Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Em9 | 7 | 25.9% |
| B7#5#9 | 3 | 11.1% |
| B13 | 2 | 7.4% |
| Fmaj9/B | 1 | 3.7% |
| E7#9 | 1 | 3.7% |
| Am9 | 1 | 3.7% |
| B7b9sus | 1 | 3.7% |
| Fmaj9#11/B | 1 | 3.7% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Em9 -> B7#5#9 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| E7#9 -> Am9 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| B7#5#9 -> Em9 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Bb7#5 -> Ebmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 1 |
| B7b9#5 -> Em9 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The progression utilizes Phrygian motion (Em9 to Fmaj9/B), creating a haunting Neapolitan relationship characteristic of Gershwin’s operatic blues style.
- Frequent use of altered dominants (B7#5#9, B7b9sus) provides high-tension resolutions into the E minor tonic, emphasizing a dark, lamenting quality.
- Chromatic sequences and tritone substitutions (Bb13 to Ebmaj7) showcase brief, sophisticated modulations that depart from the primary E minor tonality.
- The use of secondary dominants like C#13 suggests a sophisticated harmonic vocabulary that bridges jazz improvisation with classical structure.
Improvisation Focus The E Altered Scale (on B7 chords) and the E Blues Scale are essential for navigating the tension and capturing the soulful, operatic aesthetic.
Difficulty Rating 4 (Advanced) due to the dense chromaticism, complex slash chords, and the requirement for precise voice leading over rapidly changing altered dominant harmonies.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume V
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