How Can I Effectively Incorporate The Use Of Polytonality And Bitonality Into A Ii-V-I Progression In A Jazz Standard, While Maintaining A Sense Of Harmonic Coherence And Narrative Arc, Specifically In A Situation Where The Ii Chord Is Being Reharmonized With An Altered Dominant #11th Chord And The V Chord Is Being Approached With A Series Of Ascending Chromatic Passing Chords?

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To incorporate polytonality and bitonality into a ii-V-I progression in a jazz standard, while maintaining harmonic coherence and a narrative arc, follow these steps:

  1. Understanding the Reharmonization:

    • The ii chord (e.g., Dm in C major) is reharmonized as an Altered Dominant #11th chord (e.g., E7#11). This adds tension and a rich harmonic texture.

  2. Approach to the V Chord:

    • Use ascending chromatic passing chords before the V chord (e.g., F#7 and G7 before G7). These chords create chromatic movement and build tension.

  3. Incorporating Polytonality/Bitonality:

    • Layering Tonality: Over the E7#11, introduce a melody or secondary harmony from a different key (e.g., C minor or another parallel key). This creates a bitonal effect without losing the main progression.
    • Voice Leading: Each voice can imply a different tonality. For example, the bass in the main key while another instrument plays in a secondary key.

  4. Maintaining Coherence:

    • Motivic Development: Use a consistent melodic motif varied across different tonal layers. This ties the progression together and maintains coherence.
    • Scales and Modes: Use scales like the augmented scale for E7#11 and appropriate scales for passing chords to guide the melody.

  5. Narrative Arc:

    • Tension and Resolution: Start with the reharmonized ii chord, build tension with polytonal layers and chromatic passing chords, then resolve with the I chord, returning to the main tonality.

  6. Practical Application:

    • Example Progression: Dm (E7#11) -> F#7, G7 -> Cmaj. Over E7#11, use a C major melody with E7#11 notes. Passing chords each hint at different keys, resolving to Cmaj.

  7. Listening and Inspiration:

    • Study jazz musicians known for complex harmonies, like Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, to gain insights into effective polytonal usage.

  8. Ensuring Clarity:

    • Maintain a solid foundation with the bass and drums, allowing harmonic complexity without chaos.

By layering tonalities, using chromatic passing chords, and maintaining a consistent motif, you can create a coherent and engaging harmonic narrative.