Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Ebmaj749.3%
Db749.3%
C737.0%
F737.0%
Bb737.0%
Gm737.0%
Gm7b524.7%
C7b924.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7b5 -> C7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
C7b9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)2
Db7 -> Abm7Resolution (Minor)2
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Am7b5 -> D7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
D7b9 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)1
Cm7b5 -> F7Setup (Minor Key)1
Fm7/Bb -> Bb07Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression features sophisticated tonicization of the ii chord (Fm7) through a minor ii-V (Gm7b5–C7b9), demonstrating Dameron’s penchant for minor-to-major transitions.
  • Backdoor dominant movements (Abm7–Db7) and tritone substitutions (B7#9 to Bbmaj7) provide chromatic color while maintaining a strong sense of resolution.
  • Extensive use of secondary dominants in a circle of fifths (G7–C7–F7–Bb7) creates a driving harmonic rhythm typical of the bebop era.

Improvisation Focus Navigating minor ii-V-I cells and applying the Altered Dominant scale over the frequent V7b9 chords to highlight extensions.

Difficulty Rating 4/5: The dense harmonic rhythm, frequent secondary dominants, and non-diatonic tritone substitutions require advanced melodic navigation and deep knowledge of functional harmony.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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