ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (12/25/13) “Holiday” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (12/25/13) “Holiday” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

Madonna brought the 80s an exciting new way to look at dance music and bring change to the music industry and place an artist in the driver’s seat. Her first 12” release titled “Everybody” was a promise of more to come – and the album had that proof:  “Holiday” is the track that brought a full circle to the first of many which Madonna achieved. Produced by John “Jellybean” Benitez – a club DJ who brought dance floors many of it’s own requests from his own experience behind the spinning vinyl.

I have taken the album version of “Holiday” and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to lay out a new day for celebration for all – as the meaning of disco resembles – all. The bass, guitars and beats as chopped and rearranged along with a few samples from a few past “holidays”.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/23/13) “You Can’t Hide (Your Love From Me)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – David Joseph

ReStructure Mix Update (12/23/13) “You Can’t Hide (Your Love From Me)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – David Joseph

David Joseph has one of the 80’s electronic funk singles which marks The Paradise Garage and its progressive dance groove during the new generation of hardcore club movers. The track has the feel of the underground New York sound which helped to influence many new disc jockeys and artists to look towards a more raw and basic feel.

I have taken the US 12” and have given it a ReStructure Mix to add a new dimension to the song. It has many new curves added and I have given the lyrics and meaning more of an opportunity to let the body do the talking.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Alan Hawkins of Facebook – with thanks for his support, kind words and love for the music that goes boom in the night!

ReStructure Mix Update (12/21/13) “Chanson D’llegance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D’llegance

ReStructure Mix Update (12/21/13) “Chanson D’llegance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D’llegance

D’llegance is a disco group from Ian Levine and Rick Gianatos whose first single from 1979 was a double sided “Share My Love” and “Midnight Ride” – production in the Ian Levine-disco orchestration and vocals in soulful harmony. The second single in 1982 is a band-anthem titled, “Chanson D’llegance” which gives several French verses as a riff and a definition of the savor faire the band was to portray,

I have taken the Airwave Records 12” vocal and extended instrumental and created a ReStructure Mix which plays a bit more with bits and pieces of the groove and vocal to create a new edit with some new break-fills inserted. The original version was always a hit on my dance floor during its release and helped to being back chic-disco edge in the early 80s.

“Boogie Business” by Lamont Dozier – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Boogie Business” by Lamont Dozier – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Lamont Dozier (party of the Motown acclaimed Holland-Dozier-Holland song writing/production team) releases his 1979 disco album “Bittersweet” in 1978 with funky-disco track “Boogie Business” and it seems as though time has never let him go. The track was a hit in many clubs and brought back the groove with soul and shine intact. It is one of the disco-licious songs that I favor from the period that was indeed a sleeper for many.

In this Disco Video Mix I have blended the 1979 now-disco classic film “Disco Godfather” starring Rudy Ray Moore and Carol Speed – for all reasons that seem appropriate for the club-sonic disco DJ who is also known as The Disco Godfather. It paints the song a nice picture taking the violence and drub overtones away. Leaving a dance floor full of people doing their own “business”.

The film was directed by J. Robert Wagoner

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

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/13) “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paris Connection

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/13) “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paris Connection

Paris Connection is symphonic disco project from Alec R. Costandinos who brought us Sumeria, Love & Kisses and his disco operettas of “Romeo & Juliet” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. His music brought the Euro-disco sound to another end of dance floors along with Cerrone and Don Ray. His project for Paris Connection contained to disco covers of pop-songs from the 60s: “Eloise” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”. Both arranged in the disco symphony formula where new pieces were added to detail the side long versions.

The album was arranged and conducted by Raymond Tarass Knehntsky

I have taken the B-side of Paris Connection (from the LP version) and created a new ReStructure Mix with a much easier intro and few new elements to make this sweet production move differently. The 18:03 long album version is trimmed down and re-waxed.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/13) “If You Can Dance You Can Do It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slimline

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/13) “If You Can Dance You Can Do It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slimline

Slimline is an electronic dance project from producer Mike Leander – who is known for his productions of The Glitter Band in the early 70s. This infectious single from 1982 works on the aerobics craze of the time period and a stompin’ rhythm beat that creates a solid foundation for a “Madison-rap” and peaks that sound sinister as well as energetic. It is the only material leased from Slimline and a number that brings back the disco power of early 80s.

I have taken the vocal and the instrumental (with count) and created a ReStructure Mix that uses for electronics from Kraftwerk to accent the climbing and falling arrangement. It is lengthier and more fun as the trio guide you through this hypnotic dance experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/13) “Young Hearts Run Free” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Candi Staton

ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/13) “Young Hearts Run Free” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Candi Staton
Candi Staton is a soul singer who began recording in 1970 with a voice that was inspirational and brought a warm to souls. Her singing career eventually brought her into the 70s disco scene where her big 1976 hit, “Young Hearts Run Free” became an instant anthem and classic among club and music enthusiasts. The track was written and produced by Dave Crawford who also helped Candi through a few more dance floor hits.

