic awareness.