Style:

Swing, often played at very fast tempos.

Form:

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

Arrangements:

The intro vamp of I13 - bVII13 is also used as a send-off between soloists, as well as an outro.

Key:

F Major

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is functional. The A sections of the solo sections begin on IMaj7 before a minor II - V of VI leads to a II - V of  V. A final II - V then returns to the tonic. The bridge begins on VMaj7 and uses II - V's to ascend tonal centers up in minor 3rds; C - Eb -  Gb. The head features many orchestrated shots and uses slightly different harmony than the solos, although still remains for the most  part diatonic.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 90 times to date. It was first introduced on the 1963 Miles Davis album Seven Steps to Heaven, and he would also record it live the following year on the album Four & More. It continues to be one of Miles Davis' most popular compositions and remains as a jam session mainstay.

JGC Top Picks:

Miles Davis, Four & More, 1964

Lonnie Smith, Live at Club Mozambique, 1970

Ray Brown Trio, Seven Steps to Heaven, 1995