Standards · 1957
Soul Eyes chords & key
“Soul Eyes” is a jazz standard by Mal Waldron from 1957. It is usually played in C minor as a ballad, and the 32-bar ABAC form has 4 sections. Harmonically it contains 3 major ii–V–I cadences and 4 minor ii–V–i, uses 17 different chords and moves between the key centres G minor, E♭ major, F♯ major, C minor and F minor. In this atlas it appears on 1 album track.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — C minor
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Cm7×4
- G7♭9×4
- Fm7×4
- B♭7alt×3
- Gm7♭5×3
- C7♭9×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
G minor, E♭ major, F♯ major, C minor and F minor
Characteristics
- ABAC song form
History
"Soul Eyes" is a composition, with lyrics, written by Mal Waldron. It is a 32-bar ballad that takes the song form ABAC, and is written in 44 time. It was first recorded on March 22, 1957, for the album Interplay for 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors. One of the tenor saxophonists on that recording was John Coltrane, who brought the song back to attention by recording it in 1962 for his album Coltrane, when he had become more famous. This was only the second ever recording of the song, which has since become "part of the basic repertory of jazz performers" – a jazz standard. Waldron wrote the piece with Coltrane in mind: "I liked Coltrane's sound and I thought the melody would fit it." Since these early versions, the song has been recorded hundreds of times. A vocal version is on Vanessa Rubin's debut album in 1992; another comparatively rare vocal version, featuring Jeanne Lee, is available on Waldron's 1997 album entitled Soul Eyes.
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Recorded on these albums
Standards with similar changes
Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.
| Title | Key |
|---|---|
| Airegin 32% | F minor |
| Catch Me 31% | D minor |
| Minor Mood 21% | F minor |
| Petit Fleur 20% | G minor |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Soul Eyes in?
Soul Eyes is usually played in C minor. For B♭ instruments that is D minor, for E♭ instruments A minor.
Who wrote Soul Eyes?
Soul Eyes was written by Mal Waldron (1957).
What is the form of Soul Eyes?
Soul Eyes has 4 sections (ABAC) with 32 bars in total.
How fast is Soul Eyes played?
The usual groove is Ballad.
What are the chord changes to Soul Eyes?
The opening bars are Cm7 | G7b9 | Cm7 | F7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.