ReStructure Mix Update (8/29/14) “When Love Takes Over You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (8/29/14) “When Love Takes Over You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer returned to the dance floor in 1989 with producer Stock, Aitken and Waterman to bring dance and hi-NRG fans a box of disco chocolates. The project titled “Another Place And Time” exploded with the first single “This Time I Know It’s For Real” and continued on a non-stop hit single roll. “When Love Takes Over You” is one of the singles that was also released as a 12” remix and made the mind-tempo energy sets sparkle with Donna’s iconic voice and the rhyme and sweetness of the SAW sound.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to create a ReStructure Mix and return us to a “place in time” that not only gave hardcore Donna fans another lift into the clouds – it also brought the SAW sound a new shine. This mix focuses on the beautiful instrumental and the lyrical verses – breaking them in and out with some surprises along the way. A Donna classic is infused to remind us of “The Magic of Summer”!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/28/14) “Rhythm Of The Street” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti Austin

ReStructure Mix Update (8/28/14) “Rhythm Of The Street” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti Austin
Patti Austin is a jazz and pop vocalist who became a dance floor addition following her 80s tracks “Body Language”, “Do You Love Me” and “Rhythm Of The Streets” – this is definitely one of the definitive voices of dance music during the early 80s. With ballads like “Baby Come To Me” (with James Ingram) it was more than a treat have such a talent grace the disco beats.

I have taken on of my favorite singles from her album “Patti Austin” titled “Rhythm Of The Street” from 1984 and transformed the 12” single originally remixed by John ‘Jellybean’ Benitez and worked a ReStructure Mix for a more celebratory and break-out arrangement. Many of Patti’s phrases are accentuated and the rhythm forced to the surface. A winning dance track and one which brings an instant feeling of joy to those who love that dance floor!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/22/14) “Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kongas

ReStructure Mix Update (8/22/14) “Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kongas

Kongas is a band formed in France and featured disco leaders Cerrone and Don Ray. The group began recording in 1974 and lead them into their big 1977 disco classic album “Africanism” featuring a tribal feast version of “Gimme Some Lovin” – the 1966 hit from The Spencer Davis Group. Their third album titled “Anikana-O” from 1978 featured tracks along the similar vein – more of a late 60s rock-edged feel with plenty of percussion and the pounding disco beat. A fantastic group of dance cuts and one in particular which always created a stir for me was “Jungle”.

I have taken the album version of “Jungle” and created a ReStructure Mix giving an intro that lures dancers into the lush area of the jungle where a savage bass and killer bongos guarantee satisfaction. A longer edit here and plenty of the drop and kick elements that I hear in my mind and now in the “Jungle”!

“Disco Choo Choo” by Nightlife Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Disco Choo Choo” by Nightlife Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Nightlife Unlimited is a Canadian disco group produced by Peter Di Milo and George Cucuzzella – featuring vocals from The Sweethearts of Sigma and Louis Toteda. The 1979 self-titled album is one of the big surprises for dance floors with a disco ribbon. A couple of hardcore dance anthems with breaks throughout the cuts and also two love ballads set to the disco beat. A disco dancer’s paradise for the time. “Disco Choo Choo” is one of the stomping dance pieces that give an array of handclaps, percussion and sequencers layered to create a dance fantasy trip on the “disco choo choo”.

I have taken the 12” remix of “Disco Choo Choo” with an edit to create this Disco Video Mix along with the 1937 action-adventure film, “Paradise Express” – the title which was used for the disco group produced by Herb Jimmerson and his wife Vi Ann on vocals (“Let’s Fly”, “Dance”, “Poinciana&rdquo where Herb saw the film late one night and the title stuck. This Disco Video Mix takes pieces of the film and plays out the disco theme with chopping here and there – yet, keeping this train on the tracks! It is sheer fun!

The film was directed by Joseph Kane

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

“Spacer Woman” by Charlie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Spacer Woman” by Charlie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Charlie is an Italo-disco project from 1983 from Stu Kawowski, Giorgio Stefani and Maurice Cavalleri. This blend of electro-beats and mystifying vocals are one of the progressive and unique records of the time. It became an instant dance floor classic for my club and a hit for me as it worked in both early evening build up segments and also early morning sets. A bit haunting as well as being funky with the street edged beats.

I have taken this piece into a horrifying Disco Video Mix along with the 1995 sci-fi film, “Species” about a group of scientist who are tracking a killer alien seductress who is attempting to mate and eventually cause havoc to our planet. The eerie sound works well with the horrifying scenes which transform the disco track into a funk for thrills video.

The film was directed by Roger Donaldson

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

“Space Bass” by Slick – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Space Bass” by Slick – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Slick is a disco group consisting of musicians from the Fat Larry’s Band and also featured vocals from The Sweethearts of Sigma: Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benson. Their 1979 album featured a track titled “Space Bass” which became an instant disco classic with its funky-bass line which plays out like a soul-cha cha. It was an immensely popular track in my club and lasted throughout the mid-80s in dance palaces.

