ReStructure/Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera: June 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

"Bang A Gong" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Witch Queen

Gino Soccio and Peter Alves created studio band, Witch Queen in 1978 at The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio - along with Denis LaPage on synthesizers and his back-up vocal ensemble including Heather Gauthier, John Oriettas, Mario Cadotte and Paul Chacra.

The project included two disco covers of two rock classics: "All Right Now" by Free from 1970 and "Bang A Gong" by T. Rex from 1971. Soccio and Alves take the rock classic "Bang A Gong" into an electronic feel with a hard hitting and hand-smacking disco arrangement.

I have ReStructured the track and added a few beat percussion elements and effects to give the mix a bit more freedom. It is fare to the original with the ReStructure flavor of not falling too close!

"Bang A Gong" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Witch Queen

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

"Don't Take Away The Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tavares

Tavares is Feliciano Tavares, Arthur Tavares, Perry Tavares, Antone Tavares and Ralph Tavares - they were originally a group founded in 1963 called Chubby and The Turnpikes. In 1973 they began recording as Tavares under Capitol Records.

Their 1976 LP "Sky High" had a few hits that mark the dance era of the time. "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" is a classic disco track that remains on many retro-disc jockey lists. Another big track from the LP "Don't Take Away The Music" was another big hit for the group. Under the production of Freddie Perren it was a sure light to brighten up dance floors.

This ReStructure Mix is intended to bring the song back with a few new tweaks and movements here and there. The song is an all-time favorite and makes the world of disco music seem a bit more complete.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated lovingly to Larry Sanders - who has kept the sound of disco music true to his heart and the many dancer and fans who follow him. Thank you, Larry :)

"Don't Take Away The Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tavares

Friday, June 25, 2010

"Sunshower" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band was formed in1974 consisting of Stony Browder, Jr., August Darnell, Cory Daye, Andy Hernandez and Mickey Sevilla. They are most remembered by their big hit in 1976, "Cherchez La Femme".

Their self titled LP was a sound that brought the 70's back into perspective on music. Orchestral arrangements and torch music once again became popular and in fashion. On the same LP "Sunshower" was a light and rumba-driven track that always caught my attention.

This ReStructure gives the song a new intro - funky and thumping beat and a few breakdown points to stage the song on a whole new platform. It was clear that I did not want to totally bury Cory Daye's lovely vocals under a complete beat - so I broke the mix up into several segments.

"Sunshower" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band

Thursday, June 24, 2010

"Whole Lotta Love" by The Wonder Band - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Whole Lotta Love" by The Wonder Band - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The disco concept LP reaches for the classic rock genre with the LP "Stairway To Heaven" by The Wonder Band - the project from 1979 features two Led Zeppelin songs beautifully transformed into disco orchestrations complete with strings and brass.

The LP was produced by Silvio Tancredi, Israel Sanchez and Armando Noreiga (Simbora Orchestra "Brazuca" and appears on Easy Going's "Fear").

"Whole Lotta Love" is a wall of disco sound that uses every piece of disco satisfaction to build a fantastic piece of dance fantasy.

I have taken scenes from the 1997 film "Boogie Nights" starring Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore - a story of the 70's porn scene and the uprising star whose life becomes a roller coaster ride on it's tracks. The association is a bit odd, but work well with the 70's feel and energy.

The film was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Featuring scenes from "Boogie Nights" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Whole Lotta Love" by The Wonder Band - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

"Chinatown" by Cruisin' Gang - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Chinatown" by Cruisin' Gang - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Italo disco ensemble, Cruisin' Gang are Laura Fadinger, Ombretta Marsigli and Sabrina Morroya - produced by Ennio Manuel, Vallicelli and Trevisani. There was a new vision to dance music in Italy during the early 80's and many producers, musicians and artists were taking their concepts and making them a part of the dance movement.

"Chinatown" is a release from an LP by the same name that captures the essence of Cruisin' Gang - a mystical ambient-like disco track with fantastical and sensual vocals. The use of synthesizers and keyboards follows a mild energy but delivers on the atmospheric flow.

I have taken one of my favorite "film-noir" masterpieces, "Chinatown" to fill the visual end focusing on Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson - capturing the chemistry and some drama along with the song's drawn out suspense aura.

