ReStructure Mix Update (10/27/13) “Race” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – A Taste Of Honey

ReStructure Mix Update (10/27/13) “Race” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – A Taste Of Honey

A Taste of Honey was a disco act formed in Los Angeles, CA -  Hazel P. Payne, Janice M. Johnson, Donald R. Johnson and Perry Kibble. Their big disco classic “Boogie Oogie Oogie” from 1978 introduced a smooth soul edge to disco music. Their Grammy award from 1979 as “Best New Artist” gave the group only a part of what they have given dance music history.

“Another Taste” is the bands second project from 1979 and was released during a highly saturated disco market. It was another juicy piece of soul and disco played out well with classic sound of the band. “Race” is a track from the album which made my playlist and remains the “Honey” sound with its groovy bass guitar licks and instrumental beauty.

I have taken the album version to give the song a ReStructure Mix which works more on an extended play on the songs fierce drop-breaks and those sweet vocals.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/13) “Munich Machine Medley – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Munich Machine

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/13) “Munich Machine Medley – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Munich Machine

Munich Machine is a disco project lead by Giorgio Moroder and created a sound during the mid and late seventies which gave disco a new sound and label. Much of the music coming from Munich consisted of musicians who were apart of the new funky sound which was being formulated and used to make many disco stars including Donna Summer. The 1977 album “Munich Machine” was a blockbuster moment for dance floors and DJs. It was the underground disco sound in a polished form.

I have taken the side two medley which includes instrumental movements from Giorgio’s solo projects, Donna Summer and Roberta Kelly which were making big marks both overseas and in the US. The medley blends each track into a non-stop disco party. I have created a ReStructure Mix and played with some of the elements to create a kaleidoscope-like disco mix.

"Dance Until You Drop" by Ritz - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Dance Until You Drop" by Ritz - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Ritz is Kofi Missah, Ruby James and Tony Jackson -- a disco trio who gave us one album titled "Puttin' On The Ritz" produced by Ken Gold. The album featured two dance floor hits: "Locomotion" and "Dance Until You Drop". The timing of this project may have prevented the group from gaining more popularity. The arrangements were a nice style of funk and disco.

I have taken the track "Dance Until You Drop" and blended it with the 1969 drama, "They Shoot Horses Don't They"" starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. The film centers around a Depression-era dance marathon and the drama of the contestant participating and the physical draining of this knock down-drag out contest. It plays out with the title and mild atmospheric sound of this disco single.

The film was directed by Sydney Pollack

Featuring scenes from "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" -- RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (10/17/13) “Temptation Eyes” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

ReStructure Mix Update (10/17/13) “Temptation Eyes” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

Gino Soccio marks the end of the seventies with a style of electronic dance which matures in an ambient and new-age vibe – with rhythm and funk. His move throughout the 80s was marked three unique albums to his sound. Each is an innovative and genius attempt for this musician, songwriter and artist.

“Temptation Eyes” is Soccio’s cover of The Grass Roots 1971 pop-rock classic. Performed in Soccio’s programmed rhythm and interpretive style. This was released as a 12” single in 1985 and was a gift for those who could get lost in the simple layering and sound of Gino Soccio’s productions and arrangements.

This ReStructure Mix is an alternative to the 12” and gives a few moments of earlier work on the “Outline” album. It was a reason to play with Gino’s work again and hear that build over and over again!

"Sharks Are Cool, Jets Are Hot" by The Quick -- Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Sharks Are Cool, Jets Are Hot" by The Quick -- Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Quick is a dance pop band from England - Colin Campsie and George McFarlane. Their 1982 album "Fascinating Rhythm" is one of the early synth pop albums which followed the departure of disco. "Sharks Are Cool, Jets Are Hot" is the first single release in 1979 and there was some excitement among DJs and dance floors with this pop edge and hardcore disco synthesizers and percussion. It was produced by Rhett Davies who also worked with Eno and Roxy Music.

I have taken the 1961 musical "West Side Story" and used the borrowed theme from "Sharks Are Cool, Jets Are Hot" to create a new experience for both the disco classic and the William Shakespeare inspired American musical.

