This week we’re looking at tunes with prominent organ parts, and today’s classic organic song of the day is “Oye Como Va” by Santana. Released in February of 1971, this one peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, #11 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, and #32 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The single was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Grammy Hall of Fame a year later.
“Oye Como Va” was written and originally recorded by Tito Puente (and his Orchestra) in 1962. That original version was more of an easy going cha cha. Tito initially wasn’t that big a fan of Santana’s more rocking version—until the first royalty checks started to arrive, that is. At that point, the master percussionist changed his tune:
“Everybody’s heard of Santana. Santana! Beautiful Santana! He put our music, Latin rock, around the world, man! And I’d like to thank him publicly ’cause he recorded a tune and he gave me credit as the composer of the tune. So, since that day… all we play… is Santana music!”
Santana’s version ditches the whole orchestra backing, including the flute prominent on the original recording, adding in Carlos Santana’s driving guitar and Gregg Rolie’s Hammond B3 organ. In fact, it’s Rolie’s organ that starts things out with the basic Latin rhythm and takes its own smokin’ solo in the middle of the tune.
“Oye Como Va” was the third track on side one of Santana’s second album, Abraxas. That album also included the hits “Black Magic Woman” and “Samba Pa Ti.” The group’s previous self-titled debut album spawned their initial hit, “Evil Ways,” and the second album went on to establish the burgeoning genre of Latin rock and cement Carlos’ reputation as a guitar god.
In case you’re wondering, or even if you’re not, the Spanish lyrics of “Oye Como Va” translate to English as follows:
Listen how it goes
My rhythm
It’s good for enjoying
Mulata
The term “mulata” refers to someone of mixed African and European ancestry.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, Santana performing “Oye Como Va” live at Tanglewood on August 18, 1970. Man, that’s some good stuff.