The film was released in 1974 - and was directed by Roman Polanski

Featuring scenes from "Chinatown" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Chinatown" by Cruisin' Gang - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

"I Don't Need No Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - TJM

Thomas Jerome Moulton (TJM) did for disco music in the 70's what Berry Gordy created for Motown in the 60's. There was a distinct sound that Moulton created - it was the essence of soul recaptured in a modern and innovative package. It was about many faucets: from arrangement, mix down and execution. It was the final phase for dance music in the early and mid 70's to begin the work o many influenced by it's power.

TJM is a project produced by Tom Moulton which I call the finale of real disco music. It has the feel of all that Moulton worked for in disco music from his projects as a "disco re-mixer", producer, and his ideals and concepts.

I have taken the track "I Don't Need No Music" and placed it in the ReStructure format - which is a dance mix for the moment and by the moment in the true essence of what I know as the disco mix.

Dedicated to Mr. Tom Moulton

"I Don't Need No Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - TJM

Sunday, June 20, 2010

"Stand Up - Sit Down" by AKB - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Stand Up - Sit Down" by AKB - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

From Andy Kahn (who also wrote and produced "Hot Shot" by Karen Young on the West End label) wrote, produced and arranged tunes including "Stand Up Sit Down" on the RSO label. Along with Philadelphia DJ Kurt Borusiewicz, Andy was one-half the collaborative team of AKB in 1979.

I have taken the 1935 film "Top Hat" starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and placed the excitement of tap dancing on the disco beat.

The film was directed by Mark Sandrich

Featuring scenes from "Top Hat" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Stand Up - Sit Down" by AKB - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Friday, June 18, 2010

"Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crown Heights Affair

Soul and disco combined well are the craft that Crown Heights Affair mastered well. Their 1976 LP "Do It Your Way" was an early sign that soul music was quite comfortable on the disco dance floor.

"Dancin'" is now an old school favorite with the 60's psychedelic keyboards and funky guitars. A killer track. I have ReStructured this piece with several new added parts and pieces. Bringing the song a new feel.

The album was produced and arranged by Britt Britton and Freida Nerangis

"Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crown Heights Affair

"Always Something There To Remind Me" by Viola Wills - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Always Something There To Remind Me" by Viola Wills - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Viola Wills contribution to disco music is majestic. Several of her cover versions of rock and pop songs are embedded on dance floors all over the world. "If You Could Read My Mind" from 1980 being one of the most memorable.

In 1981 she released a cover of "Always Something There To Remind Me" - a beautiful ballad written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David - covered again by Naked Eyes in 1982. Viola's production was by Jerry McCabe and Nick Straker.

I have taken the track and paired it up with the 1990 film, "Ghost" starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore - the story of a soul unable to leave his love as he protects and reminds her of a very special love. The concept is perfect with the mood of the song and the angle of the mix.

The film was directed by Jerry Zucker

Featuring scenes from "Ghost" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

This Disc Video Mix is dedicated lovingly to the memory of Viola Mae Wilkerson (1939 - 2009) - thank you Viola - your memory will always live on!

"Always Something There To Remind Me" by Viola Wills - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Thursday, June 17, 2010

"Workin' and Slavin' (I Need Love)" by Midnight Rhythm - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Workin' and Slavin' (I Need Love)" by Midnight Rhythm - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Joe Long and Robby Adcock assembled a studio session in 1978 full of funky disco band elements and orchestrations that fit the period like a tuff pair of disco skates.

"Workin' and Slavin' (I Need Love)" was a single from the LP that solidified the excitement and growth of disco music. It was uplifting, hardcore and definitely taking dance floors by surprise. The pounding riffs and uplifting bridge were everything that disco aspired to be.

I have taken the 1976 comedy film "Car Wash" and tagged the disco track to a whole new meaning - it stars Darrow Igus, Otis Day, James Spinks, The Pointer Sisters, and Richard Pryor. The daily routine of hard work and the need for a little downtime for love are used in bits and pieces.

The film was directed by Michael Schultz

Featuring scenes from "Car Wash" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Ramon Sandoval - thanks for your work on Midnight Rhythm - a disco gem!

"Workin' and Slavin' (I Need Love)" by Midnight Rhythm - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

"He's The Greatest Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sister Sledge

The disco era was one of the most exciting in music history with contributions by groups like Sister Sledge. Their 1978 LP "We Are Family" contained the formula which disco music was waiting for - both pop-wise and collective for it's own style. With the help of producers Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers who began working production wonders with their classic guitar work.

