ReStructure/Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera: August 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

“J'ai Deux Amours (Two Loves Have I)” by Phylicia Allen – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“J'ai Deux Amours (Two Loves Have I)” by Phylicia Allen – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Phylicia Allen creates a disco-fied tribute to the great, Josephine Baker, an American singer-dancer who is noted for her wonderful contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Allen works with disco producers Jacques Morali and Henry Belolo (Village People, The Ritchie Family) and gives two medleys outlining the climb and success of Ms. Baker.

Disco music of the late 70s began to work as themes for great films, events and times in history which gives it a lasting luster with its full band and sometimes orchestrated productions. This project is a wonderful example of that genre.

I have taken the 1991 television film “The Josephine Baker Story” and used several of the fabulous sequences starring Lynn Whitfield – who gives a command performance as Josephine Baker.

The film was directed by Brian Gibson

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

A special thanks to my partner, Ken Emmons for being such an incredible force and support system for my work and life

"Friends" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amii Stewart

Amii Stewart (Amy Nicole Stewart) is one of disco's most regarded diva's since her big hit "Knock On Wood" struck dance floors in 1978. Her career has spanned a series of dance floor hits as well as work with some great composers including Ennio Morricone, Naratha Michael Walden, Giorgio Moroder and Bolland and Bolland.

Her 1984 LP "Try Love" is a lighter edge of disco/pop produced by the late Italian artist and producer, Mike Francis (passed in 2009). The single "Friends" is in Francis' wonderful 80s keyboard sound with a touch of adult contemporary flare. It is a sweet song that brings the lover out in two friends who find that more comes from caring and sharing.

I have ReStructured the song any have pulled more of a groove out of the mellow 12" mix - giving a new intro with some bumpin' beats pushing the beautiful keyboards outward.

This ReStructure mix is dedicated to Jurgen L. of UK - thank you for the support and for requesting this lovely number

Sunday, August 21, 2011

"Take It To The Zoo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sunshine

Sunshine are Donna Summer's sisters. Dara Bernard and Mary Bernard - they began as back-up for Donna during her few projects prior to the release of the "Thank God It's Friday" soundtrack. The project was produced by Arthur G. Wright (Paul Jabara, Rare Gems Odyssey and also from the soundtrack "Leatherman's Theme" from Wright Brother Flying Machine).

The track is one of the memorable tracks not only the way it plays out "The Zoo" disco from the film - but also it's funk production and disco strings. The Bernard Sisters do a great job at giving a performance which is laid back, but also encompasses the energy of disco of late 70s.

Friday, August 19, 2011

"You and I" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rick James

Rick James changed the face of soul/funk and disco music during his rein from 1978 throughout the 80s. His productions enhanced the hardcore edge of a sound which began in the early 70s with experimental artists like George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. A hard hitting emphasis of rhythm guitars and rock-edged yet soulful vocals played a big part in the outline.

His initial album with The Stone City Band was titled "Come Get It!" and contained the hits, "Mary Jane" and "You and I" - the track "You and I" made a big debut in discotheques during a time when Euro-disco and pop-dance was on top - it was quite an impact!

I have ReStructured "You and I" and have given it a face-lift for the bottom line groove and the clever and sometimes naughty lines. It is a deeper mix which emphasizes the 70s era in its creative state and a current remodel for remembrance of a great dance era.

Dedicated to Mr. James and hit great sound and courage to live life on his own terms.

"(Your Love Has Got Me) Screamin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Blacksmoke

Blacksmoke's "(Your Love Has Got Me) Screamin'" is from their 1976 self-titled LP - the track was released as a 45 rpm single and also featured on a Casablanca dance EP compilation - in it's 3 minute version. It took 2 copies for me to extend it them/ This over-8 minute ReStructure Mix remedies that problem and pumps up the intro and breaks with some massive percussion.

Disco-funk junk! Work it!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

"Substitute" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Liquid Gold

Liquid Gold is headed by vocalist Ellie Hope and produced by Adrian Baker (an artist in the early 70s). The bands first success came in 1979 with their smash disco hit "My Baby's Baby". The song solidified the sound of Liquid Gold and each following release reflected this winning formula. The same year their following release, "Dance Yourself Dizzy" created the same excitement.

"Substitute" is their 1980 release which also features the excitement of the swirling strings - funky guitars and Ellie's fantastic vocal. I have ReStructured the track and re-arranged and re-edited the funky-ass guitars into a new experience.

"You Are The Reason (I Feel Like Dancing)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Fifth Dimension

The Fifth Dimension began recording in 1967 and is better known for their worldwide 60's hit "Up-Up And Away". The group was formed by Billy David Jr.and featured his wife Marilyn McCoo - they went on to recording a disco classic in 1978. The group had a mild success with their 1978 LP "Star Dancing" which featured the single "You Are The Reason (I Feel Like Dancing)" - which was also featured in the film "Thank God It's Friday" but not included in the soundtrack.

