Stella by Starlight
One of the most harmonically sophisticated standards in the jazz repertoire. Through-composed with constantly shifting key centers, Stella by Starlight is a masterclass in ii-V-I resolution chains and chromatic harmonic movement. The tune never repeats a section, making it a unique challenge for improvisers.
Notation
Section Analysis
Summary
Opens with a ii-V to D minor (Em7b5-A7), immediately followed by ii-V to Bb (Cm7-F7), then ii-V to Eb (Fm7-Bb7), resolving to Ebmaj7. The Ab7 at bar 8 is a chromatic surprise, functioning as a tritone substitution.
Harmonic Insight
The opening is deceptive: the Em7b5-A7 suggests D minor, but instead of resolving there, it moves to Cm7-F7 in the home key. This sets up the harmonic ambiguity that defines the entire tune. The Ab7 prepares for the arrival on Bbmaj7 in section B.
Scale Guide
- Em7b5: D melodic minor or B Locrian
- A7: A altered scale or D harmonic minor
- Cm7: C Dorian
- F7: F Mixolydian or F altered
- Fm7: F Dorian
- Bb7: Bb Mixolydian or Bb altered
- Ebmaj7: Eb major or Eb Lydian
- Ab7: Ab Lydian dominant or Db melodic minor
Practice Tips
- Practice the ii-V-I chain slowly, hearing each resolution before moving to the next key center
- Work on voice leading through the chromatic movement: Em7b5 → Cm7 → Fm7
- The Ab7 is crucial: treat it as a tritone sub for D7, creating smooth chromatic bass motion (Ab → G)
- Arpeggiate each chord slowly to internalize the complex harmonic structure