Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Fm71125.6%
Gm7614.0%
Bb7511.6%
Ebmaj749.3%
C737.0%
Abm712.3%
Db712.3%
Gbmaj712.3%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Fm7 -> Bb7Setup (Major Key)4
Gm7 -> C7Setup (Major Key)3
C7 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)3
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)1
Db7 -> Gbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Bm7 -> E7Setup (Major Key)1
E7 -> Amaj7Resolution (Major)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1
G7 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Cm7 -> F7Setup (Major Key)1
Fm7 -> Bb7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7b9 -> Ebmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Gm7 -> C7#9Setup (Major Key)1
C7#9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The “A” section features stepwise diatonic motion (I-ii-iii-ii), creating a smooth, melodic bassline typical of Benny Carter’s elegant arranging style.
  • The bridge utilizes a sophisticated modulation sequence, moving through Gb, A, and C major via ii-V-I units, descending in minor thirds back to the home key of Eb.
  • Extensive use of secondary dominants, specifically the VI7 (C7) leading to the ii7 (Fm7), reinforces the cycle of fifths within the primary tonal center.

Improvisation Focus Navigating sequential ii-V-I patterns across rapidly shifting tonal centers.

Difficulty Rating 3/5 because the diatonic “A” sections are straightforward, but the bridge’s frequent modulations into distant keys require advanced harmonic mapping and transposition skills.


📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume II
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