Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fmaj7618.8%
Eb7412.5%
G739.4%
Am739.4%
F726.2%
Bbmaj726.2%
Dm726.2%
Bm7b526.2%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
F7 -> Bbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Bbmaj7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)2
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)2
Bm7b5 -> E7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
E7b9 -> Am7Resolution (Minor)1
Am7 -> D7Setup (Major Key)1
C7 -> Fmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The progression employs the bVII7 (Eb7) as a “backdoor dominant,” acting as a substitute for the minor plagal cadence or resolving directly back to Fmaj7.
  • A temporary modulation to the iii chord (Am7) is achieved through a localized minor ii-V-i (Bm7b5 - E7b9 - Am7), requiring a shift to A harmonic minor or Phrygian dominant colors.
  • The use of Secondary Dominants, such as G7 (V/V) and D7 (V/ii), creates a strong circle-of-fifths pull that provides chromatic interest within the diatonic framework.
  • Frequent I-VI-ii-V turnarounds (Fmaj7 - Dm7 - Gm7 - C7) anchor the form, providing a stable tonal center between more complex chromatic shifts.

Improvisation Focus Voice-leading through Secondary Dominants, specifically targeting the flat-7 of the Eb7 and the sharp-5/flat-9 alterations on the E7b9.

Difficulty Rating 3 (Intermediate): The tune is mostly diatonic but requires precise navigation of the backdoor dominant and the minor ii-V-i bridge.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume IV
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