I have taken the disco track and blended it with the 1979 adventure-sci fi television series, “Battlestar Galactica” starring Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict and Lorne Green. The concept feeds on the space discotheque scene which features disco star Pattie Brooks singing an out-site-outta space number, which is replaced with “Space Bass” It is a play on the “Star Wars” era.

The film was directed by Richard A. Colla and Alan J. Levin

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

“We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Dis-Cover – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Dis-Cover – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Dis-Cover is a Euro-house dance project from 1992 which follows along the vein created by the big club hit, “What Is Love” by Haddaway. It brings to life once again the #1 UK single from August of 1979 “We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Cliff Richard. This bouncy house remake gives the song a rhythm to move to the troubled sign and seems to promise a bit more hope. It was produced by L. Money.

I have created a Disco Video Mix pairing the heartbreak to scenes from the 1982 comedy-drama “The World According to Garp” which stars Robin Williams and Glenn Close. The trouble between Robin’s character and his wife played by Mary Beth Hurt is the focus of the disco track and plays out a bit tearful and dramatic.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to one of my favorite actors, Mr. Robin Williams

The film was directed by George Roy Hill

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

ReStructure Mix Update (8/14/14) “On A Journey (I Sing The Funk Electric)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Elektrik Funk

ReStructure Mix Update (8/14/14) “On A Journey (I Sing The Funk Electric)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Elektrik Funk

Elektrik Funk is an electronic-garage project from producers, Darryl Payne and Eric Matthew – the boys who also gave us Sharon Redd, Sinnamon, Eazy, Gary’s Gang, Miles Watson and many projects in the early and late 80s. This strange edged track introduced a soulful-garage vocal with an unusual theme aimed at traveling through a groove with the mind. A big hit for my club at the time since the instrumental provide a long mix alternative or longer intro to the funk-driven vocal.

I have created a ReStructure Mix here with a piece added from the “Fame” soundtrack which seems obvious why – yet I worked to take the keyboards and separate some of the punchiest segments out. It has the feel of a funk set – yet the underground sound of an early morning gem. This is a new journey – one I hope you can feel in your mind and feet!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/11/14) “Choir Practice” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/11/14) “Choir Practice” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc.

Lipps Inc. is a disco band from producer Steven Greenberg and arrived at an important time for disco music. The big 1979 classic “Funkytown” extended the disco era for a few more years proving that many club goers, music connoisseurs and dancers were still celebrating the uplifting beat of disco music. The third album from Lipps Inc. titled “4” is a transition from the matured sound of dance music from disco producers and artists to the 80s strip down to keyboards and high-school bee-bop for the new wave period. Although the tracks still followed hardcore clubs feel a new production and arrangement technique gave way to a simpler sound.

“Choir Practice” is one of the big singles from the project and is a favorite of mine as it replicates a warm-up exercise from church choirs and brings it rhythm and a touch of disco-funk. Another display of disco music’s being and uplifting message breathing fun into something old. I have given the album version a ReStructure Mix to break apart the chorus notes and harmony into a new disco break arrangement. Some samples from “The Blues Brothers” and a Grace Jones/Tom Moulton favorite add some of the themes fun a new delivery.

Dedicated to Curt Rudduck from Facebook – and thanks for requesting this high energy number for an overhaul. It’s for you, Curt – good energy to you.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/14) “Disco Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michele

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/14) “Disco Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michele

Michele (alias Chantal Curtis) recorded the project “Magic Love” released in 1977 and produced by Pierre Jaubert and Tom Mouton. The album contained four tracks which were hits among various clubs and crowds. It reflected the New York disco sound of the time although the project was recorded in France and remixed by Mr. Moulton in Philly. The track “Disco Dance” I remember most since the title was an anthem for the burst of the club craze.

I have taken the album version of “Disco Dance” and created an alternate ReStructure Mix working the keyboards and some of the funky bests and guitars into a new arrangement and adding a synthesizer – ala Patrick Cowley since the master himself worked remix of the song using his own style in 1977 – one of his early works. It is a new trip and a new end to make this closing a bit more to the dancers imagination.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/14) “Liar On The Wire” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/14) “Liar On The Wire” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

Sharon Redd is one of the disco-funk divas who make disco music history something to stand and take notice. Previously a back-up vocalist for Bette Midler and a member of group The Harlettes. Sharon appeared on the single release “Love Insurance” appearing as Front Page and the flame ignited hotter than hot! Her voice following this was a must for DJs, dancers and collectors. With hits like “Beat The Street”, “In The Name Of Love”, “Can You Handle It” and a slew of singles from her three solo album projects Sharon made dance floors shake and take note of a sophisticated woman taking the stage with funk appeal and a majestic anthem delivery to top that.

“Liar On The Wire” is from Sharon’s 1983 album “Love How You Feel” and one of the mini-heartbreak classics with her fabulous vocal that was always yearning for attention. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental and created a ReStructure Mix adding an electronic kick beat from a familiar track and worked a whole new call to her estranged lover. It is every bit as emotional – yet kickin’ with a whole new groove.

Dedicated to Katie Perry and Pat Demps – thank you beautiful ladies for keeping Sharon’s memory alive for me and the love you give. I love you both very much.