Style:

Typically played swung, taken at a variety of tempos.

Form:

A-B-C-D (34 Bars) [12-8-6-8]

The  vamp of Dmaj7/E - Cmaj7/E in the D section is sometimes extended to last more than 4 bars, as heard on Bill Evan's recording from I Will Say Goodbye.

Intro:

A brief 4 bar introduction states the initial theme before the form begins.

Tag/Outro:

The vamp of Dmaj7/E - Cmaj7/E from the D section is oftentimes used as an extended outro to finish the performance.

Key:

No definite key center, the first chord is Ebmaj7.

Harmony/Overview:

This  composition is not functional in a traditional sense, and is rather unconventional. There are many pedal points, deceptive resolutions, and atypical progressions. The form is also unorthodox with mostly  asymmetrical sections. Many lead sheets will include varying sets of changes throughout, and the last 4 bars in particular are a point of contention among many musicians. It is common to see the final 4 bars in  many lead sheets as: Dbmaj7/Eb - Ebmaj7#5 - Abmaj7#5/Eb - G7alt, although on the original recording Herbie Hancock plays Eb13sus - Bb13b9  - Eb13b9 - G13b9 while Ron Carter plays an Eb pedal.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 130 times to date. The first recording comes from Herbie Hancock's 1965 album Maiden Voyage, and it has since become a standard. It is one of Herbie Hancock's most popular compositions and he has performed and recorded it on numerous occasions throughout his career. Nearly 60 years since its initial conception the piece continues to provide an especially modern canvas  for improvisation.

JGC Top Picks:

Bill Evans, I Will Say Goodbye, 1977

Ron Carter, Third Plane, 1977

Lorne Lofsky Trio, Edification, 2017