Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bbm7511.6%
F7511.6%
Cm7511.6%
C7#5#949.3%
Eb7sus24.7%
Eb7b924.7%
Ab0724.7%
Abmaj724.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)3
Bbm7 -> Eb7susSetup (Major Key)2
F7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)2
F7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)2
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)2
Gm7b5 -> C7b13Setup (Minor Key)1
C7b13 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Cm7b5 -> F7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
F7b9 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)1
Dbm7 -> Gb7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes frequent secondary dominants (C7#5#9 to F7, F7 to Bbm7) to create sophisticated “circle of fifths” movement within Ab major.
  • Employs chromatic diminished passing chords (Ab°7) to bridge the tonic and the supertonic (Bbm7), a hallmark of early 20th-century songwriting.
  • Incorporates minor ii-V-i cells (Gm7b5–C7b13 to Fm7), providing a poignant temporary modulation to the relative minor.
  • Features a prominent II7 (Bb7) functioning as the dominant of the dominant (V/V), heightening the tension before the final cadence.

Improvisation Focus

Guide Tone Navigation: Target the resolution of 3rds and 7ths to smoothly voice-lead through the rapid succession of secondary dominants and altered tensions.

Difficulty Rating

3/5: While the primary key remains stable, the frequent secondary dominants and minor-ii-V incursions require a solid grasp of chromatic voice leading and altered scale applications.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume III
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