ReStructure/Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

"Kiss Power" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Firefly

Firefly is Jay Rolandi, Maurice Cavalieri and Maurizio Sangineto - better known for their 1981 dance hit "Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)". The Italo-disco group qualifies for a adult-contemporary disco edge since the vocals of Roland Leonard give each song an easy feel and relaxing edge.

"Kiss Power" is a track from their LP "Firefly 3" from 1982 - with the production assistance of Sangy the synthesizers are pumped up to a disco delight. One of the initial singles from the project, "Love Is Coming" was featured on a Disconet issue.

I have remixed the LP version and have opened the intro up to a longer and breaking piece before that lovely piano piece hits the mix. It has always been a favorite of mine and I was happy to bring it back to life.

Monday, June 27, 2011

"Looking For Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fat Larry's Band

Fat Larry's Band is from Philadelphia and is titled after drummer "Fat" Larry James - their music recordings began in 1976 with "Feel It". Since their start they have featured an album a year - in 1979 their LP "Lookin' For Love" featured the title track and it did quite well in club play and radio.

"Lookin' For Love" was arranged by Peter De Angelis and the 12" version is ReStructured here to break the awesome song into pieces and paste it with a few loops and new breakdowns. It is the funk and disco sound that helped to make the transition into the 80s funk period easy and satisfying.

Friday, June 24, 2011

"Disco Extravaganza" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The George Bussey Experience

George Bussey is an soul and disco arranger who worked with many artists including The Trammps, Loleatta Hollloway, The Four Tops, Instant Funk and Linda Clifford. His sound is a cross between the sweet sound of Philly and the chic sound of Euro-disco. In his project The George Bussey Experience he creates a album side long medley titled "Disco Extravaganza" which takes trip through a disco orchestration of swirling strings and the conga breaks well-known to disco in the late 70s.

I have taken the 12" single and re-worked the arrangement to add a few new beat breaks and intro - the vocals supplied by Angie Griffin are reminiscent of the fabulous Salsoul recordings. This album was produced by Stan Watson and Mr. Bussey.

This ReStructure is intended to re-vamp the disco arrangement for either a mind-trip or a retro-dance into disco-space!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

"How High" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Salsoul Orchestra

The Salsoul Orchestra is disco music's soulful-symphony ensemble. The concept began with their first album in 1979 under the direction of Vincent Montana, Jr. and lead to a whole new dimension in disco music based on the Philadelphia sound.

Their project "How High" from 1978 contained the title track which also features the vocals of Cognac. It was an instant hit in clubs and now is one of the most recognizable tracks from The Salsoul Orchestra.

I have taken the 12" single onto a ReStructure trip using the ominous and rolling bass line as the foundation for a whole new version. This one takes several turns and gives the song a new meaning all together.

Thanks to all the die-hard disco fans and the new jocks who continue to discover and keep this music on the turntables and clubs!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Take Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

Donna Summer's "I Remember Yesterday" project from 1977 contained one of disco music's innovative classics: "I Feel Love" - along with Giorgio Moroder our "First Lady of Love" was reshaping dance music to a soon to be imitated and duplicated style.

"Take Me" is a track from the album that stands out as a Munich production masterpiece - with it's wonderful string section and also a deep-funky moog by Thor Baldursson and guitars by Geoff Bastow (Stainless Steel) and Mats Bjorklund. This track also has some of Donna's falsetto-panther-like vocals which give disco it's sexy edge.

I have taken this favorite of mine into a ReStructure Mix to extend it with a longer intro and a mild beat addition to accentuate it's funk-like disco sound.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Bob Tiedemann

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

"Love No Longer Has A Hold On Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Johnny Bristol

Johnny Bristol is a soul singer from North Carolina whose 1974 hit "Hang On In There Baby" became a disco classic throughout time - and was re-recorded with Alton McClain in 1979. Bristol's 1981 single "Love No Longer Has A Hold On Me" is a track in the early morning feel with a beautiful theme of being-freed from a distant relationship and also a lovely arrangement produced by himself- with a 12" mix by Rusty Garner.

I have taken the 12" single and have given it a reworking in the ReStructure vein - giving the track a new intro, arrangement and exit. The song is one of my favorite in it's category and makes one believe in the power of disco music.

Monday, June 20, 2011

"You're My Heart, You're My Soul" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Modern Talking

Modern Talking is Dieter Bohlen and Thomas Anders - their trademark sound is close to the Italo-disco feel of the early 80s - with a bit more. The rolling bass lines and symphonic-like keyboards are the addition to the style. Their success thanks to the simple and warming vocals that accentuate each production are dreamy and bring a reflective state. It is a match made on dance floors and pop-music from Berlin.

"You're My Heart, You're My Soul" is their first single which was #1 for 6 weeks on German pop-charts - and also caused some movement on dance floors here in the US - as well as a faithful following.

I have ReStructured the domestic 12" single mix and have given it a new lay-in and lay-out. Mixing much of the basics with some new arrangements and phrasing.

Dedicated to Rick and Dean from Australia, Loulou from The Netherlands and Joey Luciano from New York

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"Party Boys" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy

Foxy brought a unique blend of funk/soul and a definite disco drive to dance floors in the late 70s. Lead by the very talented Ish Ledesma, the band created disco classics "Get Off" and "Hot Number". In 1979 their vinyl LP "Party Boys" completed set.

"Party Boys" was remixed and released in 1980 by Mike Lewis and brought the energy to dance floors and the excitement of disco music all over again. A fantastic breakdown of the album version and much more of of a crowd pleaser. I have taken the TK 12" single and gave it a ReStructure Mix with a few more tic-toc's and chopping to give the mix a new feel.

