Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Cm71016.4%
F71016.4%
Bbmaj769.8%
B0769.8%
C758.2%
Gm746.6%
D734.9%
Dm734.9%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)10
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)5
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)4
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)3
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)3
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)3
Am7b5 -> D7Setup (Minor Key)2
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)2
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a #I°7 (B°7) chromatic passing chord to connect the tonic Bbmaj7 to the ii (Cm7), creating the standard “walking” bass movement found in Great American Songbook standards.
  • Utilizes a minor ii-V (Am7b5 to D7) to target the relative minor (Gm7), providing a brief diatonic shift that adds emotional weight before returning to the major tonality.
  • Features a secondary ii-V (Fm7 - Bb7) to tonicize the IV chord (Eb6), a common device used to expand the harmonic palette beyond the home key.
  • Incorporates a V/V (C7) leading into a standard ii-V-I turnaround, reinforcing the cycle of fourths and strengthening the final resolution to Bb major.

Improvisation Focus Bb Major Bebop scale, with specific emphasis on using the b3 (Db) as a passing tone to navigate the B°7 to Cm7 transition.

Difficulty Rating 2/5: The predictable harmonic rhythm and reliance on standard ii-V-I sequences make it an accessible entry point for learning how to play over diminished passing chords.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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