Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Abmaj7 | 11 | 26.8% |
| Bb7 | 6 | 14.6% |
| Eb7 | 6 | 14.6% |
| F7 | 3 | 7.3% |
| Ebm7 | 2 | 4.9% |
| Eb7#5 | 2 | 4.9% |
| E7 | 2 | 4.9% |
| Ab7 | 2 | 4.9% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Eb7 -> Abmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 4 |
| Bb7 -> Ebm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 2 |
| Eb7#5 -> Abmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 2 |
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| Abmaj7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- Use of the secondary dominant II7 (Bb7) provides a “bright” lift before transitioning into a minor ii-V (Ebm7 - Eb7) back to the tonic.
- Chromatic descent via E7 to Eb7 (subV/V to V) provides smooth voice leading into the primary dominant.
- The bridge employs a IV to bVII7 (Db6 to Gb7) “backdoor” progression, a staple of Ellington’s sophisticated harmonic language.
Improvisation Focus Chord tone targeting, specifically emphasizing the D natural (3rd of Bb7) versus the Db (tonic) to define the secondary dominant.
Difficulty Rating 2/5. The slow tempo is accessible for beginners, though the non-diatonic II7 and minor ii-V require basic knowledge of voice leading.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume I
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