September Song (F major) - Jazz Analysis & Chords

Harmonic Highlights

• Modal interchange is central, frequently pivoting between F major and the parallel F minor via the ivm6 (Fm6) and bVII7 (Bb7) chords.
• Chromatic ascending motion is utilized through the #iv diminished chord (F#o7), acting as a passing tonicization toward the ii or V.
• The bridge employs sequential ii-V patterns (Em7–A7 to Dm7–G7), cycling through temporary key centers before returning to the tonic F.
• Extensive use of dominant seventh sus chords (G7sus, D7sus) creates “longing” tensions that delay resolution, a hallmark of Kurt Weill’s theatrical style.

Improvisation Focus

F Melodic Minor (effectively navigating the transition between the major tonic and the minor iv6 sonorities).

Difficulty Rating

3/5: The moderate tempo allows for melodic development, but the frequent shifts between parallel major and minor modes require disciplined chord-tone targeting.