Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7411.8%
Fm/maj725.9%
Abmaj725.9%
Db7sus25.9%
C7#925.9%
B1325.9%
Bb725.9%
Ebm725.9%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bb7 -> Ebm7Resolution (Minor)2
Gm7b5 -> C7b13Setup (Minor Key)1
C7b13 -> Fm/maj7Resolution (Major)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7b13Setup (Major Key)1
Eb7b13 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Fm7b5 -> Bb7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
Bb7b9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Establishes F minor via ii-V-i (Gm7b5 - C7 - Fm/maj7), utilizing the tonic major-minor chord for a sophisticated, noir-inspired harmonic foundation.
  • Navigates a cycle of fourths (Bbm7 - Eb7 - Abmaj7) to briefly touch the relative major before returning to chromatic tension.
  • Employs “side-slipping” dominant structures (B13 to Bb7) and altered extensions (#9, b13) to facilitate bluesy, non-diatonic voice leading.
  • Utilizes a Db7sus to C7#9 movement, highlighting Mingus’s use of tritone substitutions and sus-chord tension to delay resolution.

Improvisation Focus F Melodic Minor and its modes to navigate the tonic major-minor chords and altered dominant tensions.

Difficulty Rating 4/5. The density of chromatic dominant substitutions and the specific minor-key nuances require advanced harmonic knowledge and precise ear training.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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