Stompin' At The Savoy (C# major)

Harmonic Highlights

• The A section utilizes a classic $I - V^7 - I$ structure, incorporating a #I diminished chord ($D^{\circ 7}$) to create a chromatic transition to the $ii - V^7$ turnaround.
• The bridge features a sophisticated sequence of dominant chords ($Gb^7, B^7, E^7, A^7$) moving in a cycle of fourths, often embellished with chromatic “side-slipping” (e.g., $Gb^7 - G^7 - Gb^7$).
• Tonicization of the IV chord ($Gb^7$) at the start of the bridge shifts the tonal center before cycling back to the primary $Db$ major key via an $A^7$ to $Ab^7$ (subV to V) resolution.

Improvisation Focus Mixolydian scales and dominant arpeggios, specifically focusing on voice-leading through the sequential dominant seventh chords in the bridge.

Difficulty Rating 3/5 (Intermediate) — The A section is a standard swing progression, but the bridge requires navigating rapid, sequential dominant modulations and chromatic passing chords.