ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Like A Virgin” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Like A Virgin” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna

Madonna’s career not only spans a creative path from the simplicity of 80s synth-pop to complex ballads and dance floor anthems. “Like A Virgin” is Madonna’s play with upbeat electronic dance music and along with producer Nile Rogers began a new journey for her talent. This 1984 number was also Madonna’s start with a controversial stage performance igniting the imagination of both the lyrics and her iconic style.

I have taken the 12” extended version of “Like A Virgin” remixed by John “Jellybean” Benitez – with the great percussion lift and transferred the story into a new chapter. This ReStructure Mix pays homage to the 80s dance floor and uses the focus of the songs feel stretched here and there.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Keep On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D-Train

ReStructure Mix Update (12/31/16) “Keep On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D-Train

New York Funk is a sound filling dance floors with a mixture of electronic funk and a soulful vocal ensemble. D-Train is one of the leading bands to bring the shift from full-orchestrated disco to this New York sound. James Williams and Hubert Eaves III released their first album “You’re The One For Me” in 1982 and along with the powerhouse remix assistance from Mr. François Kevorkian their sound became the leading force in disco label, Prelude Records new focus. “Keep On” is the second single from the album and offers a similar dose of funk with an uplifting message and choir bringing more to a willing dance floor.

I have taken the original 12” release of “Keep On” using the vocal and dub to recreate a more break driven arrangement with a few more underground moments to give this classic a new rode ticket. The power of the original mix by François is never forgotten here and I can only testify that his magnificent sound is a big influence on my own work from dee jay years to present remixes play.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/16) “La Cage Aux Folles” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Le Jeté

ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/16) “La Cage Aux Folles” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Le Jeté

Le Jeté is a studio band produced by Ken Kessie, Marty Blecman and Morey Goldstein on the high energy label Megatone Records. Their only single “La Cage Aux Folles” from 1983 is a disco version of a song from the Broadway Musical which is based on the 1978 Italian comedy. This production follows the high energy pace set my tracks like “So Many Men, So Little Time” and “The Boys Come To Town” which give disco music a new facelift with the electronic percussion and heavy synthesizers. A big hit in many clubs either as a vocal or the flip-side instrumental. Lots of the breaks and flowing energy that made the early and mid-80s a great place to dance.

I have taken the original Megatone 12” vocal and instrumental to work this new ReStructure Mix. It extends the song and places some new re-edits as the breaks and re-worked synthesizer parts. The vocals are re arranged and given more opportunities to entertain and welcome a sample from Mr. Robert Preston.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/16) “So Emotional” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/16) “So Emotional” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is a voice that brings back the 80s with the excitement of a new dance era and artists keeping the dance movement alive. Whitney’s big pop dance song, “So Emotional” is from her 1987 album “Whitney” produced by Narada Michael Walden. This one was as exciting as the arrival of Houston’s presence in 1985. This is a love song overflowing with the juicy pieces of Whitney’s voice and attitude which helped to make her the pop-princess of her time. I can remember having to play this one more than once and with the help of the 12” magic by Shep Pettibone and Junior Vasquez it was easy.

I have taken the 12” extended remix, dub version and the acapella to work this ReStructure Mix which takes the song onto a pounding trip. More pieces of the voice and also the killer 12” production provide a new playground for Whitney.
ends.

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ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/16) “Summing Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Electric Mind

ReStructure Mix Update (12/11/16) “Summing Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Electric Mind

Luciana Cirrillo and Michele Violante are the Italian group Electric Mind. Along with producer Andrea Candelora a venture to bring a New York funk edge to Italo-disco began its ringing throughout clubs. Inspired by bands like Change and Chic there is an electronic take on the funky guitars and electro vibe here. “Summing Up” from 1982 is their first release and a big long time floor packer in my club. This one has the smooth piano riffs that many tracks were incorporating and Electric Mind placed them to complete a jazz air.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a ReStructure Mix with more play and extended portions of the great streamline production. A catchy riff in the chorus and plenty of beat and groove to move onto a new era of dance without the need for change.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/16) “Call Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/16) “Call Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

Skyy is a disco-funk band which filled the gap between funky and disco. Produced by Randy Mueller of B.T. Express and Brass Construction this sound was the 80s new dance groove. The band members included Anibal "Butch" Sierra, Bonny Dunning, Delores Dunning Milligan, Denise Dunning Crawford, Gerald Lebon, Larry Greenburg, Randy Muller, Solomon Roberts Jr., Tommy McConnell and Wayne Wilentz. Skyy’s 1981 album “Skyy Line” featured the single “Call Me” that is an old school classic at its best. The song topped club lists and radio play during its release and even today brings it all back properly.

I have taken the 12” version of “Call Me” and created a new ReStructure Mix to give Skyy their place in the funk/disco category of dance music history. This one is broken down with some new breaks and a few more areas where a simple plea for romance is contagious as the groove. An homage to Skyy and this classic.