Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| B7 | 6 | 11.3% |
| Bb7 | 6 | 11.3% |
| Ebm6 | 5 | 9.4% |
| Bb7b13 | 4 | 7.5% |
| Db7 | 4 | 7.5% |
| Fm7 | 4 | 7.5% |
| F7 | 3 | 5.7% |
| Ebmaj7 | 3 | 5.7% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fm7 -> Bb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 4 |
| Bb7b13 -> Ebm6 | Resolution (Minor) | 2 |
| Bb7 -> Ebmaj7 | Resolution (Major) | 2 |
| Bb7 -> Ebm6 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Bbm7b5 -> Eb7b9 | Setup (Minor Key) | 1 |
| Eb7b9 -> Abm6 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Bb7b13 -> Ebm | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Gm7 -> C7#5 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Ebmaj7 -> Bb7#5 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
๐ผ Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)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.
๐ Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume VI
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