Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
E7alt412.5%
Cmaj739.4%
Am739.4%
C726.2%
Bm7b526.2%
Fmaj726.2%
Em726.2%
Dm726.2%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
E7alt -> Am7Resolution (Minor)3
Bm7b5 -> E7altSetup (Minor Key)2
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
D7 -> Gm9Resolution (Minor)1
Gm9 -> C7altSetup (Major Key)1
C7alt -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Am7 -> E7altSetup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Frequent minor ii-V-i turnarounds (Bm7b5–E7alt–Am7) emphasize the relative minor, creating a sophisticated tension-release cycle against the C major tonic.
  • Chromatic voice leading via the Ab°7 passing chord facilitates a smooth transition between the vi (Am7) and the ii of the subdominant (Gm7).
  • Secondary dominants (C7, D7) and altered extensions (C7alt) create rapid directional shifts toward Fmaj7 and Gm9.
  • The Bb9 acts as a “backdoor” dominant resolution, providing a non-diatonic bVII7 to I cadence common in post-bop jazz.

Improvisation Focus Voice leading through the Altered Scale (Super Locrian) on dominant chords to navigate the frequent minor-key resolutions.

Difficulty Rating 3/5; while the key center is C, the density of minor ii-V-I patterns and altered extensions requires intermediate knowledge of functional harmony and fluid scale switching.