Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Gm7714.9%
C7714.9%
Dm748.5%
G748.5%
Am736.4%
F724.3%
Bb724.3%
Abm724.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)7
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)4
G7 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)2
C7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)2
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)2
D7 -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)1
D7 -> GmResolution (Minor)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Em7b5 -> A7Setup (Minor Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes repetitive ii-V sequences (Dm7-G7 and Gm7-C7) to establish a soulful foundation that oscillates between D minor and its relative major, F.
  • The bridge executes a modulation to the subdominant (G Major), featuring a descending minor-major line cliché (Am-Am/maj7-Am7-D7).
  • Incorporates chromatic “side-slipping” via the Abm7-Db7 sequence, acting as a substitute ii-V leading into the Gm7.
  • Frequent minor ii-V-i turnarounds reinforce the D minor home key, requiring precise resolution of the leading tone (C#).

Improvisation Focus Navigating minor ii-V-i progressions using the Harmonic Minor scale and altered dominant tensions (b9, b13).

Difficulty Rating 3 (Intermediate): The slow ballad tempo provides space, but the frequent modulations and chromatic substitutions require a solid understanding of functional jazz harmony.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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