Wednesday, February 22, 2012

"No Romance/Keep On Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Theo Vaness

"No Romance/Keep On Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Theo Vaness

Theo Vaness (Hendrikus Theodorus van Es) is a disco singer who made a time when disco was chic, complete. His disco music career began in 1978 with the LP "Back To Music" produced by Lana Sebastian, Michaele and Paul Sebastian (Pacific Blue, Madleen Kane).

"No Romance/Keep On Dancin'" comes from his big disco LP "Bad Bad Boy" from1979. It was a big hit in clubs and helped to define disco once again as a romantic sound with energy.

This ReStructure Mix gives the album the new arrangement using the mellow driving elements as well as the infused percussion elements. A new feeling for a track which has always satisfied both energy and emotion for me.

Dedicated to Loulou S. from Multiply for her work and love - and most of all friendship.

Monday, February 20, 2012

"Cream (Always Rises To The Top)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie

"Cream (Always Rises To The Top)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie

Gregg Diamond is responsible for a unique sound in disco music. He began his disco career in 1975 with Andrea True Connection's disco hit, "More, More, More". He managed to create a funky groove with the sweetness of disco strings and horns. Much like the Silver Convention.

Bionic Boogie is a studio project from 1977 which takes Diamond's magic to another level. Studio musicians for these sessions were always the some of the sharp elements in these albums.The second album titled "Hot Butterfly" featured Luther Vandross, Cissy Houston, David Lasley and Zach Sanders.

"Cream (Always Rises To The Top)" is a track from the project that was released as a 12" single with "Chains" on the flip side. The album is one of my favorite disco albums - both visually and disco wise.

I have taken the LP version of "Cream..." and have given it the ReStructure personality - breaking down various segments of the original and adding a few more effects.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mike Ronsensteel who always taught me the exciting feel of disco naturally.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

“Can-Can” by Stainless Steal – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Can-Can” by Stainless Steal – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Stainless Steal is a disco project from arranger Geoff Bastow and producer Pete Bellotte – both were in integral part of the Munich disco scene in the late 70s. Bastow arranged many disco projects including Suzie Lane’s “Ooh, La, La”, Joy Fleming’s “The Final Thing” and Elton John’s disco project “Born Bad”.

“Can-Can” is a disco version of the composition from the 1800s – that has since become associated with the French dance by the same name. The disco version inserts a few moments of disco orchestration on some sassy chorus girl riffs.

I have taken the 1982 film “Victor Victoria” – a film by Blake Edwards and stars Julie Andrews, James Garner and Robert Preston. The story set in 1934 revolves around a struggling singer/artist who pairs with Preston to create a fake female impersonation stage show to exhibit her voice.

The comedy moves quite well with the music of the can-can and creates a whole new experience for the film and disco recording.

The film was directed by Blake Edwards

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

Friday, February 17, 2012

"Blue Disease" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vivien Vee

"Blue Disease" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vivien Vee

Vivien Vee is a disco star from Italy discovered by Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo. Her big hit "Give Me A Break" from 1979 helped to bridge the gap from disco music to high energy during the early 80s.

"Blue Disease" is from her LP "With Vivien Vee" from 1983 - a project which features many tracks following the funk/Italo-disco style being modeled after New York disco - much like the sound created by Change. "Blue Disease" is the true essence of the robotic synthesizer sound created by songs like "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer - earlier Vivien followed with the production by Simonetti and Meo on the flip side of "Give Me A Break", a track called "Remember".

I have ReStructured "Blue Disease" using the album version and adding a drop beat to give the song a funky edge and also extending and looping moving parts of the song.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

“It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” by Barry White – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” by Barry White – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Barry White’s 1977 disco gem, “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” is one of the most infectious of his dance tracks. The bass and strings bring the complete feeling that disco music would relay throughout the mid-to-late 70s.

I have taken the film “The Ladies Man” from 2000 starring SNL’s Tim Meadows, Karyn Parsons, Will Farrell and Billy Dee Williams. The comedy about a suave bachelor who gives advice on romance and lovemaking tips seems appropriate.

The film was directed by Reginald Hudlin

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

"Need-A-Man Blues" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

"Need-A-Man Blues" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

Donna Summer hit the club hard with her first album "Love To Love You Baby" in 1975, an extreme package, the title track is a now defined by the success and controversy throughout time.

"Need-A-Man Blues" is a track from the album which is an aphrodisiac to love making from start to finish. One of the 70s themes of the time since Barry White made sensual music himself.

I have taken the album version of "Need-A-Man Blues" and have given it an extended beat intro and added some breaks and effects to bring Donna's sexy panther-like vocals out onto the floor again. The First Lady of Love has always done it for me - now I have done it for her!

For Donna fans everywhere! She still takes the floor hostage!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

"All My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - L.A.X.

"All My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - L.A.X.

L.A.X. are Galen Senogles ( Nite School - "Do You Speak French?") and Ralph Benatar (Black Blood, El Chicles, J.J. Band) - creating a disco/funk band whose first hit "Dancing At The Disco" in 1979 was a bit hit for dance clubs.

"All My Love" is the title hit from the second LP in 1980 and features lead vocals by Geoffrey Leib. A big hit for Prelude Records during the period and also helped the transition from disco to funk.

I have taken the 12" version and chopped and re-edited the track in a whole new ReStructure mix. Some great drums and guitars make this track a bouncy groove. Lead vocals keep it close to the disco sweetness along with the thin strings that melt over the funk of it.