The film was directed by Robert Wise

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

"Big T" by Matt's Fantasy Club - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

"Big T" by Matt's Fantasy Club - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Matt's Fantasy Club is a New Beat/Belgium Beat session from the late 80s from Morton Sherman Bellucci -- who were a big part of the electronic new beat movement. "Big T" is a playful track with samples outlining a pair of pluses for a pair of eyes. This one always made me smile when I played it during a house set and somehow got the dancers straining to hear what they were moving to.

I have taken the 1958 British/American comedy "The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw" starring Kenneth More and Jayne Mansfield. I had a little too much fun with this one and the point is easy to understand.

The film was directed by Raoul Walsh

Featuring scenes from "The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw" -- RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Poinciana” by Paradise Express – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Poinciana” by Paradise Express – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Paradise Express is Herb Jimmerson and vocalist Vi Ann. Their presence in the late 70s help to complete the electronic sound of disco music along with a wonderful string and horn arrangement from Herb Jimmerson who was a part of the Fantasy Records disco family. Vi Ann had a unique sound which used the disco tracks as instant classics and also a favorite among DJs and dancers.

“Poinciana” is a cover of the Ahmad Jamal 1958 lounge song which appears on the first album by Paradise Express. A very beautiful disco rendition that gives the song a new life with that disco fusion.

I have taken the 1980 romantic adventure “The Blue Lagoon” and dashed some of the tropical scenes and love sequences to fulfill the treatment of this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by Randall Kleiser

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

“Love Waves” by Patty Heart – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Waves” by Patty Heart – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Patty Heart is a German disco artist with her 1986 electronic dance track, “Love Waves” produced by Andy Free and Jozef Smits. The single was an underground piece which caught my attention during my time at a stand up club where music helped to paint the environment. The song has an eerie feel which sounds a bit robotic and a sensual. It was perfect for the mode that I was favored at creating during the early morning peak hours.

I have taken the track and blended it with the 1944 musical, “Bathing Beauty” starring Esther Williams as the water-queen of her first Technicolor musical. It moves like the music where the rhythmic pace seems like a wave of arms and legs serenading in a peculiar edge.

The film was directed by George Sidney

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

“Love Waves” by Patty Heart – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Waves” by Patty Heart – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Patty Heart is a German disco artist with her 1986 electronic dance track, “Love Waves” produced by Andy Free and Jozef Smits. The single was an underground piece which caught my attention during my time at a stand up club where music helped to paint the environment. The song has an eerie feel which sounds a bit robotic and a sensual. It was perfect for the mode that I was favored at creating during the early morning peak hours.

I have taken the track and blended it with the 1944 musical, “Bathing Beauty” starring Esther Williams as the water-queen of her first Technicolor musical. It moves like the music where the rhythmic pace seems like a wave of arms and legs serenading in a peculiar edge.

The film was directed by George Sidney

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

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/13) “You Take My Heart Away” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gillian Lane

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/13) “You Take My Heart Away” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gillian Lane

Gillian Lane is a Canadian disco artist who helped to fill the gap between disco and high energy during the early 80s. Along with producers Gino D’ Orazio and Tony Bentivegna who also created tracks by Suzy Q, Nightlife Unlimited. Motion, Sweet Heat, Stephanie Wells and Ladies Choice – this was the melodic and pulsating sound of a new disco energy.

A new ReStructure Mix of “You Take My Heart Away” is extended and also teasing in the disco deejay fashion of spoon feeding little by little. It is one of my favorite Canadian disco tracks from this fabulous era and has that haunting sound of a love song with power, passion and a driving underground energy.

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (10/6/13) “Hang On To Your Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sade

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (10/6/13) “Hang On To Your Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sade

Sade is a British soul-jazz group with the sound of a classic vocalist (Sade Adu) and the reflection of music which paints the atmosphere as well as entertains. Their first album “Diamond Life” was produced by Robin Miller and gave the mid-80s a new sound and group which even today brings excitement and soul satisfaction.

I have taken the single “Hang On Your Love” which was released as a 12” dance single – and have given it the ReStructure Mix treatment to play with the wording, piano riffs and rhythms. It is more of a dub-like feel – but is there to give another listen to a great song. In a new way.

