ReStructure Mix Update (10/21/16) “We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Stewart

ReStructure Mix Update (10/21/16) “We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Stewart

Jermaine Stewart is a singer from the mi-80s who appeared with a big dance floor hit titled “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off”. This was a fun-male romp piece that played out well with the pop-dance of the time. It was a bit campy but fun with enough beats and kicks to move shoulders and hips. One of the big tracks of my club at the time and probably the most requested.

I have taken the 12” version of “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off” and created a new ReStructure Mix with a longer arrangement and a bit of teasing from an admirer. The keyboards and riffs are intact – just taken apart and ReStructured.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/20/16) “I’m In Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Evelyn King

ReStructure Mix Update (10/20/16) “I’m In Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Evelyn King

Evelyn King (formerly “Champagne” King) is a voice in disco music that transcends the soulful edge of the dance floor in the late 70s. The direction of soul music and it’s influence on disco’s growth was attributed to this sound. “I’m In Love” is from Evelyn’s 1981 album by the same title – produced by Kashif. The early pop years of dance music was a search for a more funk driven sound and this is one of the leading moments. An electronic pulse of bass and funky keyboard accents along with a soulful vocal gave dance floors a whole new experience similar to what New York Disco was building on with labels like Prelude Records. It was a new journey for dance music.

I have taken the 12” version of Evelyn’s “I’m In Love” and created a ReStructure Mix and gave this mellow groove a few new moments for more of an energy mix. The beautiful piano arrangements give this funk track a jazz feel – and along with King’s fabulous voice this one is almost hypnotic. This new arrangement is more of a play on a breakdown and refresher for the dance floor.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/16) “Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Scritti Politti

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/16) “Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Scritti Politti

Scritti Politti is a synth-pop ensemble formed in 1977 and giving the 80s a brighter and solid electronic groove. Lead singer, Green Garlside stands out with his whispery and somewhat teasing vocal in tracks like “Wood Beez” from the album “Cupid * Psyche 85” – produced by Arif Mardin. The group also feature Dave Gamson who released an electronic cover of The Archie’s “Sugar, Sugar” in the “funky town” beat box feel – released as Learners Permit. His keyboard play and execution in Scritti Polliti touches a bit of an alternative edge and is haunting.

“Wood Beez” caught my ear immediately with the elf like vocals popping in and out of the mysterious love song. I have taken the US 12” vocal and dub (titled ‘version’ ) and replayed this kick beat to a new arrangement where the drums are taken apart and reassembled. This ReStructure Mix is a stretch including a guest spot with Aretha Franklin herself.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/13/16) “Seclusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shawn Benson

ReStructure Mix Update (10/13/16) “Seclusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shawn Benson

 Shawn Benson is one of the artist of the mid 80s high energy scene with a hit dance track titled “Seclusion” – produced by Barry (Beam) Blum and Johnny Hedges. This one is a fast moving piece of soulful vocals and an electric arrangement that jumps out in every direction. It was one of my favorites and holds that place in high energy history that makes us all glad we were a part of it.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Seclusion” and reworked this ReStructure Mix to give this high energy winner another opportunity to win your heart with the great vocals and sliding rhythms. It always worked for me in many programs and was one of those numbers which always reminds me of a great disco party to start the night out.