BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
2218 / 18210 · Workshop 2 — “Autumn Leaves”: ii–V–I, Circle Motion, Minor Resolution, and Real Jazz Language← prev⊞ allnext →

2.68Why this tune is such a foundational jazz standard

It teaches, in one compact form:

  • Circle of Fifths
  • major ii–V–I
  • minor ii–V–i
  • relative major/minor
  • guide tones
  • functional dominant harmony
  • melodic targeting

That is an enormous amount of jazz language in one tune.