Post 7: THE PICARDY CHORD PROGRESSION AT THE START OF TUNES

It is vital for those learning to play traditional jazz to become familiar with The Picardy Chord Progression because it occurs frequently in our music. The Picardy Progression (which is actually the end of the 'Circle of Fifths') is simply:

IIm -  V  -  I

(occasional alternative II7  -  V7  -  I)

However, it is rarely used at the beginning of tunes. 

Examples of songs that do begin with this progression are:

Body and Soul
Can't We Be Friends  (II7 - V7 - I)
C'Est Si Bon
Forty and Tight
I Get a Kick Out of You - by my count this song uses the progression THIRTEEN times!
I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby
King Kong
Prisoner of Love
Rose Room (II7 - V7 - I)
In a Mellow Tone (the entire tune has virtually the same chord progression as Rose Room)
Roses of Picardy
Scrapple from the Apple
Take Your Tomorrow
You Brought a New Kind of Love

Also Chloe begins with IIm  -  V  repeated.

So it is specially helpful to think 'Picardy Progression' when you are about to improvise on these tunes.
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The book 'Playing Traditional Jazz' by Pops Coffee is available from Amazon.