Tracey – Marty Sheller

At a slow tempo, unpredictable melodic and harmonic structures can often seem more natural—even inexorable—than if they were played faster. Tracey contains several examples of this, combining some unexpected chord progressions with intriguing melodic shapes that, at this tempo, invite expressive interpretation and embellishment. The 24-measure non-repeating form alternates between four measures of active chord changes, with two chords per measure, and four measures of more static harmonies. The second four-measure phrase contains a pedal point on A♭; later in the form there are modulations to the keys of D♭, C and E. Of particular interest harmonically is the use of major 7ths as passing chords, as in the second measure where G♭maj7 is used as a smooth voice leading from A♭maj7 to Fm7. Similarly, in the 9th and 10th measures, three consecutive major chords modulate from Cm7 to E♭m7♭5: B, A, and D major 7ths. In these sections the melodic shape is somewhat angular, though it's not obvious given the ballad tempo.

This recording is a tenor sax feature. It is a bolero, but this song also works as a ballad. The last four measures of the melody are also used as an intro; the flute melody line in this section appears in our lead sheets, as well as the bass line.