I have taken the 2:48 LP and extended it to a little over 9 minutes adding some new intro - breaks and a col ending. It is a soulful disco track which brings to mind the uplifting feel that disco music has given the world - a celebration that should never end.

"Gimme Some" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jimmy 'Bo' Horne

Jimmy 'Bo" Horne's 1978 album "Dance Across The Floor" brought The Miami Disco Sound to a new high. The production by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch of K.C. and The Sunshine Band gave a new expression of their funky/soul/disco style.

"Gimme Some" is another track from the LP which also shared success in clubs as one of the uplifting disco tracks which also combined the sound which made K.C.'s hits like "Get Down Tonight" and "That's The Way" a sure win for dance floors.

I have ReStructured "Gimme Some" and devoted the mix to not only extending the track, but giving pieces of it a front on the stage. It is one of the catchiest riffs and also the "feel-good" sound of disco music.

"Fever" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester

"Fever" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester

Sylvester's fifth solo album is "Sell My Soul" - produced by Harvey Fuqua. The project contained several wonderful dance tracks: "I Need You", "I'll Dance To That", "Doin' It For The Real Thing" and a cover of the classic song "Fever".

I have taken the LP version of Sylvester's gospel-edged synth version and weaved a completely new arrangement and direction for the recording. It is one of my favorites of Sylvester's and one of the hard-hitting vocal tracks from this diva!

Dedicated to all of those who support disco/dance music today and also the feeling that is in the air whenever the music is played.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

"Save Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Silver Convention

"Save Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Silver Convention

Silver Convention is the mid-70s answer to boogie music - slowly becoming the disco-pop of the era. Produced by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay - this powerhouse ensemble emphasizes the power of a few riffs and disco bass-lines.

"Save Me" is from their first album and is the formula that gives the group it's outline and everlasting energy. Even today it is every bit as effective and infectious. This ReStructure Mix takes the album version and pops on a new intro and a few breaks to give that chorus more power.

This ReStructure Mix was created and dedicated to Jurgen from London, UK - thank you for the support

Monday, August 1, 2011

"Music Is All You Need" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - THP

THP began in 1976 with their first LP "Early Riser" - produced by Willi Morrison and Ian Guenther. Their disco influence was based on a full orchestration of the Euro-disco sound with a funky band edge. It was big during their second release titled, "Two Hot For Love". The LP "Tender Is The Night" hit the discotheques during a period where a transition of the music was motivational.

"Music Is All You Need" is from the third LP (even though it is titled THP #2) and is one of the wall of disco sound from the group and also features vocals from Phyllis and Helen Duncan (Duncan Sisters) - it is a phenomenal statement and also a rousing piece of dance music. I have ReStructured the song using most of the parts which left a mark in my mind. It is segmented in edits and parts to create a whole new version.

"Look At You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George Mc Crae

George Mc Crae exploded on the early disco scene with his monster soul hit, "Rock Your Baby" in 1974 - the LP was Produced by K.C. and the Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch and under Henry Stone's classic label T.K. Records.

"Look At You" is a track from the album which has the classic Casey/Finch guitar and groove sound - quite dreamy and funky. The song has always been the second choice for deejays and audiophiles as another hit and dance floor mover. I have ReStructured the track and extended it for a not only a deeper sound but also to pull more out of the great feel of the song.

Dedicated to Wendelien from The Netherlands

"Give Me A Break" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vivian Vee

Vivian Vee (Viviana Andreattini) is a disco star discovered by disco producers Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo (Easy Going, Capricorn) in the late 70s. Her first single "Give Me A Break" was a huge disco hit internationally and in the states. It was the resurgence of uplifting and "feel-good" disco music and began a whole new period of disco music which would soon become high energy.

I have taken the 12" version of this monster club hot and ReStructured it to pieces and glued it back in a re-edit that is sure to give a new feel for your ears, but maintain the power of the original.

Dedicated to the masters Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo

"You Got Me Dancing In My Sleep" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Frisky

Frisky is a disco studio concept band from Jesse Boyce and Moses Dillard -the producers who brought New York discos alive in the late 80s with their album by Saturday Night Band and Constellation Orchestra. A refined and orchestral flavor of dance music which helped to bring disco music to the top of the charts and make it a household word.

Frisky features vocals by Joy Cannon and Charnissa Butts - each singing with the sass and exuberance of disco excitement.

"You Got Me Dancing In My Sleep" is the opening track from the LP - t has the energy of an early Salsoul Records classic and lots of disco syn-drums and horns. I have ReStructured the track using the hand-claps and bongos to create break-pieces between the roaring verse and chorus.