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (10/4/13) “Lost In Emotion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (10/4/13) “Lost In Emotion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam

Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam are Lisa Velez , Mike Hughes and Spanador – an 80s funk group who delivered four albums which created a new dance sound for a dance floor ready for a new groove. Their second LP “Spanish Fly” was a welcome site for ready feet. Produced by Full Force a band formed in Brooklyn, New York. It was street sound which could apply to a new generation of dancers.

I have taken the 12” single and used the F.F. remix and “Can’t Find Myself Mix” to create a new ReStructure Mix which begins with a new driving force and adds a few breakdowns and a surprise guest vocalist who is quite fitting.

“Hotel Paradise” by Diva Gray & Oyster – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Hotel Paradise” by Diva Gray & Oyster – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Diva Gray is a vocalist who began as a back-up vocalist for Harry Belafonte and then a member of The Harlettes (Bette Midler’s troupe). Her disco career is quite well known, if even by ear. She is the magic voice behind many classic tracks – “Paradise” by Change as well as Gregg Diamond projects, Joe Thomas, Chic, Phyllis Hyman, Roundtree and Meco sessions. Her solo effect with disco producer, Luigi Ojival (Oyster) was an album from 1979 titled “Hotel Paradise”.

I have taken the title track – which is a fun and silly make-believe hotel called “Paradise” which is actually a mental facility. It blends perfectly with the 1972 screwball comedy, “What’s Up Doc?” starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’ Neil and Madeline Kahn. With a few effects and imagination the Hotel Bristol becomes the Hotel Paradise.

The film was directed by Peter Bogdanovich

Featuring scenes from “What’s Up Doc?” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/13) “Sooner Or Later” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/13) “Sooner Or Later” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

Nina Schiller (released originally as Crystal & The Team) worked dance floors into a frenzy with her first single, “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” in 1981. The popularity of the track and the power of producer Bill Motley’s part in the dance resurgence in San Francisco created an album, “Stay The Night” on Moby Dick Records.

“Sooner Or Later” is a track also featured on the 12” single and was re-produced with Nina again leading the beautiful and lyrical chorus. This time around the pumping sequencers gave the song and Nina a new energy to make dancers feel lovely all over again.

I have taken the album version of “Sooner Or Later” and have given it a new ReStructure Mix with a new extended play and some fun-tweaks along the way. It is a powerhouse high energy song from the early 80s and should always be included as well as the voice of Ms. Nina Schiller.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the wonderful, Nina Schiller – and thank you for the “phone call”, Nina – the answer is past tense – I am a fan and always have been!

“Double Cross” by First Choice – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Double Cross” by First Choice – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

First Choice is the Philly-trio with the groove that center in on soul with the smooth sound that made disco a household word. Their 1979 album “Hold Your Horses” had arrived with enough ammunition to set dance floors ablaze. The title track was only the beginning in this package produced by Tom Moulton, Thor Baldursson, McKinley Jackson and Norman Harris. Deep garage disco with sparkle of this trio’s magic notes.

I have taken “Double Cross” and blended it with 1986 black comedy “Ruthless People” starring Danny DeVito, Bette Midler and Judge Reinhold. The upset story of revenge, blackmail and plenty of surprises labels well with the undermining cheat and realization of the disco number.

The film was directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker

Featuring scenes from “Ruthless People” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons (based on his idea)

ReStructure Mix Update (10/1/13) “Space Warrior” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Munich Machine

ReStructure Mix Update (10/1/13) “Space Warrior” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Munich Machine

Munich Machine is a disco studio group comprised of many members of early recordings from early disco artists such as Donna Summer, Roberta Kelly, Dino Solera and Chris Bennett. The sound of Giorgio’s productions seem to mature here with the popularity of disco music growing and the need for more commercial sets. The first self-titled Munich Machine album featured a medley of tracks from Donna Summer and solo Giorgio albums where the productions feature the Munich ensemble behind the scenes.

“Body Shine” is the fourth album from 1979 which completes the disco journey of The Machine – less of Moroder’s touch, yet still robotic and futuristic in several themes. One of the most secretive was “Space Warrior” which sounds much like Moroder’s “Battlestar Gallactica” project with more of a live band addition with wining guitars and acoustic accompaniment.

I have taken the album version of “Space Warrior” and created a new ReStructure Mix – playing with loops of the driving bass sequencer and more added effects.