Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fm7412.5%
Bb739.4%
Gm739.4%
Dm7b526.2%
Db7b526.2%
Cm726.2%
F726.2%
C726.2%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)3
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)2
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
D7b9 -> GmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7b9Setup (Major Key)1
C7b9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Chromatic descending ii-V sequences (Dm7b5 to Db7b5) create tension before resolving to Cm7, showcasing Silver’s sophisticated minor-key hard bop vocabulary.
  • The Gm line cliché (Gm - Gmaug - Gm6 - Gm7) provides smooth internal voice leading, offering melodic motion over a static minor tonic.
  • Extensive use of tritone substitutions and secondary dominants (A7, Ab7, D7b9) facilitates fluid transitions between the F minor home key and the Eb major relative center.

Improvisation Focus F Dorian and F Minor Blues scales, integrated with precise chord-tone targeting to navigate the frequent chromatic ii-V transitions.

Difficulty Rating 3/5; the tune’s accessible groove is balanced by rapid harmonic shifts and non-diatonic substitutions that require agile linear phrasing and strong functional harmony knowledge.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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