Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
F61025.0%
Gb7615.0%
Db737.5%
G737.5%
D737.5%
Ab737.5%
C737.5%
Eb725.0%

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.


Harmonic Highlights

  • Side-slipping motion: The A section utilizes a recurring I6 to bII7 movement, where Gb7 acts as a tritone substitute for the V chord (C7), creating constant chromatic tension.
  • Symmetrical Bridge: The B section employs parallel dominant 7th chords climbing chromatically (Db7 to E7), each paired with its tritone partner, requiring rapid harmonic tracking.
  • Dissonant Voicing: The melody emphasizes the tonic (F) over the Gb7 chord, highlighting the #7/11 relationship typical of Monk’s idiosyncratic harmonic language.

Improvisation Focus

Side-slipping: Shifting F-based motifs or pentatonics up a half-step to Gb to mirror the harmonic oscillation.

Difficulty Rating

3/5: While the A section is repetitive, the bridge’s fast-moving chromatic dominant chords and Monk’s specific rhythmic displacement require advanced melodic timing.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume I
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