Dedicated to Ish Ledesma and the "Party Boys"! Those nights of being expelled from the club were worth it!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

"Jesus Christ Superstar" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Champagne Explosion

Champagne Explosion is a studio project featuring the disco talent of Denis LaPage, Peter Di Milo and George Cucuzzella. The project was in the Canadian high energy disco vein and although the album was recorded in 1978 there is a definite feel of how these masters were reshaping disco music and creating a new sound.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" is their cover from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical from 1971 - its covers the events from the story in a political way and he struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus.

I have taken the LP version and added a new intro a few excepts from Yvonne Eliman's "I Don't Know How To Love Him" track from the play. It is a trail mix where the instrumental parts of the original take the mix over.

“Babe” by Loose Change – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Babe” by Loose Change – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Loose Change is a studio project from Mr. Tom Moulton – it also features Thor Baldursson as arranger and conductor and also John Davis, Don Renaldo's Strings and Horns and on vocals Leah Gwin, Donna Beene and Becky Anderson. The project had a big single ”Straight From The Heart” and also favorite among hardcore jocks, “All Night Man”.

The 1995 heartwarming comedy “Babe” is the visual in this Disco Video Mix – the tale of a gallant pig who brings love and brings change to many animals and humans on a New South Wales Australian farm. Titles are the match here but the wonderful disco crescendo work well with the storyline and action.

He film was directed by Chris Noonan

Featuring scenes from “Babe” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Friday, June 10, 2011

"#1 Dee Jay" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Goody Goody

Goody Goody is Vincent Montana (Salsoul Orchestra) and Denise Montana (lead vocals) on a studio projects which reflects the wonderful sound of Philly and the jazz-end of dance music. An enlightening project with much of Montana's disco experience leading the production.

"#1 Dee Jay" is the main release off the album and is the ReStructure Mix I have worked on along with help from Donna Summer - letting all those #1 Dee Jay's out there, they are appreciated - the man in booth!

Dedicated to Vincent Montana, Denice Montana and those #1 Dee Jays!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

"Magic" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Colleen Heather

Colleen Heather is a vocalist from Bob Motta's New York City's Rubber Band from 1977 ("Put Your Love In My Hands") and in 1979 released her solo LP "Heartbreaker". It was one of the projects on West End Records that expressed the sound of disco music which released the inner soul of a disco femme in a traditional state.

"Magic" is a single from the project which received some club play and also displayed the full arena of disco production. Motta's arrangement gives the song a nice build and a love-anthem climatic ending.

I have taken the track since it stayed on my mind when hearing it in a club and watching a dance floor move to it's lovely feel and moved it into a whole new feel with this ReStructure Mix - adding a new intro with some new beats and effects.

Dedicated to Mr. Bob Motta and Colleen Heather

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

“Winners” by Kleeer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Winners” by Kleeer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Kleeer is a band originally formed in 1972 under the name Pipeline – they became one of the new disco groups in 1978 with their single “Keeep Your Body Workin’” – which is now an old-school classic. I have taken their follow-up single “Winners” from 1980 and placed it into a simple Disco Video Mix.

The backdrop for this play is the 2000 independent film “Best In Show” starring Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. The film is a satire on a prestigious dog show competition and the owner’s sometime insane behavior. It gives this disco track a bit of fun and outrageous humor.

The film was directed by Christopher Guest

Featuring scenes from “Best In Show” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, June 6, 2011

“Galaxy” by War – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Galaxy” by War – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

WAR is a funk group from Southern California discovered by Jerry Goldstein – their hits have included “Low Rider” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. Their 1977 album “Galaxy” featured the titled track which quickly became a dance floor favorite – the 12” single was remixed by Manny Slali – a big disco DJ from Studio One in Los Angeles.

I have taken the 12” version of “Galaxy” and created a Disco Video Mix using the 1999 film “Galaxy Quest” as the visual – a film starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman. It is one of my favorite comedies of an alumni cult space TV show cast brought into space to assist their alien race against an evil warlord.

The film was directed by Dean Parisot

Featuring scenes from “Galaxy Quest” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Sunday, June 5, 2011

“Dolce Vita” by Ryan Paris – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dolce Vita” by Ryan Paris – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Ryan Paris is Fabio Roscioli – an Italian singer and actor who gave the early 80s’ Italo-disco scene a few sprinkles of magic with tracks like “Dolce Vita” and “Fall In Love”. “Dolce Vita” is one of the standards of Italo-disco and remains a charming piece of dance music.

In this Disco Video Mix I have chosen “Dolce Vita” along with the classic 1960 film by Federico Fellini, “La Dolce Vita” starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg. Meaning “the sweet life” it tells the story of a journalist struggling to find himself amongst the crazy lifestyle of his celebrity girlfriend.

The backdrop of visuals works well with the feel of the disco track and is a Disco Video Mix that pulls dance and art together.

Featuring scenes from “La Dolce Vita” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Saturday, June 4, 2011

“It Should Have Been Me” by Jayne Edwards – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“It Should Have Been Me” by Jayne Edwards – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Jayne Edwards is an 80s disco singer best known for a 1985 hit titled “Walk Away Satisfied” produced by Steve Algozino. Her catalogue is also lifted by several tracks produced by disco pioneer, Rick Gianatos in the early and late 80s. One of these singles is a cover of Yvonne Fair’s soul classic “It Should Have Been Me” – Jayne’s vocals takes the disco version to a place where it belongs. A wonderful production.

I have oddly taken the 1967 Mike Nichols film, “The Graduate” starring Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross into this Disco Video Mix pairing much of the drama in the disco track along with the film – reshaping and re-mending it into a fitting video mix.

The film was directed by Mike Nichols

Featuring scenes from “The Graduate” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons