From Shelley Huston:

>Two non-internet friends are having an argument which the geniuses 
>on this list should be able to put to rest.  (I'm not a theory 
>guru.) Is there a name for for a major chord built on the flat 7th? 
>Example:  Bb D F in CM.  Thanks all.  Shel

Since the late 19th century tonal music has been influenced by the 
modes - especially the Mixolydian and Dorian. Most theory programs 
would call a Bb triad in C Major a bVII. It seems misleading to call 
it V of III unless it actually moves to an Eb harmony. In spite of 
horrifying Schenkerian scholars, I find that a Bb chord in C Major 
often functions as IV or IV - making a temporary plagal cadence.

In pop music such a chord is simply indicated as Bb - unless, as some 
have mentioned, it is really part of a C7 complex (C11 with 9th 
added), and for me the best way to indicate it is Bb/C. How it comes 
to pop music is an interesting question. It could be that the Bb is 
borrowed from the blues, or from modal folk tunes, or even from the 
plagal harmonic moves in gospel music.

I'd like to see someone research this.

Hal

-- 
Harold Owen
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