"He's The Greatest Dancer" with it's funky lead and bass guitars and lush strings and lyrics make the disco beat come alive. It is perhaps one of the smooth disco tracks ever recorded.

I have taken the song into an extended ReStructure and added a few new pieces: new beats and bongos to give it a new direction to move with.

"He's The Greatest Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sister Sledge

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

"Erucu" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson began his solo career away from The Jackson 5 in 1972 - since his guitar talents were on his side it was not long till this lead him to a solo instrumental hit. The soundtrack to Motown's production of "Mahogany" starring Diana Ross in 1975 was his opportunity.

The compilation included his close to 3 minute instrumental track "Erucu" which is used in a segment of the film where "success" becomes a bit overwhelming for our heroine. The track also made it's way into many clubs thanks to it's funky rhythm guitars and ominous percussion tracks. It was sheer Billy Preston dance heaven.

I have ReStructured the track by my own means of creating a longer mix with an easy mix-in and mix-out point and looping some of the memorable rhythm segments. I have also added a few voice samples from the film to give it more personality.

"Erucu" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Jackson

Friday, June 11, 2010

"In My Wildest Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

Giorgio Moroder began a legendary scope of music with his search for a new and exact sound for pop-music - which became disco in the mid-70's. His studio concepts were always looking and forging ahead to create a futuristic edge in music.

His 1979 LP "E=Mc2" a follow up to his solo LP "From Here To Eternity" and picks up where the master left off. Working his imaginary robotic-like vocals over an electric canvas.

"In My Wildest Dreams" is like falling off of a digital cliff and making a slow motion head dive into a fantasy of electronic wizardry. It is one of the tracks from Moroder which grasps his feeling and sense of innovation.

This ReStructure mix is the finale chapter of my edits of this project. It is a deeper sense of mood and attitude - hopefully keeping the mystique alive.

"In My Wildest Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

"No, No, No" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Strange Affair

Giuliano Salerni produced one of Euro-disco's most memorable projects: Ultimate "Love Is The Ultimate - Touch Me Baby" in 1978. From South Philly Productions the project enhanced the sweetness of the Philadelphia disco sound made popular by groups like The Three Degrees - with a Euro touch. There was a similarity in this project to Boris Midney's first LP USA European Connection.

His LP Strange Affair was the follow-up project released in Italy on Targa Records - from the side one medley I have taken "No, No, No" and now give it the spotlight. The track always worked well for me - but there were segments which were a bit too cheesy. I have edited out these pieces and extended the funky guitars, Afro-Cuban percussion, hard hitting horns, bad-ass guitars and sassy female vocals into a frenetic ReStructure Mix.

Salerni also produced Bonnie Boyer's "Got To Give In To Love" single and Lp and also Hi-Gloss ("You'll Never Know")

Vocals for Strange Affair are provided by Carolyn Mitchell, Vaneese Thomas, Brenda Hill and Joy Lober (who also recorded African Suite)

"No, No, No" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Strange Affair

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

"Too Tight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Con Funk Shun

Con Funk Shun was created by Louis A. McCall and Michael V. Cooper - a popular R&B and funk ensemble whose #1 Billboard hit "Ffun" is now an old school classic.

Their 1980 LP "Touch" contained the big dance single "Too Tight" that brought the funk back to many dance floors in the early 80's - this one followed their big hit from the same year, "Got To Be Enough".

I have ReStructured the track to give it a longer arrangement and bring out that beautiful keyboard break with the lovely string section - and also enhance on the tracks already funky style with a new electro-vibe layer.

Dedicated to the band - Con Funk Shun - let them "con-funk-shunize ya!"

"Too Tight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Con Funk Shun

Monday, June 7, 2010

"Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Big disco hit in 1980, "Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - a high-energy heartbreak anthem in the tradition of disco classics. This one has stood up over the test of time and maintains itself as one of the greatest diva songs.

The song was produced by Yves Dessca

I have taken a strange twist again with this Disco Video Mix and used the 1976 disaster film, "The Cassandra Crossing" with it's all star cast - focusing more on the lovely, Sophia Loren and Richard Harris as the doomed relationship, aboard the tumbling European train. It is a bizarre match - but the wrecked train is meant to emphasize the relationship being sung about in the same sense.

