Wednesday, July 27, 2011

"Funkin' For Jamaica" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tom Browne

"Funkin' For Jamaica" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tom Browne

Tom Browne (Thomas Fredrick Browne) released his second jazz album in 1980 titled "Love Approach" - a big surprise was the funk/jazz track "Funkin' For Jamaica" which became a hardcore track on dance floors that went lower BPM and experimental for some good. The song is now considered an old-school classic.

I have taken the LP version and ReStructured the funky grooves, as well as Tom's kick-ass trumpet to create a dub-like groove version to pull the rap and jazzy arrangement into a new piece.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

“Woman Ad-Lib” by L.A.X. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Woman Ad-Lib” by L.A.X. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

L.A.X. is a disco band produced by Jean Kluger and Ralph Benatar – the LP “Under Cover Lover” featured a track titled “Woman Ad-Lib” (which was released in France as “A Woman That’s Hot”. The song is a sexy tribute the the shapely beauty of femme and the rolling bass of disco in the late 70s.

I have taken the track and paired it with the1956 film “The Girl Can’t Help It” starring Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewll – using a few scenes of the dynamite and sexy lead star I am created an outline for the disco track. Quite a figure and outline – for any mix!

The film was directed by Frank Tashlin

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Loulou from The Netherlands

Featuring scenes from “The Girl Can’t Help It” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"All Night Dancing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc.

"All Night Dancing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc.

Lipps Inc. is Steven Greenberg and Cynthia Johnson - their 4 albums from the early 80's left quite a landmark in disco history. From their first LP "Mouth To Mouth" - the track "Funkytown" helped to change dance and pop-music forever. It is a pop-classic and may now be heard on wedding DJ play-lists.

"All Night Dancing" is also from the first album is an underground favorite for both dancers and disc jockeys. It has the feel and sound of disco with a beautiful and punchy arrangement. I have ReStructured the song and have given it an intense re-arrangement to give the song a whole new feeling.

Monday, July 25, 2011

"Dance and Shake Your Tamborine" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Salsa '78 Orchestra

"Dance and Shake Your Tamborine" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Salsa '78 Orchestra

"Dance and Shake Your Tambourine" is a track originally recorded by Universal Robot Band in 1976 produced by Greg Carmichael and Patrick Adams. The band included members from the band Kleeer ("Keeep Your Body Workin'") - Woody Cunningham, Richard Lee and Paul Crutchfield.

I have used a cover version recorded in 1977 by Salsa '78 Orchestra on an independent label, Springboard International. The type of record you would find at a five-and-dime store. I just though the cover was done well by the band - so it was used for this ReStructure Mix.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

"Don't Stop Dancing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli

"Don't Stop Dancing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli

France Joli is the Canadian disco diva who took dance floors prisoner after the release of her first LP "France Joli" - tracks like "Come To Me", "Let Go" and "Don't Stop Dancing" were instant hits. It was the refined disco formula that had been in the works during the late 70s.

I have ReStructured "Don't Stop Dancing" and edited the original album version to give the song a whole new arrangement and feel. It was a pleasure to hear the horns, strings, percussion and sound of this great period in disco history.

The album was produced by Tony Green and arranged by Denis LePage

Friday, July 22, 2011

"The Night" (La Noche) - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Azul y Negro

"The Night" (La Noche) - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Azul y Negro

Azul y Negro is Carlos Garcia Vaso and Joaquin Montoya - a synth-pop duo from Spain. Their 1982 LP "La Noche" contained the title cut "The Night" which became an instant dance floor hit from the moment it blared from the speakers - pounding the beats and sequencer bass. The song outlines the maturity of electronic music and delivers it in an 80's club format. Quite simple and effective.

I have taken the 12" version and ReStructure it to give it a longer and re-edited format with lots of "twists, turn, loops and effects". It has always a fan of the band and this single - it is offered here for an alternative trip!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"The Love Train" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crystal Glass featuring Kristi B.

"The Love Train" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crystal Glass featuring Kristi B.

Crystal Grass is a disco band from the early 70s that initially featured many players from the Euro-disco movement including Slim Pezin and Marc Chantereau. Produced by French producer Lee Hallyday - there is a distinct sound from the Cerrone and Alec R. Costandinos recordings here. It is what helped to shape another faucet of disco music during the experimental period.

"The Love Train" is the 1978 album from Crystal Grass and features vocal by Kristi B. - the project is similar to those of Voyage where the a symphonic disco sound travels to locations around the world offering a flavor to each track with a distinct disco beat.

I have ReStructured the opening track "Overture To The Love Train" taking parts of the movement to create a whole new piece. It is a bit more concise and offers an alternative party-mood for this wonderfully produced disco album.

"Searching" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change

"Searching" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change

Change is one of Little Macho Music's (Jacques Fred Petrus) finest productions during the disco era. It clearly pulls all of the experience and talent from both Petrus and co-producer Mauro Malavasi and arranger/composer/conductor's David Romani and Paolo Gianolio.

