ReStructure Mix Update (7/29/17) "Party, Party” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eruption

ReStructure Mix Update (7/29/17) "Party, Party” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eruption

Eruption is a disco band formed in the early 70s and during the mid-70s became one of the defining sounds of the club scene. Their first project contained a disco cover of Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand The Rain” which worked the speakers with some of Frank Farian’s magic. Heavy bass guitars and bongos beating the rhythm into the floor were the elements that enimate heavily into the formula. “Party, Party” is a single released as a 12” single following the first single and is one of the early disco party anthems I can remember hearing club patrons chanting on their way out of the discos. A big stomper and along with Precious Wilson’s recognizable vocal leading the floor into a dance frenzy this one is unforgettable.

I have taken the 12” version of “Party, Party” and diced and sliced a ReStructure Mix working in a new intro and playing with the chorus and rhythm parts that make this song an infectious winner. It is broken into breaks where the bongos once again remind us of why disco and the Afro-Cuban connection are so fierce.

JOURNEY TO THE FLOOR - Dance until you are there

JOURNEY TO THE FLOOR - Dance until you are there

"Theme from 'The Warriors'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Barry De Vorzon - https://youtu.be/6lP6gp1nEsI
"Night Rider" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - C.O.D. - https://youtu.be/0T7AxeJzn8o
"Cosmic Voyager" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kano - https://youtu.be/T4z_3YPBRcw
"Crusader" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Trax - https://youtu.be/A3fPH-yxDL4
"X-Factor" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Cowley - https://youtu.be/5CJtPi-m-eM

ReStructure Mix Update (7/27/17) "Every 1’s A Winner” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hot Chocolate

ReStructure Mix Update (7/27/17) "Every 1’s A Winner” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is a band formed in 1969 whom became one of the recognizable recordings and appropriate for the pop and funk fusion of the period. “You Sexy Thing” from 1975 poured their sound into a wall of success and gave this band the stage they so deserved. Their 1978 album “Every 1’s A Winner” brought an even success with the title track once again delivering the sound of funk played out with a raw but polished production. It is one of the early tracks I can recall defining as a disco and since then have referred to it for a mind trip back to the funky 70s.

I have taken the 12” version of “Every 1’s A Winner” and brought the resonating raw feel to the level a ReStructure Mix is all about. A new intro using teasing samples of their earlier hit and a sexy purr from Mr. Giorgio Moroder. A new sleaze direction with some effects here and there to remind us that beats are meant to be reworked.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/25/17) "Come Go With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Exposé

ReStructure Mix Update (7/25/17) "Come Go With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Exposé

Exposé is a trio performing a powerhouse stage appeal and 80s dance tracks in the Miami-Freestyle arena. This was the pop move into a new 80s sound that gave us a fresh new opportunity to pound the disco beat in patterns never heard before. “Come Go With Me” is there big 1987 hit that always made my dance floor transform into an energy that was infectious. The group features Ann Curless, Jeanette Jurado and Gioia Bruno. A slick ensemble that made the music more than a club sound.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub to recreate a homage to the 80s Miami Freestyle sound in the ReStructure mode. Allot more of the congas, percussion and excitement.

All About Him - Fasten your seat belts!

 

All About Him - Fasten your seat belts!

"He's So Shy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pointer Sisters - https://youtu.be/lKjYielarSA
“He’s A Rebel” by Genie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/UKtuOERx8Qg
"Mr. Big Shot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Simon Orchestra/Jessica Williams - https://youtu.be/YZ0HqkopKe4
“Menhungry" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Maxine Dee - https://youtu.be/B94Lc26YZRY
“Muscles” by Diana Ross – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/3ceKqRkw1FQ

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/17) "Just Be Yourself” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nightlife Unlimited

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/17) "Just Be Yourself” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nightlife Unlimited

Nightlife Unlimited is a disco project from Tony Bentivegna, Johnny D’Orazio, Louis Toteda and Peter Sciascia – produced originally by Peter Di Milo and George Cucuzzella (“Disco Choo Choo”). The start of the 80s and the end of the big disco studio productions brought a new raw edge along with a touch of rock/new wave feel as “Just Be Yourself” from 1980 replays. It was the lead for many independent productions from producers, artists and performers to keep the mood of disco music alive. “Just Be Yourself” is a hard hitting track which sounds like a pop-rock Top 10 hit at times and then yanks us right back to the disco underground feel with the pulsating bass synths and cowbells. A great dance that is considered one of the dance classics from Canada.