Dedicated to Rick and Dean - for being so wonderful and also the support and love. Thanks for requesting this winner, Boys!

Monday, February 13, 2012

"Can't Live Without Your Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q

"Can't Live Without Your Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q

Whats started as a studio project for disco producer Jerry Cucuzzella and diva, Carol Jiani and the single "Get On Up And Do It Again" later became one of Canada's big disco artists.

Suzy Q was officially an artists in 1981 with the release of the first featuring the funky-sleaze title single "Get On Up And Do It Again" - but minus the 12" singles vocals by Carol Jiani - the project credits Michelle Mills with vocals. There are many singles following this period and a second LP. It was during 1986 when high energy was solid in clubs and the single "Can't Live Without Your Love" was released in Canada under 'Suzy Q' and in USA as 'Suzy'.

I have taken the original import 12" single 'extended version' and transformed it into a bits-and-pieces ReStructure Mix using the fabulous dreamy vocals and the strong percussion base. It has been a favorite of mine and I know of many crowded dance floors! This re-visit to the energy and beauty of it's flow was a pleasure to resolve.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

"Score" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Lloyd

"Score" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Lloyd

Carol Lloyd is a disco artist produced by Bruce Weeden - a songwriter, engineer and guitar player who worked along side Boris Midney on the USA European Connection ("Come Into My Heart/Good Loving") album and also the similar claim-to-the-dance floor group, Ultimate - where most of the studio players take part in both studio projects. Carol is a fierce singer and brings to mind a sassy Melissa Manchester of sorts when you hear the soul and heart of her delivery.

"Score" is from the LP by the same name and features the dreamy sound that Weeden and arranger, Mike Forte created with Juliano Salerni with Ultimate - as a matter a fact the back-up vocalist on this project are the trio from USA European Connection's first two projects. Also featured this album are Marc Paul Simon and iconic percussion by Larry Washington.

I have taken the 12" version of "Score" and recreated a "pep-rally" ReStructure Mix using parts of the song which give it lasting sound both on the dance floor and a toe tapping audio experience. Adding some words of wisdom from a friend at the tail end.

This ReStructure Mix was requested from Nick and Lindsay and is dedicated to their love of great dance music - which keeps me motivated!

Friday, February 10, 2012

"Ain't No Smoke Without Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Eddie Kendricks

"Ain't No Smoke Without Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Eddie Kendricks

Eddie Kendricks solo career was just as exciting at his time with Motown's classic group The Temptations. His 1978 LP "Vintage" contained his dance single "Ain't No Smoke Without Fire" produced by Jeff Lane. The track gave Eddie an opportunity to deliver a yearning affection for a true love and a few pointers on how to stay in love.

I have taken the 12" single and given it a new ReStructure Mix to lighten up the groovy-disco feel with some pounding drums and raging "fire"! It is a nice venture back into the soulful sound of Kendricks who gave us the funky Tamla classic "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind" in 1973.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Rick and Dean of Australia - two of the best men of the disco beat and help to keep the energy flowing through my soul and heart - I love you guys!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

"One Way Ticket" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Eruption

"One Way Ticket" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Eruption

Eruption is a band from the late 70s founded by producers Frank Farian and Rainer M. Ehrhadrt and features Eric Kingsley, Gerry Williams, Greg Perrineau, Morgan Perrineau and Precious Wilson on
vocals for the first 3 albums.

Their first big hit in 1977 was a cover of Ann Peebles' "I Can't Stand The Rain" (from 1974) which became a big disco smash hit. Their second German released LP was titled "One Way Ticket" and featured the title track - which also became a late 70s disco hit.

I have taken the 12" long and short vocal mix and recreated another ReStructure Mix to push and pull that great chorus and those funky-ass bongos. Always a favorite and now in a new form!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

"Galaxy Of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crown Heights Affair

"Galaxy Of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crown Heights Affair

Crown Heights Affair is given a ReStructure Mix from their LP "Dream World" from 1978 - a big shot into outer-funky-space with this ReStructure Mix with lots of horns and space-funk! It is truly one of the rewards of the Crown Heights Affair catalogue.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Andy Langley and his request for my play time with this fabulous song!

Friday, February 3, 2012

"Love In The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - VHF

"Love In The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - VHF

VHF is a studio project from Rod Gammons who also brought us Lewis Berry, Amanda Scott, Sadie Nine and Smalltown Boys. "Love In The Night" is a 1987 high energy tribute to E.G. Daily's "Love In The Shadows" from 1985. It is the identical instrumental and melody set to new lyrics - which was quite a phase for high energy when bands like Offshore (with Lonnie Gordon) again took the vocal from "No Regrets" and created "All Work and No Play".

I have taken the 12" version on Record Shack and given it a whole new ReStructure Mix breaking the energy down into parts and accentuating the climatic choruses. It is one of the "copy-cat" tracks that always created the proper mood with a crowded dance floor and the right soundtrack for the night club!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

"It's My House" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Diana Ross

"It's My House" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Diana Ross

Diana Ross made the disco era complete with her 1979 LP "The Boss" - it was one of the moments in music history where the puzzle seemed complete. The title single of course is a landmark hit single for Diana - yet, "It's My House" being the second single release was just as powerful in a lower energy form.

I have taken the 12" remix by Jimmy Simpson and have given it a new electro-vibe ReStructure Mix - using lots of the fantastic horns and strings arranged by John Davis to a new sound. The song is one that you can't stop singing once you have started - so "come on in!"

Special guest appearance by Rupaul!

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