Style:

Swing, usually played at a medium-up tempo.

Form:

A-A-B-A (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Intro:

8 Bars

Key:

Bb Major

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition while sophisticated is mostly functional, revolving primarily around II - V's. The main theme is stated over a  IImi7 - V7 to IMaj7, and is followed by IV7 before a brief II - V of  bVI. Instead of resolving to bVI however, bars 5-6 continue with the seemingly illogical progression of IImi7 - bIIIm7 before a II - V of  VII. This II - V of VII does not resolve, and instead finishes off the section with a II - V back to the tonic. This complex turnaround is akin  to some of the side-stepping techniques soloists often incorporate into  their improvisations. What would otherwise be a straightforward II - V -  I is simply embellished with chromaticism, in this instance from above and below. The bridge is also mainly functional being primarily made of up II - V - I's. Charlie Parker himself insisted on just playing over  the bridge on the original recording, saying the changes were "too hard  for a country boy like him".

Recordings:

This  song has been recorded over 60 times to date. A lesser known tune, it is not nearly as widely known as Miles Davis' later composition of the same name. However, many prominent musicians have left behind recordings from the likes of Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, and Steve Grossman to  name a few.

JGC Top Picks:

Dexter Gordon, Generation, 1972

Joe Henderson, So Near, So Far (Musings of Miles), 1993

George Garzone, Among Friends, 2008