Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bbm7917.0%
Eb7713.2%
Ab6611.3%
Cm759.4%
F759.4%
Ab0747.5%
Cm7b523.8%
F7b923.8%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)6
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)5
F7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)4
Cm7b5 -> F7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
F7b9 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)2
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)2
C7b13 -> Fm6Resolution (Minor)1
Fm6 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)1
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The opening utilizes common-tone diminished movement (Ab°7 to Ab6), creating a signature melancholic stasis through chromatic neighboring tones.
  • It employs a minor ii-V (Cm7b5 to F7b9) to target the supertonic (Bbm7), a classic Rodgers device that introduces Phrygian dominant colors into a major key.
  • The transition to the bridge uses a secondary dominant (C7b13) to resolve to the relative minor (Fm6), shifting the harmonic palette toward the melodic minor scale.

Improvisation Focus The Ab Whole-Half Diminished scale, which provides the necessary tensions (B, D, F, G#) to navigate the frequent transitions between Ab°7 and Ab6.

Difficulty Rating 3/5. While the slow ballad tempo aids the soloist, the constant oscillation between major tonality and minor-modal substitutions requires a sophisticated understanding of chromatic voice leading.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume V
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