Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
D13#11618.2%
Gm6412.1%
Bm739.1%
D739.1%
Db726.1%
Gb726.1%
Bb726.1%
Ebmaj726.1%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
D7 -> Gm6Resolution (Minor)2
Bbm7 -> Eb7#11Setup (Major Key)1
Bm7 -> E7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Em7 -> A7susSetup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The initial Gm6 functions as a minor subdominant (iv) in D major, immediately establishing the “off-key” modal ambiguity characteristic of Monk.
  • The progression utilizes chromatic “side-slipping,” where chords like Dbmaj7 resolve upward by a half-step to D7, bypassing traditional circular motion.
  • Frequent tritone substitutions (such as Db7 instead of G7) and dominant #11 extensions create a dense, Lydian-Dominant harmonic texture.
  • Rapid II-V sequences in the bridge (Bbm7-Eb7 to Bm7-E7) force the improviser to navigate distantly related keys in quick succession.

Improvisation Focus The Whole-Tone Scale is the most critical tool for navigating Monk’s idiosyncratic dominant tensions and angular melodic leaps.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The erratic root movements and frequent non-functional modulations require high-level vertical awareness and precise rhythmic placement.


๐Ÿ“š Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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