Theory: how would you analyze this

[Jazzkuma]

I am trying to analyze nostalgia in times square (mingus).
I know its a blues but the reharm that Mingus writes in this is confusing me a bit.

I analyze it in F

Everything is fine except for the 5 and 6 bar which is where the Bb7 would go. However instead of the Bb7 Mingus writes Ab-7 and Db7. I am trying to figure this out but what I am thinking right now is that it is a over a Bbm7 (modal). Any ideas?

 

[FretlessMainly]

Great tune from the Mingus in Wonderland album, recorded live at the Nonagon Art Gallery in NYC, January 16, 1959.

Well, it is 12 bars and starts of F7 and feels bluesy, but I wouldn't call it a blues, per se. In the 5th bar, the key modulates from F blues to a ii V of Gb, that's all. The rest is just a ii V of ii V of ii V (b7 V7) which ties into the main motive of F7 Eb7.

 

[Jazzkuma]

Great tune from the Mingus in Wonderland album, recorded live at the Nonagon Art Gallery in NYC, January 16, 1959.

Well, it is 12 bars and starts of F7 and feels bluesy, but I wouldn't call it a blues, per se. In the 5th bar, the key modulates from F blues to a ii V of Gb, that's all. The rest is just a ii V of ii V of ii V (b7 V7) which ties into the main motive of F7 Eb7.

I thought about the Gb ii-V but to me it sounds like a reharm, similar to the 8th bar of the parker-blues.

 

[Phil Smith]

The melody is essentially 4 bars of F, 2 bars of Bb, 2 bars of F and a turn around. Blues in F that has a melody that could also be harmonized in Db or Bb.

 

[Jazzkuma]

The melody is essentially 4 bars of F, 2 bars of Bb, 2 bars of F and a turn around. Blues in F that has a melody that could also be harmonized in Db or Bb.

Sorry I meant the roman numerals. I don't know what the function of the Ab-7 Db7 is in this tune. (aside from a ii-V of Gb).

 

[Snake Doctor]

It's a reharmonization of the IV7 chord. Ab-7 to Db7 implies a resolution to a Gb tonic; Gb7 is a substitute for Bb7. Gb, Bb, Db & E (1, 3, 5, b7 of Gb7) is the b13, Root, #9 and #11 of the Bb7.

 

[Snake Doctor]

Another way to look at it is that the Db7 is also a substitute for Bb7. The Ab-7 functions as the related II chord. Anyway you look at it, the Ab-7 Db7 is a reharm for Bb7.

Hope that helps.

Best

Joe

 

[Adam Furay]

Bb7=Bb(R) D(3) F(5) Ab(b7) C#(#9)

there is a Db triad spelled out in a Bb7(#9)