Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Bbmaj7#11934.6%
Cmaj7#11830.8%
Gbmaj7#11311.5%
Ebmaj7#11311.5%
Fmaj7#1127.7%
Abmaj7#1113.8%

No obvious ii-V patterns detected.


Harmonic Highlights

  • Utilizes “constant structures” where Maj7#11 chords move in parallel, bypassing traditional functional V-I cadences in favor of modal color.
  • Employs non-diatonic root movements, specifically shifting from Cmaj7#11 (II) to Bbmaj7#11 (I) and then down to Gbmaj7#11 (bVI), utilizing major-third and whole-step intervals.
  • The harmony relies on a “march” rhythmic foundation that anchors shifting Lydian planes, creating a modern, polychoral soundscape typical of Woody Shaw’s post-bop style.

Improvisation Focus The Lydian Mode is the primary vehicle, as it accounts for the #11 extensions and provides a consistent scalar logic across the shifting tonal centers.

Difficulty Rating 4 (Advanced): The lack of dominant-tonic resolution forces the improviser to navigate rapid, non-functional modal shifts while maintaining melodic coherence across distant keys.