"Searching" is from the first album "The Glow Of Love" and features a lead vocal by the late and very talented, Luther Vandross. The track is one long standing favorite of many dancers and DJs.

I have ReStructured the song and used parts of the song which I favored along with the fabulous vocals from Mr. Vandross.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the late Jacques Fred Petrus

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"Kechak Fantasy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage

"Kechak Fantasy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage

Voyage is Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, Sauveur Mallia, Slim Pezin and Sylvia Mason-James. A band that solidified the disco era with some of it's most memorable and indelible classics. Tracks like "Souvenirs" and "From East To West" are disco music's European connection perfected.

"Kechak Fantasy" is from the "Fly Away" project which is the second LP from the band which features two-sided medleys of themes and rhythms from around the world mixed in a beautiful package. The track featured chants from Bali Kecak dances - and is most memorable as the track which drops from "Souvenirs" on side one - during the albums release most disc jockeys would allow this tracks to play through or into - since it was so infectious.

I have ReStructured the short 3:02 segment into a full track using the fantastic instruments which bring the ancient ritual for the Gods during the Balinese rituals. Many added elements help to create a formation with new energy.

Monday, July 18, 2011

"Don't Stop" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Motion

"Don't Stop" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Motion

Motion is a Canadian production from Gino D' Orazio and Tony Bentivegna - a production team who also brought to dance floors, Blue Lazer, Ladies Choice and Nightlife Unlimited. The changing sound of disco music in the early 80s became electronic and infused with the keyboards which introduced a new technology of sound for the period.

"Don't Stop" is from Motion's first LP and was one of their most memorable tracks - it has a rolling bass sequencer that is the main formula for most of the projects of the time but work best with the infectious chorus and simple yet effective vocal. This ReStructure Mix breaks the song into many spots and adds a longer break arrangement. My attachment to this song came during a time when disco and high energy were being reintroduced to a whole new dance crowd.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

"Dancing In The Dark" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mike Mareen

"Dancing In The Dark" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mike Mareen

Mike Mareen began a as drummer in a rock band in Berlin, Germany - his artistic and studio skills eventually lead him to the freedom and fantasy-feel of high energy-disco music in the mid-80's. His first LP "Dance Control" contained his first big dance floor hit "Dancing In The Dark" - a new style of synthesizers moving into a new realm using high energy as the framework.

I have ReStructured "Dancing In The Dark" taking the elements that make this bouncy and intense track and creating a new arrangement and some new breaks. It is one of those songs that if you were lucky enough to have caught it at 4 AM watching a dance floor react - you were marked with it forever!

Friday, July 15, 2011

"Put Your Feet To The Beat" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family

"Put Your Feet To The Beat" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family

The Ritchie Family are the wicked ladies of disco - they show know mercy in tracks like "Put Your Feet To The Beat" - a ominous wall of sassy and sophisticated vocals over the magic of Jacques Morali. Disco at it's height is the energy of this fantastic beat and clap driven tune.

This ReStructure Mix explores a new dimension with the 12" remix and takes the beats to another realm - what a night it was moving to this monster. Sounds like a cheerleader reunion to me. Try and match it!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

"Take All Of Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Barbara Law

"Take All Of Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Barbara Law

Barbara Law is a artist who recorded a French track in 1963 titled "Aur Revior, Auf Wiederseh'n" - it was years and years later when she resurfaced during the disco era with a project project produced by Harry Hinde (of The Rae's success). The production included many familiar names including Cissy Houston, Yvonne Lewis, John Luongo, and Jimmy Maelen.

"Take All Of Me" is the tiled track and the 12" single from the album - it is morning sleaze at it's best. Very sensual and enticing - one of my favorites forms of disco and so appropriate. I have ReStructured the 12" version - originally mixed by Michael Barbiero - and have given it a new electric intro and few re-editing pieces to give it a new feel.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

“Bedrock” by Georgio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Bedrock” by Georgio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Georgio is a musician, arranger and producer with music that explored a pop/funk and house formula – using heavy bass synthesizers to create dance tracks for the ever-changing dance floor of the late 80s. His 1987 single “Bedrock” is one of the most contagious of his repertoire and although the theme is a bit more intimate I have extended the fantasy a bit further for this Disco Video Mix.

“The Flintstones” is a live-action feature based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon – it stars John Goodman, Rick Moranis and Rosie O’Donnell – it is the fun and crazy action in this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by Brian Levant

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

"Thunder and Lightning" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

"Thunder and Lightning" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque

Risque is a female group from The Netherlands: Yvonne van Spluteren, donna Baron, Ingrid de Goede, Irene van der Hoeven and Denise van der Hek. The Dutch group was an hit in the US dance market with their first disco hit, "Girls Are Back In Town" (released on Importe 12 Records). Their follow up single "Thunder and Lightning" displayed once again the magic of producer John Tiley - and his electronic wizardry following in a pop genre.

I have always loved the group and the magical sound they created - very similar to what Bananarama became in the mid-80s. "Thunder and Lightning" is ReStructured here and given an extended beat intro with use of the instrumental flip side to extend the sweetness of the songs energy.

