Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7411.8%
Abm738.8%
Db738.8%
Bbm738.8%
Eb738.8%
Gm7b525.9%
C7b925.9%
Fm7b525.9%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Gm7b5 -> C7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
C7b9 -> Fm7b5Resolution (Minor)2
Fm7b5 -> Bb7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
Bb7b9 -> Ebm7b5Resolution (Minor)2
Ebm7b5 -> Ab7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
Ab7b9 -> Dbmaj7Resolution (Major)2
Abm7 -> Db7Setup (Major Key)2
Bbm7 -> Eb7Setup (Major Key)2
Db7 -> Abm7Resolution (Minor)1
Db7 -> Gbmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Eb7 -> Bbm7Resolution (Minor)1
Eb7 -> Abmaj7Resolution (Major)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Sequential minor ii-V progressions (ii-V of Fm, Bbm, and Ebm) create a descending chain of tension that defines the A section’s harmonic motion.
  • The composition utilizes “minor-to-major” resolution, where minor ii-V cells unexpectedly resolve to a Dbmaj7 tonic, creating a signature Bebop modal mixture.
  • The bridge employs parallel shifting ii-V cells (Abm7-Db7 moving to Am7-D7), momentarily destabilizing the tonal center before cycling back to the primary key.
  • Symmetrical movement is key; the root motion of the ii-V sequences moves in descending whole steps, a classic Dizzy Gillespie structural device.

Improvisation Focus Mastering the Locrian #2 scale over the half-diminished chords and the Altered scale over the V7b9 chords to navigate the rapid minor ii-V sequences.

Difficulty Rating 4/5. The rapid succession of non-diatonic minor ii-V cycles and the atypical resolution to major require advanced harmonic fluency and precise voice-leading at high tempos.