Grover Washington Jr. – Just The Two Of Us – Solo
Just The Two Of Us < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Cmaj7’, ‘B7’, ‘Bbmaj7’, ‘A7’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘G7’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘F13’]
Chord Progression Analysis
In this piece, the main chord progression could be simplified to Cmaj7 – B7 – Em7 and then eventually to Dm7 – G7. In this context, the B7 acts as a secondary dominant (V/iii) leading to Em7, and the Dm7 – G7 is a ii – V progression in the key of C major. As the song progresses, there are instances where it shifts half step down from the primary key utilizing borrowed chords from parallel keys.
Full chord names and their Roman Numeral structures:
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Cmaj7 (‘I maj7’)
B7 (‘V7/iii’)
Em7 (‘iii7’)
Dm7 (‘ii7’)
G7 (‘V7’)
Bbmaj7 (‘bVII maj7’, Borrowed from C minor)
A7 (‘VI7’, Secondary Dominant)
Abmaj7 (‘bVI maj7’, Borrowed from C minor)
F13 (‘IV13’, Variation/Extension of F major)
Ebm7 (‘bIII7’, Borrowed from C minor)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
George Duke’s “Brazilian Love Affair” and Lonnie Liston Smith’s “Expansions” uses similar complex chord progressions common in jazz and funk fusion genre.
George Duke’s chord progression in a similar format:
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Dm7 (‘ii7’)
G7 (‘V7’)
Emi7 (‘iii7’)
A7 (‘V7/vi’)
“`
Lonnie Liston Smith’s chord progression in similar format:
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Emaj9 (‘I maj9’)
Amaj7 (‘IV maj7’)
F#m7 (‘ii7’)
B7 (‘V7/v’)
“`
Musical Analysis
The piece employs the use of secondary dominants, which are common jazz and classic RnB style, used to provide a richer harmonic content and movement. The V7/iii in this context creating tension and resolution in the song. The use of borrowed chords adds color and surprise, which are characteristic of the jazz genre.
Overall Analysis
“Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. is a sample gold mine for those interested in jazz, soul, and RnB influenced chord progressions. This song, co-written with Bill Withers, perfectly illustrates the fusion of jazz and pop music. The song is primarily in C Major key but it makes significant use of secondary dominant chords, and borrowed chords from parallel keys which are typical characteristics of jazz-inflected pop.
Style Analysis
Grover Washington Jr.’s style can be characterized as a blend of funk, RnB and jazz. His music often uses complex chord progressions which aren’t found in traditional pop music but also remain catchy and accessible due to their repetitious nature. He was adept at fusing these elements to create a smooth, soulful sound, evident in “Just the Two of Us”.
What are the chords in: Grover Washington Jr. – Just The Two Of Us – Solo?
[‘Cmaj7’, ‘B7’, ‘Bbmaj7’, ‘A7’, ‘Abmaj7’, ‘G7’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘F13’]
