Norberto Vélez’s “Sesiones Desde la Loma”

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“Sesiones Desde la Loma” is an enjoyable music video concept created by former NG2 Salsa band co-leader Norberto Vélez. Approaching its 3rd anniversary, “Sesiones” has proven to be quite successful, and I believe it has even more opportunities to expand the concept.

Concept of “Sesiones Desde la Loma“

As Nor-bert (as Norberto Vélez is artistically branding himself) explains in a “behind the scenes” video recorded after his 3rd episode back in 2019 (check it out below), that he had been pondering for a while for some time until one day he decided to give it a try.

Along with his co-producer Gabriel Ramos, the two young entrepreneurs decided to try the concept as an experiment. Norberto used his piece of land at the top of a hill (“loma“) near his native Hatillo, Puerto Rico. There he built a small structure, you might call it a mini-house, with a typical balcony. He built the structure as a place to entertain family and friends outside of the main house.

Norberto and Gabriel decided to use the mini-house balcony as the “stage” to host musical guests and form a bit of an informal, but well-planned, music session with a handful of supporting musicians.

Another aspect I love about “Sesiones” is its mix of music with conversation. Nor-bert and his episode’s guest will talk in between songs, giving it a bit of an interview feel, but Nor-bert keeps it so informal and jovial that it’s more of a conversation than an interview.

He is also careful not to overextend the talking, as “Sesiones” is more about the music than the conversation. However, the well-thought mix of both must resemble a bit the original intent of the mini-house of bringing friends and family to talk and play some music.

More on the Concept

There are a few other things that I like about “Sesiones“. Nor-bert sings with his guest in several ways, I guess depending on the guest. The guest could sing out the entire song; they could sing it as a duo or Nor-bert could sing one of the guest’s popular songs.

And then there is the “cañona“. In Puerto Rico, the term means something that is forced upon you or someone. Here it means that the guest has to sing one of Nor-bert’s songs, sometimes one that he wrote just for the episode. Because there is very little rehearsal involved, if any, it’s normally very spontaneous and fun.

What started as a handful of supporting musicians on the balcony of the mini-house, is now a full-blown band that spills onto the front of the mini-house, with some still sitting on the balcony. But regardless of the number of musicians, the music is normally quite good by these talented musicians. You can enjoy the quality of the music, from “Títere” in the 2nd episode with Gilberto Santa Rosa, to “Idilio” with Cuco Peña, to “Yaré” with Luisito Carrión. I can keep going on and on with examples, but it’s better that you check it out.

The musical sessions are recorded and published on Nor-bert’s YouTube channel.

3rd Anniversary Celebration

To celebrate three successful years doing “Sesiones“, Nor-bert is doing something that my wife and I had discussed while watching one of its very entertaining episodes.

“He should take this (concept) and open it to the public, where he could charge for tickets and have 2 or 3 guests instead of one”, Ivonne and I brainstormed.

Well, Nor-bert was already planning that. The first “Sesiones Desde la Loma – El Evento” is planned for October 22, 2022.

Possibilities for “Sesiones Desde la Loma“

I think this great concept has further possibilities for growth. More “live” episodes would be great, not only at the “loma” but also at other venues. They could take the show on the road, to closed spaces, perhaps using a scenography resembling the mini-house at the “loma“. Or they could rent out other lomas, perhaps in one of the many Haciendas located in different parts of Puerto Rico.

A recording of some of the “greatest hits” might be another possibility, although the ramifications of dealing with artists signed to record labels may become a legalese obstacle.

If you haven’t seen the “Sesiones Desde la Loma” episodes on YouTube, I highly recommend you check it out. It’s a refreshing concept of providing music to music fans in a different way.

Norberto Vélez – YouTube