Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fm7/C425.0%
Bbmaj7/C212.5%
Cm9212.5%
Fm/maj7/C212.5%
C6916.2%
Caug16.2%
F#aug/C16.2%
Cm1116.2%

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.


Harmonic Highlights

  • The composition is built entirely on a C pedal point, acting as a static anchor that allows the upper-structure harmonies to shift between tonic and dominant functions without bass movement.
  • It features non-functional chromaticism, where polychords like Db/C and Bbmaj7/C create parallel tension and release, bypassing traditional ii-V-I cadential logic.
  • Shifting modal colors are used extensively, moving between C Mixolydian, C Dorian, and C Lydian dominant through the use of F minor/major and Bb major extensions.
  • Voice leading is prioritized over harmonic function, with inner voices moving chromatically (e.g., C69 to Caug) to provide a sense of forward motion despite the static bass.

Improvisation Focus Modal interchange and melodic development over a static C pedal point.

Difficulty Rating 4/5; navigating the lack of functional resolutions while maintaining melodic coherence over a constant pedal requires advanced harmonic awareness and rhythmic maturity.


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The Real Book - Volume III
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