ii-V-I Harmonic Analysis - Autumn Leaves

The ii-V-I Harmonic Progression is the most common utilized in the jazz idiom.
This short analysis offered myself much needed insight into the mechanics of harmonic motion.

- Autumn Leaves - key signature = #
key signature = # = key of G major OR the key E melodic minor
( note ) B7 = B dominant 7 contains a D#. Hence, indicating the key E melodic minor

key of G major

I	ii	iii	IV	V	vi	viio	I
G	A	B	C	D	E	F#	G

key of E melodic minor

i	iio	III	iv	V	maj/min	min/maj	i
E	F#	G	A	B	C#	D#	E

___________ A section

A-7

D7

Gmaj7

Cmaj7

F#-7b5

B7

E-

B section

F#-7b5	B7b9	E-	A-7	D7	Gmaj7	Gmaj7
F#-7b5	B7b9	E- Eb7	D-7 Db7	Cmaj7	B7b9	E-

Composition analysis

A-7	D7	Gmaj	Cmaj	F#-7b5	B7	E-
ACEG	DF#AC	GBDF#	CEGB	F#ACE	BD#F#A	EGBD

Chord Overlay
E-
EGBD
B7
     BD#F#A
F#-7b5
            F#ACE
Cmaj7
                  CEGB
Gmaj
                        GBDF#
D7
                               DF#AC
A-7
                                      ACEG

• Using the chord overlay above makes it obvious to see the utilization of the common voice leading principle.
• The V of the current chord becomes the I/root of the following chord.
• Hence, the foundation of the ii-V-I harmonic motion is the exploitation of V-I resolution principle in the key of G major.
  ( A-7/D7/Gmaj )
  
  

  A-7	D7	Gmaj	Cmaj	F#-7b5	B7	E-
  ACEG	DF#AC	GBDF#	CEGB	F#ACE	BD#F#A	EGBD

The composer uses the F#-7b5(7th degree) in the key of G major to modulate into the key of E melodic minor.

• Hence, a ii-V-I is repeated in the key of E melodic minor.
  ( F#-7b5/B7/E- )
  
• An interesting device is used in this composition. The harmonic motion established in this tune is a progression 4th intervals. A-7/D7/Gmaj7/Cmaj7. However, the interval of a #4th is utilized for the chord change from Cmaj/F#-7b5. This device allows a smooth transition into the relative minor key of E melodic minor. The "C"/root from the Cmaj becomes the flat 5th of the F#-7b5.

  F#-7b5	B7	E-
  F#ACE	BD#F#A	EGBD

  ( note the D# ) indicating the key E melodic minor
• (note) The change from E-/A-7 is an interval of 4th. However, it is a I-IV relationhip vs a V-I relationship. Hence, the common voice leading tone is "G". EGB-ACEG. (note) The V-I relationship is utilized in the relationship between the minor third of E- (G) and the minor seventh of A (G)

  E-	A-7
  EGBD	ACEG