Dedicated to Loulou of The Netherlands

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

“Sister Power” by Sister Power – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera


“Sister Power” by Sister Power – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sister Power is Paul Sabu’s concept group featuring the gruff and funky vocals of Ms. Gwen Jonae – a disco project that is one of the shared favorites from 1979 among discophiles. The sound is close to the magic Sabu created with Debbie Jacobs, Ann Margret and his solo LPs during the disco explosion – a funky rock edge with 60’s strings accenting the drama.

The title and group cut “Sister Power” is one of the power tracks from the LP which received some club play and maintains a mean disco stomper. I have taken this song along with the 2004 comedy “White Chicks” starring Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans – disguising as sisters to crack a kidnapping plot. The hilarious undercover chicks make this Disco Video Mix funky and a bit sweet. It helps to give “Sister Power” its emphasis.

The film was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans

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

“New York” by Nuggets – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“New York” by Nuggets – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Nuggets are a studio ensemble produced by Angelo and Felix Piccarreda and arranged by Italian disco producer Celso Valli along with Munich-engineer Jürgen Koppers. The 1979 LP titled “N.Y.” was released during the disco boom of the period and was quite a celebratory event. Featuring the titled track “New York” and a cover of “Proud Mary” – a tribute to America and the sensation that the late 70s disco scene created.

I have taken the titled track “New York” along with the 1980 film “Can’t Stop The Music” starring Village People, Valerie Perrine and Bruce Jenner (in his first movie role) – an outline of the late Village People founder and producer Jacques Morali and his discovery of one of disco music’s fabulous acts.

The celebratory dance sequences and silly drama provide an uplifting backdrop for this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by Nancy Walker

Featuring scenes from “Can’t Stop The Music” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, July 11, 2011

"Can You Handle It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sharon Redd

"Can You Handle It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sharon Redd

Sharon Redd is foremost known as the vocalist for studio project Front Page and their big disco classic "Love Insurance" - you can hear the voice that makes the disco beat go boom! She has truly helped to give disco music a history that is well-deserved.

Her 1980 project "Sharon Redd" produced by Willie Lester and Rodney Brown - featuring backup vocals by Bobby Thurston is one of New York disco's most treasured moments. "Can You Handle It" is the first single that rings "louder than words"! It is one of disco's sassiest and sexiest singles along with Sharon - that was an easy achievement.

I have taken the full-length LP version and chopped and re-arranged it to create this ReStructure Mix - and keep Ms. Redd and her fabulous aura alive. It is truly one of my favorites and now works out another moment in time for those hips to move again!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

"On The Beat" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The B. B. & Q. Band

"On The Beat" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The B. B. & Q. Band

The B. B. & Q. Band (Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Band) is a funk/disco project between producer Jacques Fred Petrus and arranger/conductor Mauro Malavasi - a big follow up from their very successful and familiar band Change from 1980. It is a move from Italo-disco to New York disco with the help of keyboards and the groove's created from the magic guitars of Chic from the late 70s.

"On The Beat" is the LP and single from the 1981 LP which is one of the finest of the period in funk and disco. Being one of the most played funk tracks of the time and a refined old-school feel.

I have ReStructured the song creating a mild intro with the groove and beats kicked up for a few to give the song a burst of energy and pizazz. It is one of my favorites and one of the few I can stop singing once I start.

Monday, July 4, 2011

"Goin' Home" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Cowley

"Goin' Home" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Cowley

Patrick Cowley's album "Mind Warp" from 1982 is a very important piece of work from a genius who had dedicated his life to creating music. Even today his music continues to inspire many with it's innovative edge and futuristic feel. The package he leaves behind is a period of disco/dance music which emulates a robotic world using dance rhythms.

"Goin' Home" is the final cut from the album which Patrick gave much of his final talents and emotions during his finale days in 1982. The song borrows a few lines from his earlier track "I Wanna Take You Home" with a fantasy-like escape from problems and stress of life.

This ReStructure Mix is intended to pour a new meaning to its message and display Patrick's keyboards and synthesizer genius.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

“Sinner Man” by Sarah Dash – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Sinner Man” by Sarah Dash – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sarah Dash is one of the vocalists during the early 70s who worked with Labelle – a movement of soul, rhythm and blues and funk. This new fusion also bridged a connection to popular rock music of the time. Sarah’s solo recording career began in 1971 with her project “Close Enough” where her soulful and unique sound promised a new growth for the artist.

During the disco explosion in 1978 Sarah released the single, “Sinner Man” from her self-titled LP. The song was an instant club and radio hit creating a soulful vocal and glorious disco arrangement together for a new edge and classic disco recording.

I have taken the 1987 comedy-fantasy film, “The Witches of Eastwick” starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer for the images in this Disco Video Mix. The story-line remains the same and is only extenuated by “Sinner Man’s” defiant and cautious lyrics.

The film was directed by George Miller

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

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