Sesiones de la Loma: Elevating Salsa Artists and International Impact

2023-10-01 22:03:15

It is no coincidence that veteran salsa artists and other new exponents highlight the importance and international impact of the Sesiones de la Loma project led by the singer, composer and musician, Norberto Vélez.

Ordinarily, Vélez and producer Gabriel Ramos have recorded an episode a month for at least four years when the project began, which basically consists of interviewing and having a guest artist sing and then, that recording is posted through the YouTube platform, and can reach even the ‘conchinchina’, so the opportunity for exposure is as great as to almost say infinite.

Some chapters, in which artists of the stature of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Bobby Valentín, El Gran Combo, Tito Rojas, Tito Nieves, Johnny Rivera, Moncho Rivera, Andy Montañez, Víctor Manuell, among others, have participated, adding up to highly million-dollar visitor numbers. and followers.

For example, the salsa strongholds of Latin America have been the spearhead for the project.

The setting of the program is simple, a small peasant house, which is already a celebrity in the project, which is recorded on a farm in Hatillo, up on a hill. For many guests and musicians, that façade of a peasant house and the hill located on the farm offers a magical space to the project.

Today, Sunday, in passing, Vélez and Ramos celebrated the ‘Sesiones de la loma-event 2’ event, which was also part of the fourth anniversary of the project.

And although Mrs. Rain was not invited, despite her coming and going with her drizzles and downpours, the salsa fans were present throughout the afternoon-night at the Agrotourism park located in Dorado, where the event took place. event.

The public enjoyed every moment of the event. (Josian Bruno)

Hundreds of fans supported the activity, a family-type atmosphere, and some of them with umbrellas in hand, sang, chorused, danced, while the guest artists performed on the stage.

“I like Norberto’s program and I watch it on the YouTube platform. A pleasant program where one has the opportunity to listen to 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, Santa Rosa, have praised the initiative of Vélez and Ramos at the time.

Yesterday, the singer Michelle Brava, who already participated in one of the sessions, said that the project is very relevant for the salsa genre today.

“Important both in Puerto Rico and in Latin America. I think Norberto had no idea how big and important it was to do this experiment, that he did it perhaps because of his desire to make music and do some activity months before the pandemic and then during the pandemic. It is a wonderful space, first of all, it has received the support of people and veteran artists, and if you add Norberto’s personality and people skills, that has a lot to do with that success. Norbert is a human being always willing to help, with great talent and very cooperative with everyone. He gives opportunities to new talents and, for example, in my case, it is like a beautiful gift that he gives to all of us. I’ve been to some countries and people recognize me and tell me, ‘ahhh you’re the singer on the hill.’ For me that is spectacular,” said Brava.

The event began at 1:00 in the afternoon and will close with the salsa singer Luis Enrique.

“We are very comfortable and happy with people’s support for the activity. It is true that there has been a bit of bad weather, but people are going to arrive, that is why there are schedules and presentations by various artists. Some people will come to see Bobby Valentín and others Luis Enrique, those will arrive a little later. But so far, I’m pleased with the atmosphere,” said Vélez, a salsa singer and former member of the group NG2.

Carmencita DJ started the audience’s enjoyment with salsa dura through 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 off masterfully singing and playing percussion.

“It is an honor for me to be able to participate in the event and for people to 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 and has not given us in Latin American countries has been super good. We already have on the agenda to go play in Colombia, Panama, Peru and Chile, among some countries,” said Rivera, a music graduate at the Berklee Institute in Boston.

“I understand and say that Norberto is sticking up for the genre, he is charging the salsa movement with this project. In our case, some fans write to me and let me know about our music. That is the importance of Norberto’s project for many. It doesn’t provide that exposure,” Rivera said.

International press specialized in the salsa genre, from Peru, Panama and Colombia, among some countries, were present at the event. Some salsa fans from Latin American countries were also present.

The New Shock Force, with four female singers and four male singers, continued on the agenda, under the direction of the pianist, composer and singer, Carlos García.

The women Michelle Brava, Lorna Marcano, Karla Marie and Zayra Pola, along with Willito Otero, Kayvan Vega, Christian Alicea and Carlos Nevárez, were on stage.

“We want people to have a great time and I am grateful for this opportunity. Norbert has taken a tremendous step with his project, and 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 present.

In the afternoon-evening hours, Bobby Valentín and his orchestra would be performing, then the orchestra of the Sesiones de la loma project directed by García, who will also sing along with the trumpeter Jota and Norberto himself. The veteran salsero Johnny Rivera would be on duty, as well as the former member of the Venezuelan group Guaco, Ronald Borjas, and the famous salsero Luis Enrique closes singing.

A production by Gabriel Ramos, in event 1 last year, Luisito Carrión, Tito Nieves, Ramoncito Rodríguez participated 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 was very grateful for the support he has received in recent years. Particularly to veteran salseros who have been to the program, which results in credibility for the project. Gilberto Santa Rosa was the first great to say present.

“I have to thank God for what is happening with Sessions de la loma. Now with time, I understand that this has become a great responsibility for me. I think it falls on my shoulders to continue in part with this legacy that is salsa. Thank you to the public for the support, and I also feel very committed to the genre, and I highlight and understand the importance of new exponents, new talents, and that is the responsibility and commitment,” said Vélez.

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