Undocorridos by Beto Cacao

Description

Beto Cacao, Mexican-born singer, songwriter, musician and activist, lives in Athens, Georgia.

On his first CD he presents seven original songs—along with one by Fredy Jose Mosso—which address issues important to the Hispanic community and beyond—the problems of undocumented immigrants, the status of the “dreamers,” the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, as well as other aspects of ethnic and economic discrimination.

Many are in the norteño corrido style, well-suited to songs of topical relevance. They are honest and deeply felt. Some are poignant, like “Corrido de Pedro Gorosquieta” about a humble landscape worker killed by a tree and honored by the larger community; and “El Dolor Que Bebo,” about a young girl whose father was taken from her by “la migra,” ICE—- both of which draw on personal experience.

“Los Inmigrantes de Stillmore” recounts the rounding up of poultry workers, mainstays of the economy of a small Georgia town. “DWH,” (“Driving While Hispanic”) is a bitterly humorous song about members of Beto’s community who have been stopped by a police officer who takes particular pleasure in arresting Hispanics. And there are songs of activism like “Somos Corridos” with its double meanings: “we are chased out” and “WE are the songs!”

Underlying these songs is a human sympathy which stands in contrast to the hostility, fear and anger in much governmental action and popular sentiment today. These are fine songs which will endure beyond today’s topical relevance and necessity and may well take their place next to Woody Guthrie’s “Dust Bowl Ballads” and Aunt Molly Jackson’s songs of Kentucky coal mine union organizing.

Although he often plays and sings many types of Hispanic songs with his brothers, here Beto performs simply, with just his voice and guitar. His spoken introductions in English will guide the non-Spanish speaking listener into the songs, although Spanish and English texts are provided in an enclosed illustrated booklet. The non-Spanish speaking listener is urged to look at Beto’s poetic translations of his Spanish lyrics.

Beto grew up in a musical family in the Estado de Mexico near Mexico City, and has lived in the US for twenty years. He is the Athens, Georgia Immigrant Rights Coordinator and co-founder of the annual Latinx Fest in Athens. His music is tightly bonded to his activism and cultural efforts. It is hoped that the poetry and strength of this program of songs will help to build “bridges instead of walls.”

This CD on the Backroads and Banjos label, was produced by Grammy-winning folklorist and performer Art Rosenbaum, with Neil Rosenbaum.

Booklet from CD with lyrics and translations

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