Progression: Bbmaj13 — Ab13sus — Gbmaj9
This 4-bar MIDI loop introduces a modern, Neo-Soul interpretation of the Donny sound. It utilizes Quartal Voicings (intervals of fourths) to create an airy, floating texture. The movement feels "unresolved" in the best way possible, providing an expensive and sophisticated atmosphere for Rhodes or electric piano.
The sequence features modern modal shifts and wide, suspended textures:
| Bar | Chord | Harmonic Function | Root Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar 1 | Bbmaj13 | I (Tonic) – The Open Base | Bb |
| Bar 2.1 | Ab13sus | bVII (Floating Dominant) – The Modal Push | Ab |
| Bar 2.2 | Gbmaj9 | bVI (Submediant) – The Sophisticated Resolve | Gb |
"The secret to the Donny Hathaway sound is the 'Gospel Spread'—staggering the notes of the right-hand chord by 8–14 ticks so they roll into each other rather than hitting all at once."
