ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/16) “Where Are You Now” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone

ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/16) “Where Are You Now” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone
Cerrone brought the sound of Euro-disco to the world giving a fusion of lush strings, funky bass and percussion new life. His production of “Love In ‘C” Minor” from 1976 gave an erotic touch to this style of music always considered sexy and pulsating. Cerrone released over 25 solo albums and well and various projects he arranged and produced. At the time any album bearing the make Cerrone or his production company, Malligator Records I scooped up knowing that it would always have a few dance floor hits or a very entertaining listening experience. “Where Are You Now” is from 1983 and takes Cerrone into a new era of dance music where most independent groups were cutting corners by enhancing the electronic edge of the music. It is obvious through this piece that his talent was extensive as he pulled more genius for 80s dance floors.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Where Are You Now” and worked a new part in the yearning of the song. The lead vocals by J.J. Fairlight and Mary Carewe give the sound of his original female ensemble the same flair with a whole new stage. This ReStructure Mix gives the intro more of layered and mysterious sound. Some looping of the soaring keyboards takes a new groove on. Always a favorite of mine and another reason I am always at awe of this man’s music and imagination – even today.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/29/16) “Lovemachine” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Supermax

ReStructure Mix Update (4/29/16) “Lovemachine” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Supermax

Supermax is a German band created by Kurt Hauenstein. The band played a fusion of rock and disco which is best understood through “Lovemachine” from 1977. A recording which brings an underground 60s feel to disco music. It is a masterpiece of dance music as the groove builds as each instrument layers itself over the dream—like sensual mood. It was always a popular track for me during early morning sets or trance disco playlists.

I have taken the album version of “Lovemachine” and imagined a ritual of drums pounding new energy into this moody piece. I have added more riffs using the existing parts along with some imaginative edits. This ReStructure Mix is played out as it was originally intended with a new facelift.

Dedicated to Herbert Gruber and the memory of Kurt Hauenstein (1949 – 2011)

ReStructure Mix Update (4/28/16) “Shout It Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Astaire

ReStructure Mix Update (4/28/16) “Shout It Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Astaire
Astaire is a high energy project from producers Nigel Stock and John Davies and on the UK high energy label Passion Records. The success of this sound of a pounding beat and keyboards that feel like a classical instrument are only the start here. Vocals for Astaire are provided early on by Tracy Ackerman and later Jill Saward. Many of the songs by Astaire are focused on the old disco concept of love, life and dancing. The massive impact of high energy music can be attributed to projects as this.

I have taken the song “Shout It Out” which is the B-side to the 1985 release of “In The Name Of Love” – both wonderful dance tracks that bring to mind a whole new feeling and excitement of dance floors in the early 80s. I used much of the keyboard riffs and layered over pieces to not only lengthen the song but also work a deeper experience that could only happen in a discotheque.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/27/16) “I Believed” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alma Faye

ReStructure Mix Update (4/27/16) “I Believed” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alma Faye
Alma Faye is a disco artist who brought a soulful sound to discotheques with her style and delivery. Her first dance single “Stop, I Don’t Need No Sympathy” from 1977 is a classic in the early period of disco music’s formulation and creative mind. Many of the tracks from her album “Doin’ It” from 1979 are either classic productions or worthy of something memorable. This is one of those voices that I found exciting and a sound that was close to the soulful edge of Philly with more. “Don’t Fall In Love” is one of the recordings that I hold dear to my heart and all-time playlists – the production by Dominic Sciscente and Michel Daigle is one of the best using the disco formula.

I have focused this issue of ReStructure Mixes to a request from Nick and Lindsay who always seem to bring out the rare and underground tracks for suggestions.

