Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
F7825.8%
Cm7619.4%
Ab7412.9%
Bbmaj739.7%
Gb726.5%
Fm726.5%
Bb7b926.5%
Ebmaj726.5%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)6
F7 -> Cm7Resolution (Minor)4
Fm7 -> Bb7b9Setup (Major Key)2
Bb7b9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Ebmaj7 -> Ab7Setup (Major Key)2
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)2

Harmonic Highlights

  • Sequential chromatic descent (Bbmaj7 - Ab7 - Gb7) utilizes tritone substitutions to create tension before resolving into the foundational ii-V (Cm7-F7) cycles.
  • Persistent ii-V oscillations (Cm7-F7) characterize the B-section/development, emphasizing functional movement over a static tonal center.
  • The use of the bVII7 (Ab7) serves as a “backdoor” dominant, facilitating a smooth transition to the IV chord (Ebmaj7) while maintaining Monk’s signature angularity.
  • Integration of the Bb7b9 suggests a secondary dominant resolution to Eb, introducing diminished symmetry within a major-key framework.

Improvisation Focus Lydian Dominant scales to navigate chromatic non-functional dominant chords (Ab7, Gb7).

Difficulty Rating 3/5: Navigating the rapid chromatic side-slipping and Monk’s specific rhythmic displacements requires advanced voice leading within a standard 32-bar form.