Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
B7611.3%
Bb7611.3%
Ebm659.4%
Bb7b1347.5%
Db747.5%
Fm747.5%
F735.7%
Ebmaj735.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)4
Bb7b13 -> Ebm6Resolution (Minor)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Bb7 -> Ebm6Resolution (Minor)1
Bbm7b5 -> Eb7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
Eb7b9 -> Abm6Resolution (Minor)1
Bb7b13 -> EbmResolution (Minor)1
Gm7 -> C7#5Setup (Major Key)1
Ebmaj7 -> Bb7#5Setup (Major Key)1
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression centers on Modal Interchange, starting on the minor tonic (Ebm6) despite the Eb major key signature, creating a brooding “noir” atmosphere.
  • It utilizes a bVI7 to V7 movement (B7 to Bb7b13), acting as a tritone substitute for the secondary dominant (F7) or a chromatic approach to the primary dominant.
  • The bridge employs a ii-V-i in the subdominant (Bbm7b5 - Eb7b9 - Abm6), briefly shifting the tonal center to Ab minor.
  • Tritone substitutions and chromatic extensions, such as A9#11 and E9, facilitate smooth voice-leading between the minor-inflected chords.

Improvisation Focus

Eb Melodic Minor: This scale perfectly captures the Ebm6 tonic and the Abm6 subdominant while providing the necessary natural 6th and 7th intervals for sophisticated voice leading.

Difficulty Rating

3/5: The moderate tempo of this ballad allows time for thought, but the constant shifting between major and minor tonalities requires precise harmonic awareness.


๐Ÿ“š Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume VI
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