Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
G7512.8%
Dm7512.8%
Cm7410.3%
Bb637.7%
Eb7b937.7%
F737.7%
D725.1%
Gm725.1%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
G7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)4
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)3
D7 -> Gm7Resolution (Minor)2
Bb7 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)2
Ebm7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Extensive use of secondary dominants (D7 to Gm7, G7 to Cm7) creates temporary resolutions to minor centers within the Bb major framework.
  • Chromatic ascending movement via a C#o7 passing chord bridges the ii-7 (Cm7) and iii-7 (Dm7), providing smooth voice-leading in the A-section.
  • A backdoor ii-V progression (Ebm7–Ab7) functions as a subdominant minor substitution, resolving non-diatonically back to the tonic Bb6.
  • Altered dominant tensions, specifically the b9 on Eb7 and #11 on Bb7, define the characteristic Hard Bop “crunch” of the composition.

Improvisation Focus Chord-tone soloing using chromatic enclosures and “3-to-b7” guide-tone connections to navigate the dense secondary dominant movement.

Difficulty Rating 4/5; the rapid harmonic rhythm and frequent shifts between major and minor tonicizations require advanced command over bebop scales and functional voice-leading.