Chord Distribution Analysis
| Chord Symbol | Count | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bbm7 | 8 | 22.9% |
| Eb7 | 8 | 22.9% |
| Ab6 | 5 | 14.3% |
| Cm7 | 2 | 5.7% |
| F7 | 2 | 5.7% |
| Bbm7b5 | 2 | 5.7% |
| Fm6 | 2 | 5.7% |
| B7 | 1 | 2.9% |
Key Patterns Detected
| Pattern | Function | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bbm7 -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 5 |
| Eb7 -> Bbm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 3 |
| Cm7 -> F7 | Setup (Major Key) | 2 |
| F7 -> Bbm7 | Resolution (Minor) | 2 |
| Bbm7b5 -> Eb7 | Setup (Minor Key) | 2 |
| C7b9 -> Fm6 | Resolution (Minor) | 1 |
| Fm6 -> Bb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
| Bbm7/Eb -> Eb7 | Setup (Major Key) | 1 |
🎼 Sheet Music
Find Lead Sheet on Sheet Music Direct (PDF)Harmonic Highlights
- The progression relies heavily on ii-V-I resolutions in Ab Major (Bbm7-Eb7-Ab6), creating a major-key backbone despite the specified Bb minor center.
- Modal interchange is utilized through the Bbm7b5-Eb7-Ab6 sequence, borrowing from the parallel minor (Ab minor) to darken the harmonic color.
- Structural shifts to the relative minor (F minor) are navigated via secondary dominants like C7b9, providing tonal variety common in jazz ballads.
- Chromatic voice leading is enhanced by tritone substitutions (B7 leading to Bbm7), smoothing transitions between functional sections.
Improvisation Focus Mastery of the Ab Major scale and its related modes, specifically targeting the 3rds and 7ths to navigate the frequent ii-V-I transitions.
Difficulty Rating 3 (Intermediate): The slow ballad tempo permits time to think, but the constant shifting between major and minor tonalities requires a strong grasp of functional harmony.
📚 Standard Available in:
The Real Book - Volume V
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