Friday, December 19, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/19/14) “I Got The Answer” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Douglas


ReStructure Mix Update (12/19/14) “I Got The  Answer” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Douglas

Carol Douglas is a disco singer whose 1975 hit “Doctor’s Orders” helped to bring a sweet flavor to dance floors and a new energy to the mid and late 70s. Carol’s many contributions feature her sweet vocals which flow along with the yearning and loving feelings which disco music brought to clubs and dancers. “Come Into My Life” is Carol’s project from 1979, which features the track “I Got The Answer” – produced by Greg Carmichael. The fast moving love song is a perfect example of how the energy of disco music can make one fall in love faster than he or she can ever know.

I have taken the album version of “I Got The  Answer” and created a new ReStructure Mix to bring out the sweet symphonic elements infused with a touch of new cuts and edits to add a new force. It is one of Carol’s iconic vocals and helps to remind of why we used to fall in love at discotheques.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay – a request which I always feel moved to create from these connoisseurs of great disco divas and the lasting sensation of the disco sound.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/14) “Vogue” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna


ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/14) “Vogue” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

Madonna took the 80s into her handcuffs by igniting a sound and style of synthetic pop and connecting her visual image and talent. Throughout the years of Madonna’s career there have been many new and sometimes controversial ventures but over all there is some great dance music contributed by this star. “Vogue” is a single from the soundtrack of the 1990 film “Dick Tracy” which also stars Madonna. An anthem for not only one of the dance floors unique cults but also a breakthrough single which is classified as a top hot dance track.

I have taken the 12” with a trio of fantastic mixes from Shep Pettibone and worked a new “pose” and ReStructure Mix for a new Madonna experience. This new bass driven and drop-in-and-out arrangement brings a new funky break to “bump and grind” to. It was quite fun to get lost and recreate this mix and should make a night worth fessin’ and dressin’ for.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/17/14) “Everybody, Everybody” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Black Box


ReStructure Mix Update (12/17/14) “Everybody, Everybody” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Black Box

Black Box began as a studio group featuring the fabulous Ms. Martha Wash (The Weather Girls, Two Ton’s ‘O Fun) as lead which sent dance floors into a high for Italian house music which was being formulated throughout the mid and late 80s. The sound was a soulful and rhythmic wall of energy which brought excitement and plenty of shaking hips alive. "Everybody, Everybody” is the second release following the big sample classic “Ride On Time”. This piece rejuvenated dance floors once again for a whole new period of dance music.

I have taken the 12” remixes and reworked a ReStructure Mix to pay homage to producers Daniele Davoli, Mirko Limoni, Valerio Semplici and also Ms. Martha Wash. Mixing up some of the main elements of this monster and adding a few more to break down the funky groove.

Friday, December 12, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/14) “Power” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc.


ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/14) “Power” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc.

Lipps Inc. is one of the last breaths of disco music done right! Producer Steven Greenberg and lead vocalist Cynthia Johnson are the stars in their first release titled “Mouth To Mouth” – of course following the release of the disco classic “Funkytown” in 1979 the rest was dance history. The first album featured four great dance cuts all in a unique studio engineering innovation and an introduction to a new disco era.

“Power” has been given a ReStructure Mix with some new effects and some new drop out breaks. One of my favorite tracks of Lipps Inc. where the energy pumps and the vocals follow right along. It is a genuine dance track with a feel all of its own thanks to Greenberg’s genius.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to my sister Lolly – who I can remember seeing on a dance floor working this song with her masterful rhythm and love for disco music!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/9/14) “Love Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Model


ReStructure Mix Update (12/9/14) “Love Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Model
Man Parrish hit the dance scene in 1982 with his self-titled album which featured an array of dance flavors from street, hip-hop to high energy. Quite an important project for the time for me as it brought the electronic edge of energy from “Heatstroke” and then the electro hip hop sound of “Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don’t Stop)”. His work has always reflected an innovative edge and imaginative dance beat for the new high energy and electronic dance period of the early and mid-80s.

