“I Got A Woman” (PDF) from the Kermit Ruffins with Rebirth Brass Band album, Throwback

Trumpeter Renald Richard had been gigging around the New Orleans music scene before joining Ray Charles’ band in 1954 and quickly becoming its bandleader. According to reporter Marsha James, Richard wrote the words to “I Got A Woman” on the way to a gig, perhaps the true stroke of genius when compared to the pianist’s setting of the lyrics to music inspired by previous gospel songs. The recording became an instant hit for Charles and the song was adopted as a New Orleans anthem in the 1960’s when the Olympia Brass Band incorporated R&B music into second line parades.

It’s unclear as to why the trombone solo on this Rebirth Brass Band version is reduced to only a half-chorus, with Kermit Ruffins’ trumpet finishing out the form, but buried within the 8-bars are prime examples of melodic leading, shout phrasing, and syncopated funk so that one doesn’t have to dig very deep for gold.

Here’s a YouTube video profile of “I Got A Woman” songwriter, trumpeter Renald Richard:

Recommended viewing: Never A Dull Moment: 20 Years of Rebirth Brass Band, music documentary.