ReStructure Mix Update (12/28/15) “Too Blind To See It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kym Sims

ReStructure Mix Update (12/28/15) “Too Blind To See It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kym Sims
Kym Sims took the lead in house music’s peak of pop-crossover tracks with “Too Blind To See It” in 1992. Produced by Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and polished with the elements which shifted dance music in the mid-80s with earlier influence of the Paradise Garage sound and feel. A catchy number from start to finish and framed perfectly with a sampled riff from the ladies First Choice and their garage classic. This salutes to 90’s dance music gives Kym’s classic another chance to display what it is and was.

I have taken the 12” “Hurley House” vocal and instrumental to weave a ReStructure Mix with a touch more of the stomping feel of an underground disco piece and yet holding onto the original sound. This one has that catchy chorus and of course that Hurley production which made us believe again that dance music was and will always be here to stay!

ReStructure Mix Update (12/27/15) “Grand Illusion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (12/27/15) “Grand Illusion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer introduced a new side of her vocal talents in 1980 with her project “The Wanderer”. Donna along with Giorgio Moroder moved her sound into the 80s with an electronic dance rock edge. Many of the tracks from the session are the 80s transition from disco music to a new pop-rock feel. “Grand Illusion” is one of Donna’s creative moments where Moroder accompanied her incredible range with a strange but alluring moog and synthesizer treatment. An early morning or slight rock-new age feel and along with Donna’s experimental touch makes a statement.

I have always wanted to bring “Grand Illusion” into a new arrangement and direction. This ReStructure Mix brings it to a new level with Donna’s mystique sound and Moroder’s electric fantasy. I have added a few new elements to even out the rhythm and beat and focused on keeping the original feel intact.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/15) “Tale Of Three Cities” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Salsoul Orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/15) “Tale Of Three Cities” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Salsoul Orchestra

The Salsoul Orchestra is the movement in disco music which provided a transition from soul and funk into a phenomenon. Lead by Vincent Montana Jr. and many of the players from Philly recordings (Bobby Eli, Ron Baker, Norman Harris, Earl Young, and John Davis) this studio session became the mark of a new era of dance floor excitement. “Tale Of Three Cities” is a piece from the first album released in 1975 and plays out much like jazz slowing over a disco beat. One of the big moments for the ensemble and disco music to lure those who were searching for something to look and feel up to.

I have taken the original album version of “Tale Of Three Cities” and re-worked a ReStructure Mix to place this funky arrangement in a new form. Lots of drum pattern effects and lasting strings. It is a beautiful number which deserves another opportunity to play out what good rhythms sound like.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to D.C. LaRue – thank you David for all of your talent and work…and for requesting this quiet giant for remixing.

“Fire” by Madleen Kane – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Fire” by Madleen Kane – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Madleen Kane made a transition into 80s dance music from 70s disco as if a red carpet were waiting below a mirror ball all along. In 1985 the project “Cover Girl” introduced her soft and sensual delivery and gave dance floors more of what this fabulous chanteuse could deliver. “Fire” is a cut from the project that contains pulsating high energy synthesizers and wicked keyboards as Madleen describes a desire for her lover. Produced by Ian Anthony Stephens who is one of the big forces in the rejuvenation of 80s dance music with projects from Hazell Dean, Paul Parker (who co-writes on this album), Marsha Raven and Pamala Stanley.

I have taken “Fire” and paired it with the 1941 screwball comedy “Ball Of Fire” from 1941 – starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. The plot involves a professor who meets and falls for a nightclub singer during his research project. Barbara is more of the main frame here and her great picturesque image on the silver screen. Thanks to Madleen’s number she is transformed a bit closer to our nightclub scene.

The film was directed by Howard Hawks

Featuring scene from “Ball Of Fire” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

D.C. LaRue’s album “Cathedrals” from 1976 painted a wonderful entrance for this unique artist. The big title track became a mark in disco history for D.C. as his vision and sound were always creative and polished. “Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” is another tracks from the album which brings to mind a period of imagination which added a lure for the nightlife scene and growing disco boom. The song beckons you into the nightlife where dancing is not the only desire and the opportunity for a new romance is always present.

I have taken scenes from the 1983 erotic horror film, “The Hunger” starring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon and created a darker side of desire in this tale of vampires. The immortal heroine played by Catherine is the focus of ‘the hope’ in a twist. It plays out more of a montage and works with D.C.’s masterful stage-like performance.

The film was directed by Tony Scott

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

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/15) “Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/15) “Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

Meco Monardo is one of the big sounds of the disco ball on any dance floor. His big dance hit from 1977 was the orchestrated disco version of “Star Wars” which remains one of the exciting moments in pop culture where pop music met film with a new attitude and sound. His fifth album “Moondancer” from 1979 is one of the quiet pieces but not for any reasons of its content. This one remains true to the galactic theme with a funky edge, jazz feel and heavy disco rhythms.

I have taken the short album version of Meco’s cover of Hugh Masekela
S 1968 hit. This is a nice trumpet blaring dance call with lots of the original feel and some great drum work. This ReStructure Mix not only extends this nice work – but also gives it a touch of the original.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/15) “Get Another Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chantal Curtis

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/15) “Get Another Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chantal Curtis

Chantal Curtis is a French vocalist who also known as Michele in an earlier recording session from 1977 is titled “Magic Love” from producer Pierre Jaubert. This was the voice of mature disco pf the late seventies as it polished itself into a chic nightclub feel and formula. “Get Another Love” was released in 1979 and hit at a time when disco music had reached a peak and also saturated the market with so many new artists and acts it was easy to get lost or overlooked. The single from the same titled album is a classic among many disco collectors and fans. It was a bold yet sweet piece that also is rare to find a home for a harmonica among the groovy keyboards, bass, beats and Chantal.

I have taken the 12” vocal mix to recreate a ReStructure Mix of “Get Another Love” and applying the chop and paste arrangement to give it a new overhaul and experience. The song still holds my heart and feet hostage and I was happy to re-frame this one!

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/15) “Stay With Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – India

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/15) “Stay With Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – India

India is an electronic dance project from disco producer Jacques Morali – who also gave us Village People, The Ritchie Family, Dennis Parker, The Lovers, Patrick Juvet and Phylicia Allen during climb and peak of disco music. This stripped down production is a great transition for Morali whose past work always featured arrangements layered with strings, horns and rhythm sections. The 80s brought a new challenge since major labors no longer supplied the budget for such work. India always reminded me of the 80s rock edge scene with a Steve Perry vocal and pulsating aerobics rhythm. It does however have the sweetness of the disco feel and the wonderful light rock edge with added synthesizers work very well.

I have taken the 12” long version (originally mixed by Mr. Steve Thompson) and created a lengthier and flowing ReStructure Mix using more of the bridge and breaks as a piece of the new arrangement. It has a few new surprises and those filled in spots that bring the fantasy of disco music alive again.