I have taken the album version of “Young Hearts Run Free” and have given this ReStructure Mix more breaks and some dub-like pieces. It is the flavor of disco music which never grows tired as classic soul and Motown. There are a few pieces of Candi from affiliated feelings in a follow up hit which I had a moment of reflection of how disco music can mark moments in life with such emotion.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Anthony Gioffre – thank you for asking for this wonderful track and "keep feeling it" – it is a great gift.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/10/13) “Slave To The Rhythm” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Grace Jones

ReStructure Mix Update (12/10/13) “Slave To The Rhythm” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Grace Jones

Grace Jones – period! No introduction needed. It has been years that Ms. Jones has held the mystique of art and fierce persona. Fashion and music are just natural for this performer who take the ordinary and creates the uniqueness. Who knows is we will ever see it again? But who cares…just go back to Grace. You’ll find it there.

“Slave To The Rhythm” is from the album of 1985 produced by Stephen Lipson and Trevor Horn - creating a new stage for Grace to give inspiration to the rhythm and sound of art. I have taken the single version from the US 12” single and have created a ReStructure Mix which points towards an early morning rendition of the original production including an overture.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Van Belgie Grace on Facebook and the thanks for keeping the panther out of the cage. Thank you Van Belgie Grace also for the kindness.

“I Got That Feeling” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love De-Luxe

“I Got That Feeling” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love De-Luxe

Love De-Luxe is a disco project from Alan Hawkshaw who also worked with Miquel Brown and his own 80s dance group K.I.D. (“Don’t Stop"). His album “Again and Again” features many of musicians from the Munich Disco Recordings – including Les Hurdle, Ray Cooper and Pat Halling on strings. The album was one of the Euro-disco gems of its time with the big crossover song, “Here Comes That Sound Again”.

I have taken the album version of “I Got That Feeling” and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to give the verses a new layout and arrangement. It is one of the most beautiful recordings with the disco orchestration and synthesized backup.

“Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Azoto (originally called Lucrethia and The Azoto 14,008) is an Italo-disco project from 1978 from arranger, Celso Valli and producer Armando Sciascia (founder of Italian label Vedette Records). Their album “Dance Skinations” was right on target with disco rhythms and the sensuality of disco music during the formation of a stage for many waiting to free personal desires. “Delicate Jan” is a single from the album which shares a few riffs in common with Celso Valli’s big classic group Tantra’s “Hills Of Kat Mandu” which followed this production. The odd vocals and themes are interesting and definitely a disco sensation.

I have taken the song “Delicate Jan” – which appears to be about a sexy woman who drives both the men and women mad with her blatant sexual behavior but at the same time is sweet in nature. It is edited to excerpts from Brigitte Bardot in Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Woman” – where the 18-year old orphan finds it difficult to restrain her sexuality and leads to much drama among three men. It also gives the disco track a beauty that moves quite “delicately” to the rhythm!

The film was directed by Roger Vadim
Featuring scenes from “And God Created Woman” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Beatles 60’s Medley” by Stars On 45 – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Beatles 60’s Medley” by Stars On 45 – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Stars On 45 is a Dutch dance project started by Jaap Eggermont where “bits and pieces” of classic rock, standards and pop songs were compiled into a medley. Inspired by a DJ bootleg disc titled “Let’s Do It Again” from 1980 where the actual songs were mixed over the rhythm track to “Nanu, Nanu (I Wanna Funky Wich You)” by Daddy Dewdrops. This mass production included medleys from ABBA, Motown, rock giants and The Beatles.

“Beatles 60’s Medley” is from the first album released by Stars On 45 which soon became a touring group covering medleys by various pop groups with sound-alike singers and tracks.

I have taken the medley and blended it with The Beatles 1964 comedy, “A Hard Day’s Night” which features clips and images from the days in the lives of these very talented men who are now the markers in history for a wave of new rock n’ roll.

The film was directed by Richard Lester

Featuring scenes from “A Hard Day’s Night” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (12/3/13) “Dancing Is Alright” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – THP

ReStructure Mix Update (12/3/13) “Dancing Is Alright” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – THP

THP (Three Hats Productions) are the sound of producers Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison who also brought us The Duncan Sisters, Skatt Brothers, Sticky Fingers, The Immortals and Southern Exposure. A bold blaring sound for disco music which helped to bring the power of the big “orchestral’ band sound. THP is a project not only based on their name but each project dedicated to a new sound for a new vocalist: Barbara Fry on “Two Hot For Love” – The Duncan Sisters on “Tender Is The Night” and Joyce Cobb on “Good To Me”.

I have taken the fierce track “Dancing Is Alright” from the “Good To Me” album and reworked it into a new ReStructure Mix for some looped action and fun with segments. One powerful disco album where each track stands on its own. A die-hard piece of vinyl for me

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/13) “Two Of Hearts” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stacey Q

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/13) “Two Of Hearts” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stacey Q

Stacey Q (Stacey Lynn Swain) is a pop-dance act from producer Jon St James (Bardeux, Red Flag, Anything Box) who made the simple sound of synthesizers fill in the gap of mid-80s dance floors. It was a return to the sweet sound of disco music and a bit of street sampling – for the single “Two Of Hearts” from 1986.

I have taken the 12” “Extended Mix”, “Instrumental” and pieces of the “Acapella” to give this 80s dance classic a ReStructure Mix – working more on the funky kick-ass beats from the break and making them the foundation of this new experience. It is a 80s feel that remains close to our hearts – both of them!