Quote:
but this does not explain the presence of a flat 9, is this simply a chromatic passing tone? As a function of the IIm functioning as the one its a flat 6th, though this position (IIm) would indicate a dorian minor


Z

Yes it has no reference to the dorian II other than to provide chromatic voice leading to the II chord. That's my understanding anyway.

Ray and Joe

I prefer the 'grace note' as opposed to the 'avoid note' explanation and sometimes even that doesn't apply nowadays when there's so many post-bop or neo-bop players playing freely with the chords using interval sequences rather than chords/scales and even stressing tensions on the strong beat(in Dolphy or Brecker style) rather than resolving into consonance.
It's certainly still think it's a valid approach for older swing and bop styles though where overt use of stressed or prolonged dissonance is still avoided like the plague.


Alan