Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7518.5%
Dm7b5414.8%
Ab13b9311.1%
G13b927.4%
Eb7#1127.4%
Ebm727.4%
Abm727.4%
Db7b913.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Abm7 -> Db7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7#5#9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Fm7 -> Bb7#11Setup (Major Key)1
G7b5 -> Dm7b5Resolution (Minor)1

  • Non-functional Chromaticism: The direct, angular movement from Dm7b5 (iiø of C minor) to Dbmaj7 (IV in Ab) exemplifies Monk’s characteristic non-diatonic harmonic shifts, creating unexpected ‘ugly’ tension.
  • Extended and Altered Dominants: Frequent use of tensions like 13b9, #5#9, and #11 (e.g., G13b9, Bb7#5#9, Ab7#11, G7b5) generates rich, dissonant colors, a hallmark of modern jazz harmony.
  • Ambiguous Tonal Centers: Rapid, often unresolved ii-V progressions to various key areas (e.g., C minor, Db major, Gb major) combined with quick chromatic shifts (e.g., Abm7 to G7b5) contribute to harmonic unpredictability.

Improvisation Focus: Navigating altered dominant scales (e.g., Altered, Lydian Dominant) and applying chromatic melodic concepts.

Difficulty Rating: 5 (Advanced). Its frequent, abrupt modulations, dense altered chords, and non-functional harmony demand sophisticated harmonic understanding and agile execution.