“I Believed” is one of the tracks from “Doin’ It” which plays out once again with a bittersweet emotions with a lush and soulful touch. The arrangement takes on a new feel and musical satisfaction. I have taken the album version and touched up the original with more beats and effects along with a whole new length. It was great fun to take this one onto the chopping block and then assemble it again with an early morning dance floor in mind.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/22/16) “Don’t Give It Up “ – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

ReStructure Mix Update (4/22/16) “Don’t Give It Up “ – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

Linda Clifford is the voice of disco/soul and funk with an Uptown sound and a flawless stage presence. Feeling the energy from Linda has always been through her music and the firm stance she makes in her delivery. One the divas of disco music who truly made a mark and set it in place with pure talent. Her third album “Let Me Be Your Woman” was a double vinyl project featuring a disco-fied version of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and also the big dance floor hit, “Don’t Give It Up” – which features a vocal and rap which Linda created for a timeline of disco history.

I have taken the 12” version of “Don’t Give It Up” and created a ReStructure Mix to give the chorus and verses the lead here and saved pieces of the rap for a closing edge. This one was always one where the dance floor packed so tightly none of the tile was visible. It is a stomper and one where the rhythm and Linda’s vocal becomes infectious.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to the lady herself – Linda Clifford!

“Workout” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Workout” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Cerrone’s album “IX – Your Love Survived” from 1982 contained various remixes of his classic work and also a new track titled, “Workout”. One of the elements of the early 80s which many dance bands took advantage of was the aerobics craze which many stars and health nuts took to the stage for. It worked well with the dance floor aura since we all know that dancing is one of the healthiest for the mind, soul and body. Okay, perhaps it was a bit much.

I have taken the song “Workout” and paired it up with the 1985 aerobics cult film, “Pulsebeat” where Daniel Green and Earleen Carey jump and grind to keep their aerobics top of the charts for the workout clubs. It is pure camp and silly fun. It plays out with hips and buns moving to and fro.

The film was directed by Maurice Tobias

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

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/16) “Somebody Should Have Told Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cissy Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/16) “Somebody Should Have Told Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston is gospel singer turned disco artist leaving a trail of dance hits in her unique soulful sound and the magic of producers, Michael Zager and Jerry Love. “Think It Over” from 1978 is the big single and album title which made disco music exciting during a big surge of dance fever around the world. “Somebody Should Have Told Me” is another single from the album which made as much sense as a dance hit as “Think It Over”- another big performance and Zager/Love foundation.

I have taken the version of “Somebody Should Have Told Me” from the 1979 album “Warning-Danger” – which featured an extended remix. This new ReStructure Mix is a work in dedication to Nick and Lindsay who are true lovers of the disco diva and music. Their request is fulfilled here in a new arrangement and added pieces of breaks and surprises. Thank you boys – you are inspirations!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/16) “Capsicum” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stargo

ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/16) “Capsicum” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stargo

Stargo is an Italo-disco project with Alberto Parodi, Andrea Tenerani and Roberto Zanetti. One of the early electronic dance tracks from 1983 which marked the raw sound of keyboards and accompanying choruses with a strange uplifting feel. The song titled “Capsicum” is named after a pepper which is obviously a theme for the love here who would like to be chewed like bubble gum with this flavor. A bit strange and the choruses sound like a jingle for a potential commercial for toothpaste with this flavor. It does have the robotic sequencer feel which roared at this time and was a big hit in my club at the time.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental on FlashBack Production Records from Italy and recreated a ReStructure Mix adding a new intro and fade which uses the keyboard riffs sparingly. It is one of those catchy tracks and a classic for Stargo and Italo-disco!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/16) “Boogie To The Bop” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mantus

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/16) “Boogie To The Bop” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mantus

Mantus is Billy Armendola, Frank DeCrescenzo, Jimmy Maer and Kenny Bee – a New York City based band who took over dance floors with their big disco project, “Midnight Energy” in 1979. The big hits were “(Dance It) Freestyle Rhythm” and “Rock It To The Top” – the production by Will Crittendon was a force of percussion and funky disco grooves. One of the albums which every cut was playable and packed dance floors. The second album titled “Mantus” was released in 1980 and contained the big dance floor jammer, “Boogie To The Bop” which was one of the big hits in my club at the time.

I have taken the album version of “Boogie To The Bop” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to bring the slight rap-piece into a new sound. Using pieces of a classic rap gem and also breaking the percussion into bits and pieces. It is has a longer play than the original and much more of the parts which make this one a hit.