rhythm changes
A common jazz chord progression based on George Gershwin's I Got Rhythm.
In Depth
Rhythm changes are the second most important harmonic framework in jazz after the blues. The 32-bar AABA form uses a I-VI-II-V progression in the A sections and a cycle of dominant sevenths in the bridge. Hundreds of jazz compositions are written over rhythm changes, including Anthropology, Oleo, and Donna Lee. Jazz musicians are expected to be fluent in rhythm changes in all twelve keys, as they appear constantly in jam sessions and cutting contests.
Charlie Parker wrote so many melodies over rhythm changes that musicians joke you could play a different Parker tune over the same chords every night for a month without repeating.