I have taken his production of “Love Me” by his studio group, Model – which was featured on the Disconet Issue Volume 7 Program 8 in 1985 – it featured vocals from Beth Rudetsky (sang back vocals for Alisha and co-wrote “Love Me” ). The high energy track has always been one of my favorite since the first time I was entering The Probe in Hollywood and heard, “Love me, love me, tell me that you love me…” echoing through the hall entrance. It is featured here with an extended ReStructure Mix with a few added effects and some of those fantastic drum breaks.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the man himself, Mr. Man Parrish – thank you Man for continuing the mystique and power of dance music. It continues to echo on and on!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/4/14) “Don’t Stop” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester


ReStructure Mix Update (12/4/14) “Don’t Stop” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

Sylvester released “All I Need” in 1982 with a sizzling array of disco and early high energy disco tracks. It was a lifeboat for hardcore disco fans for not only the return of the great Sylvester, but also a pulsating sound provided by James Wirrick and producer John Hedges. “Don’t Stop” is the first of the numbers to make a debut in a serious blast. This was the blend of new electronic dance music and the gospel feel of Sylvester’s performances.

I have taken the album version of “Don’t Stop” and created a ReStructure Mix to bring more of that infectious rhythm to mind again. More of the flawless arrangement is played with a rearranged with Sylvester taking the stage again!

Dedicated to Mr. John Hedges for his place in disco/dance music history. His influence and work will burn on and on  in a “disco inferno”! Lots of love to you, John.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

ReStructure Mix Update (12/3/14) “Out Of My Hands” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Dionne Warwick


ReStructure Mix Update (12/3/14) “Out Of My Hands” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick began her solo recording career in 1963 and continued to create a contemporary sound that is wedge of American pop music. Her 1979 album titled “Dionne” brought us the classic ballad “Déjà vu” (co-written by Isaac Hayes) and also a pop-dance track titled “Out Of My Hands” (written by her cousin and disco artist, Cissy Houston, Alvin Fields, of Michael Zager sessions, and Doug Frank. The production has a nice sequencer pattern weaving in and out of Dionne’s beautiful vocal.

I have taken the album version which clocks in at 3:17 where this ReStructure Mix extends a little over 8 minutes. I have added a new drum pattern and dub-esque effects to give the original more of a dance floor experience.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to a great man, Mr. Paul Conway who has been a great influence with dance and various genres of musical interests. Thank you Paul – this play is for your ears and feet! Much love.

“Fall In Love” by Ryan Paris – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera


“Fall In Love” by Ryan Paris – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Ryan Paris (Fabio Roscioli) is an Italian singer who released several tracks that marked the Italian disco era of the early 80s. His first single “Dolce Vita” is a classic to date and outlines the electronic arrangement with the lighter flair taking over dance floors during its release. “Fall In Love” is Ryan’s follow-up from 1984 and was produced by John Bini and arranged by Pierluigi Giombini. It is a beautiful dance track that has always been one of my favorite.

I have worked this Disco Video Mix taking scenes from the 1954 romantic comedy “Sabrina” starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. My premise is to a fix a stare to the wonderful beauty of Ms. Hepburn and leaves a hypnotic trance as the disco track does. The trio in this love triangle plays during the disco refrain and keep the black and white classic alive also.

The film was directed by Billy Wilder

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

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

“One More Minute” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera


“One More Minute” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
NOTE: ADULT CONTENT

Saint Tropez is one of the big disco projects from production team W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder. It was the chic and erotic theme of the disco scene of the late 70s and created an impact with its racy covers and the symphonic and funky arrangements. The second album titled “Belle De Jour” featured several dance floor hits including the track “One More Minute” – it is a classic among disco connoisseurs.

I have taken the song and created a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 2002 French mystery film, “Femme Fatale” – starring Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Antonio Banderas. The direction is by Brian De Palma (“Carrie”, “Obsession”, “Body Double” ) and features many sensual opportunities to outline this disco thumping masterpiece. This Disco Video Mix is more of a dream sequence of droplets of the faces and segments from the cinematic platter.

The film was directed by Brian De Palma

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

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/14) “I Don't Wanna Forget You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Denise McCann


ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/14) “I Don't Wanna Forget You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Denise McCann

Denise McCann made disco music’s connection in 1977 with her first album which was released again in 1978 under the title track, “Tattoo Man” on the Butterfly Records label. The single “I Don’t Wanna Forget You” is the second release from the project as a 12” disco single - produced by Guy Sobell (The Chessmen). The song is a wonderful love theme of devotion to a past love that has left a great memory behind. It is one of my favorite vocal pieces and made iconic with Denise’s wonderful style.

I have taken the 12” single – both Part I and Part II and recreated a ReStructure Mix which adds a new intro and some percussion to bring out the rhythmic end of the song. It makes a longer stand and also gives an exit to more of the 70s-discofied keyboards.

Dedicated to Ms. Denise McCann in thanks for her wonderful contribution to not only to the sound of disco music, but also the visual edge of her album jackets as her beauty made a chic stamp for disco music.

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