It is no coincidence that experienced salsa artists and other new artists highlight the importance and international impact of the Sesiones de la Loma project led by singer, composer and musician Norberto Vélez.
Typically, when the project began, Vélez and producer Gabriel Ramos recorded an episode each month for at least four years, essentially consisting of interviews and singing by a guest artist. This recording is then published via the YouTube platform and can even be reached the “Conchinchina”, therefore the possibilities for exposure are almost unlimited.
Some chapters, in which artists such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Bobby Valentín, El Gran Combo, Tito Rojas, Tito Nieves, Johnny Rivera, Moncho Rivera, Andy Montañez, Víctor Manuell, among others, took part, added up to multi-million dollar attendance. and followers.
The salsa strongholds of Latin America, for example, were the spearhead of the project.
The setting of the program is simple, a small farmhouse, already a celebrity in the project, shot on a farm in Hatillo, at the top of a hill. For many guests and musicians, the facade of a farmhouse and the hills on the farm provide a magical space for the project.
Today, Sunday, Vélez and Ramos celebrated in passing the “Sesiones de la loma-event 2”, which was also part of the fourth anniversary of the project.
And although Ms. Rain was not invited despite her comings and goings with drizzle and rain, the salsa fans were present throughout the afternoon and evening at the Agrotourism Park in Dorado, where the event took place. Event.
The audience enjoyed every moment of the event. (Josian Bruno)Hundreds of fans supported the activity, a family atmosphere, and some of them sang, sang, sang, danced with umbrellas in hand while the guest artists performed on stage.
“I like Norberto’s show and watch it on the YouTube platform. A pleasant program where you have the opportunity to hear anecdotes from the guests and also listen to their music. I won’t miss it,” said Juan Antonio Ruiz, who came to Dorado from Carolina.
Luis Enrique, Tito Nieves, the composer Ramón Rodríguez, Víctor Manuelle and Santa Rosa praised the initiative of Vélez and Ramos at the time.
Yesterday, singer Michelle Brava, who already took part in one of the sessions, said that the project is very relevant to today’s salsa genre.
“Important in both Puerto Rico and Latin America. I think Norberto had no idea how big and important this experiment was, and that he may have done it out of a desire to make music and exercise months before the pandemic and then during the pandemic. It’s a wonderful place, firstly, it has received the support of people and experienced artists, and if you add Norberto’s personality and social skills, that has a lot to do with this success. Norbert is an always helpful person, with great talent and very cooperative with everyone. It offers opportunities for new talent and in my case, for example, it is like a beautiful gift that it gives to all of us. “I’ve been to a few countries and people recognize me and tell me, ‘Ahhh, you’re the singer on the hill.’ To me, that’s spectacular,” Brava said.
The event started at 1:00 in the afternoon and ended with the salsa singer Luis Enrique.
“We feel very good and are happy about people’s support for the activity. It is true that the weather was a bit bad, but people will come, so there are dates and presentations by various artists. Some people will come to see Bobby Valentin, others Luis Enrique, others will arrive a little later. But so far I’m happy with the atmosphere,” said Vélez, a salsa singer and former member of the group NG2.
Carmencita DJ opened the audience with Salsa Dura over the decks, then David Rivera’s La Bámbula Orchestra came on, which was very well received by the audience. The group sounded strongly grounded and Rivera showed how masterfully she sang and played percussion.
“It is an honor for me to be able to take part in the event and that people appreciate our project. Thanks to Norbert for the invitation. I had the opportunity to record an episode of one of the sessions from the hill and the projection that it gave us, which was not given to us in Latin American countries, was super good. We already have plans to perform in Colombia, Panama, Peru and Chile, among other places,” said Rivera, a music graduate from the Berklee Institute in Boston.
“I understand and say that Norberto is committed to the genre and is energizing the salsa movement with this project. In our case, some fans write to me and inform me about our music. For many, this is the meaning of Norberto’s project. It doesn’t provide that visibility,” Rivera said.
An international press specializing in the salsa genre, including from Peru, Panama and Colombia, was present at the event. Some salsa fans from Latin American countries were also present.
The program also included The New Shock Force with four male and female singers under the direction of pianist, composer and singer Carlos García.
On stage were the women Michelle Brava, Lorna Marcano, Karla Marie and Zayra Pola as well as Willito Otero, Kayvan Vega, Christian Alicea and Carlos Nevárez.
“We want people to have a great time and I’m grateful for this opportunity. “Norbert has taken a huge step with his project and he continues to open very large and important doors for the salsa genre with his project,” said Brava, whose participation was very well received by the audience in attendance.
In the afternoon and evening hours, Bobby Valentín and his orchestra would perform, then the orchestra of the Sesiones de la loma project led by García, who will also sing with the trumpeter Jota and Norberto himself. Experienced salsero Johnny Rivera would be in action, as would former member of the Venezuelan group Guaco, Ronald Borjas, and famous salsero Luis Enrique concludes with vocals.
A production by Gabriel Ramos, last year’s event 1 included Luisito Carrión, Tito Nieves and Ramoncito Rodríguez, among others, Domingo Quiñones and Maelo Ruiz took the stage in a special way and Vélez himself had his salsa participation.
For his part, Vélez said he is very grateful for the support he has received in recent years. Especially to experienced salseros who have participated in the program, which gives the project credibility. Gilberto Santa Rosa was the first great to give a gift.
“I have to thank God for what is happening with Sessions de la Loma. Over time, I understand that this has become a huge responsibility for me. I think it’s up to me to carry on some of this legacy that is salsa. Thank you to the audience for the support, and I also feel very committed to the genre, and I underline and understand the importance of new artists, new talent, and that is the responsibility and the commitment,” said Vélez.