"Mi saoco" is a son montuno written and performed by Cuban singer Benny Moré. It was recorded in February 1955 and released as a single by RCA Victor later that year.[1][2] Moré's recording featured his Banda Gigante with Eduardo Cabrera "Cabrerita" on piano and a large horn section featuring Santiago Peñalver on saxophone. The song became a staple of Moré's live repertoire, and one of his performances was filmed for television and later shown on BBC Arena in 1984 and 1986.[3] That performance features Generoso Jiménez on trombone, who joined the Banda Gigante in April 1955, after the original studio recording.[2]

"Mi saoco"
Single by Benny Moré y su Banda Gigante
B-side"Celosa"
Released1955
RecordedFebruary 15, 1955[1]
GenreSon montuno
Length2:51
LabelRCA Victor
Songwriter(s)Benny Moré
Benny Moré y su Banda Gigante singles chronology
"Buscando la melodía"
(1955)
"Mi saoco"
(1955)
"Y hoy como ayer"
(1955)

Although labelled as a son montuno on the original single, "Mi saoco" has also been considered a guaracha-son due to its fast tempo.[4][5] The lyrics of the song mention various places in Cuba: Vertientes, Camagüey, Florida and Morón, significant towns in Moré's past.[2] Because of its refrain, the song is also known as "Me voy pa' Morón",[2] not to be confused with the song of the same name composed by José Herrera and released also in 1955 by Orquesta Melodías del 40.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Díaz Ayala, Cristóbal (2018). "Benny Moré" (PDF). Encyclopedic Discography of Cuban Music 1925–1960. Florida International University Libraries. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d Radanovich, John (2009). Wildman of Rhythm: The Life & Music of Benny Moré. University Press of Florida. p. 103. ISBN 9780813033938.
  3. ^ Clarke, Donald (1990). The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Penguin Books. p. 824. ISBN 9780140511475.
  4. ^ Martínez Rodríguez, Raúl (1993). Benny Moré (in Spanish). Editorial Letras Cubanas. p. 27. ISBN 9789591000859.
  5. ^ Revista Hispano Cubana: HC, 18 (in Spanish). H.F.C. 2004. p. 239.