ReStructure Mix Update (11/28/14) “Start A New Affair” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ruth ‘Silky’ Waters

ReStructure Mix Update (11/28/14) “Start A New Affair” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ruth ‘Silky’ Waters
Ruth “Silky” Waters is one of disco music's supreme moments where the anthem came alive in stark mirrored lights. Her album “Never Gonna Be The Same” from 1979 was produced by Mr. John Davis and features strings and horns from Don Renaldo and percussion performed by Larry “B” Washington – a full disco injection of power and love. Her first release of the title track, “Never Gonna Be The Same” was a huge success in many clubs and disco radio airplay – the emotion captured by Ms. Waters leaves one wanting to grab a handkerchief between breaks. “Start A New Affair” was the second single from the album to bring about the same feel – a positive look at a one night stand where love seems promising and missing at the moment. Ruth delivers another powerful performance here. It gives moments of the song a soaring energy and the promise of love great potential.

I have taken the album version and worked a lengthier ReStructure Mix using the build from the closing as the slow climb in reverse. It has a few more breakdowns to give that emotion an opportunity to be recognizes. One track that always worked for me during its release and also gave me a wonderful place on the sideline of many dance floors watching dancers dance into a frenzy.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay – thank you again boy! Can I ever get enough of your requests, love and devotion? No. I will always be there for you as you always are. Much love.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/27/14) “Dancing In My Sleep” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Secret Ties

ReStructure Mix Update (11/27/14) “Dancing In My Sleep” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Secret Ties

Secret Ties is a 80s high energy project from Brian Soares (“Magic") and Gerry Caples and from their independent dance label Nightwave Records. This simple dance layout is a formulation of the disco sound – full of percussion and the sexy femme vocals. Provided here by Cheryl Ford and enhanced by a light Caribbean festival accent. This one was quite popular in many clubs during its release and also gave us the feeling that dance floors were still alive.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to create a new ReStructure Mix using samples from tracks by Blue Moderne and a rock classic by Brian Hyland. The percussion is the main flare in this fabulous track and reminds me of Roni Griffith’s “(Best Part of) Breakin’ Up” from 1982.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Dee Jacobs from Facebook and thanks for the request and for always being kind and supportive! Cha-cha-cha!

ReStructure Mix Update (11/18/14) “Loverboy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Ocean

ReStructure Mix Update (11/18/14) “Loverboy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean (Leslie Sebastian Charles) is the voice of the 80s when funk and disco merged into pop dance. His 1984 album “Suddenly” is a gem for a time given to a longtime series of dance floor hits paid off – these tracks included “Stay The Night”, “American Hearts”, “Are You Ready” and “Nights (Feel Like Getting Down)”. “Loverboy” is one of his big singles following the big success of “Caribbean Queen” both produced by Keith Diamond.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub version to lay out a whole new episode for this “Loverboy” – creating an underground arrangement with more drawn out instrumental parts and a dub like break sections scattered about. It is one of the big hits for me during 1984 and also a favorite to move to. This ReStructure Mix is another chance to get lost in the 80s dance energy and fun!

ReStructure Mix Update (11/14/14) “Stick Together” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Minnie Riperton

ReStructure Mix Update (11/14/14) “Stick Together” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton is a songwriter/singer who is best known for the 1974 ballad “Loving You” and continues to bring a light into many new worlds with her melodic child-like voice. Her 1977 album “Stay In Love” was produced by Freddie Perren and features the disco single “Stick Together” which gives Minnie a light big band drum beat to sing a love song encouraging a lasting love between two who share those special feelings. It works very well for Minnie and gives those of us who want to celebrate under the spinning mirror ball a beautiful opportunity.

The song was written by Minnie Riperton, Richard Rudolph (he husband) and Mr. Stevie Wonder

I have taken the 12” version of “Stick Together” and worked a new ReStructure Mix adding a new intro and some pieces from Minnie’s classic to give a new dance attitude to this lovely song. It brings the song to a couple of peaks and also makes the closing a bit more of the magic that lasts.

Dedicated to Nick & Lindsay and again, thanks for all of the love and dedication to this upbeat and glorious music. And thanks for requesting this one – it is a joy to bring it back!

ReStructure Mix Update (11/12/14) “Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You, Baby” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Street People

ReStructure Mix Update (11/12/14) “Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You, Baby” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Street People

Ray Dahrouge is a singer, producer, arranger and songwriter from New Jersey who brought us Street People in 1976 – this soul quintet consisted of Roy Daniels, Milton Daniels, Thomas “Toot” Williams, Joe Gardner and Rick Johnson. The self-titled album is one of my favorite projects from 1976 and a precursor to the disco sound emerging from soul music during the time. The sweet melodies capture the energy of the mid-70s and along with the help of Bert De Coteaux and Charlie Callello the recording is one which will stand out among pure disco.

I have taken the single “Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You, Baby” from the album and have created a ReStructure Mix to not only extend the original 3:34 version but also accentuate and spotlight more of the tracks funky moments. It is a lengthier mix and gives that head shaking chorus a run for its money.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to an incredible man, Mr. Ray Dahrouge who continues to spread his talent to the world and also shines in the work of his past as anyone “steppin’ out” from the 70s can appreciate. Thank you, Ray!

ReStructure Mix Update (11/6/14) “Sunset People” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

ReStructure Mix Update (11/6/14) “Sunset People” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

Ms. Jessica Williams scored high with me and my dance floor in 1992 with a cover of Donna Summer’s “Sunset People” on Passion Records and produced by Phil Da Costa and Mr. Rick Gianatos. A nice high energy jazz fused version that transforms Jessica into a story teller for a “hot” night out on the town. This was huge in my club and being a Jessica Williams fan for years was satisfied that this woman was still on top!

I have taken the 12” version – both vocal and “Sunset & Vine Dix Mix” to create a new ReStructure Mix to use some pieces of both Donna’s original and Jessica’s fabulous legacy to remind of how good disco music really is.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to a wonderful lady, Ms. Jessica Williams and her man, Mr. John B. Williams – two talents which make me stand back in awe and then dance my butt off! Thank you, John and Jessica – a big hug and lots of love your way.

“Cleopatra” by Kono – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Cleopatra” by Kono – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Kono is an Italo-disco band from producers Bob One, Eugenio Vincoguerra and Paolo Marioni. The electronic keyboard arrangement from 1986 follows the light mid-tempo dance sound with light pieces of percussion to create short breakdowns. It is one of records which worked well for me in an early evening set or for after hour mood sets. The song tells a romantic tale of desire and fantasy of the Queen of Egypt while injecting the ominous sounds of battle and doom.

I have taken scenes from the 1963 epic drama film, “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to complete the air of the disco track. Using the beautiful photography and epic scenes along with Taylor’s majestic role as our queen. It is to history on of the most expensive films ever made for its time. The Disco Video Mix focuses on the drama and cinema stage here.

The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

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