The film was directed by George P. Cosmatos

Featuring scenes from "The Cassandra Crossing" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Silly Love Songs" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul McCartney and Wings

The 70's were a period for many former 60's artists to renew their space in the pop world. Many of these artists used many elements of music of the period to enhance their sound. Paul McCartney (of The Beatles) was one who shared a great success.

"Silly Love Songs" from 1976 came from the LP "Wings At The Speed Of Sound" and to me emphasized the true essence of pop music and it's influence on many very talented artists.

I have ReStructured the track using a beat and clap format which gives the song a dance floor edge with that cheesy disco sound - yet with a track like this to begin with you can feel the power of pop-dance music all over again.

"Silly Love Songs" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul McCartney and Wings

Sunday, June 6, 2010

"I (Who Have Nothing)" by Sylvester - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"I (Who Have Nothing)" by Sylvester - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sylvester has worked the standard "I (Who Have Nothing)" (originally released by Ben E. King in 1963) into a dance classic that emphasizes the pain and distance of a relationship gone astray.

The single was the first from his LP "Stars" from 1979 - it was an instant smash hit on the dance floor and dance critics praised it as one of the most emotional performances in disco music - I agree. The song was produced by Harvey Fuqua and Sylvester.

I have taken the film "Indecent Proposal" starring Robert Redford, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson and paired up the drama with Sylvester's track. It outlines the $1,000,000 proposal, which brings a relationship into a whole new light and brings tears and heartache into 3 lives.

This is another concept brought to me by my partner; Ken and I could completely understand his idea - which has created this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by Adrian Lyne

Featuring scenes from "Indecent Proposal" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"I (Who Have Nothing)" by Sylvester - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Friday, June 4, 2010

"Don't Hold Back" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chanson

Chanson was bass guitar player, James Jamerson Jr. and David Williams - both forming a soulful/disco duo and although Chanson is only a part of their career - they have also played on many other disco and soul projects.

"Don't Hold Back" was a big soul/disco radio hit in 1978 and helped to bridge the gap between both R&B and disco music. Later the group released an Lp and featured Linda Evans (not Dynasty star) as lead vocalist.

I have ReStructured their 12" single emphasizing on the bongo break and creating an extended and whole new vision for the song.

Thank you to Randy from Miami for requesting this ReStructure - it's for you, Randy!

"Don't Hold Back" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chanson

Thursday, June 3, 2010

"Male Stripper" by Man 2 Man - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Male Stripper" by Man 2 Man - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Man 2 Man were brothers Miki Zone and Paul Zone - a high energy group whose single "Male Stripper" from 1986 gained a piece of high energy history with producer Man Parrish from the electro-dance industry. Parrish had prior success with his projects in the early 80's: "Hip Hop Bee Bop (Don't Stop)" and "Heatstroke" - as well as numerous productions with artists Paul Parker, Jessica Williams and Two Sisters.

"Male Stripper" was one of Man 2 Man's biggest dance records - with a call out style vocals that always reminded me of a ho-down but, this time around a stripper club.

I have taken scenes from the 1983 film, "A Night In Heaven" starring Christopher Atkins and Lesley Ann Warren with appropriate results as he peels away his layers of sensuality for this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by John G. Avildsen

Featuring scenes from "A Night In Heaven" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Male Stripper" by Man 2 Man - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

"Stop Your Teasing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hydro featuring Lorna

Hydro is a Canadian disco band consisting of Joe La Greca, Peter Dowse, Fritz Walton, and Bill Hill - many of these musicians have been involved with many past disco projects from Canada including France Joli, Melody Stewart, Nightlife Unlimited, Carol Jiani, Montreal and Kat Mandu.

Hydro features vocalist Lorna Di Fiore covering the raw and sexy lead over the extreme disco production. One of the identifying traits of disco music from this studio crew - deep bass guitars, wild electrifying breaks, extended instrumental arrangements and pure dance satisfaction.

"Stop Your Teasing" was a big underground hit in many clubs thanks to the sound of pure disco music of the late 70's - in it's most extreme act. I have ReStructured the track and placed a few new parts and pieces in various areas to create once again that intense disco experience.