I have taken the album of “Just Be Yourself” and played out a new ReStructure Mix to work on more of the rumbling bass and rocked out vocal. A new synth play is added and some new breaks.

MID-TEMPO PASTRIES ... a delicious treat

MID-TEMPO PASTRIES ... a delicious treat

"Girls Are Back In Town" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Risque - https://youtu.be/4tBbNb-iLAM

"Hold Me Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc. - https://youtu.be/IbCD1BzRrck

"Rhythm Of The Jungle" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Quick - https://youtu.be/yNN9wad5PnI

“Borderline” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madonna - https://youtu.be/GHlZlArQ5mo
"Ritmo de Brazil" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ultimate - https://youtu.be/iyGQRhEQCgg

“Manhattan Shuffle” by Area Code (212) – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Manhattan Shuffle” by Area Code (212) – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Area Code (212) is a disco project from veteran disco producers Joe Castellon, Joe Bana and Stan Bronstein. A fabulous ensemble featuring Frieda Ann Williams, Sherroil Jennings and Steve Shelto – igniting several disco numbers with a great passion and dedication to the dance floor. A touch of the big band era is the highlights and hoopla here. “Manhattan Shuffle” is one of the big numbers here and with the wonderful vocal from Steve Shelto this one evokes a special magic.

I have taken scenes from the American musical “Gold Diggers of 1935” and created a visual treat for fans of the BIG Busby Berkeley scenes. It plays out with more celebration than Manhattan would expect!

The film was directed by Busby Berkeley

Featuring scenes from “Gold Diggers of 1935” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/17) "Automatically Yours” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda Cochrane

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/17) "Automatically Yours” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda Cochrane

Brenda Cochrane is a vocalist who works “Automatically Yours” from 1988 – an electronic dance single which plays out with a pleading to escape a bad relationship with some dignity. One of my favorite high energy dance singles from the period and also a great vocal performance from Brenda who also covered Odyssey’s “Native New Yorker” in 1999. The fast and quick to drop and roll arrangement worked very well for my dance floor and became a favorite for tea dances.

I have taken the vocal and “acid mix” from the UK release on Dazzle Records and recreated a new ReStructure Mix with more of the elements from the ‘acid mix” bleeding through. This recreation is more of a dub mix with the verses and choruses intact.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/17) "Deshabille Moi (Undress Me)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Louis Lesther

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/17) "Deshabille Moi (Undress Me)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Louis Lesther

Louis Lesther is a disco artist from 1979 produced by Dutch drummer/producer Shell Schellekens (Brainbox, Rainbow Train). The tantalizing single “Deshabille Moi” (meaning “Undress Me”) is one of the rare tracks that play out like a fabulous drag show perhaps in “The Bird Cage”. It is a fierce production that outlines the play on words and also a synthesizer with old-school power. The 12” was released in Germany on the Hansa International label and then picked up by Shadybrook Records in the US and was always one of those pieces that if caught on the dance floor at the right time you may have been lost in a fantasy of ‘Rocky Horror’-like adventure. One of my favorites from the end of the disco era and always believed this were the caliber of Grace Jones’ aura.

I have taken the US 12”vocal and instrumental and recreated a whole new show for the curious taking the synthesizer exit into the front layer. The vocal remains the lure and feel of the track as the original and is played with in a few new breaks. This is like the dub and stage version shot into a short glass after being shaken fiercely for minutes.

D L I O S V C E O - DISCO LOVE

 

D L I O S V C E O - DISCO LOVE

"Silly Love Songs" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul McCartney and Wings - https://youtu.be/_-sWo3mV6dA
“Symphony Of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Miquel Brown - https://youtu.be/LqT2wII7O0E
"Our Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/_7naaKEm6a4
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John & Kiki Dee - https://youtu.be/Qu-DQ87wH-o
“You Know How To Love Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phyllis Hyman - https://youtu.be/rV6crWOCC1Y

ELECTRO VIBES for Breakfast ... morning dance.

ELECTRO VIBES for Breakfast ... morning dance.

"Need Your Passion" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sweet Connection - https://youtu.be/gXnA82_Tb4g
"Diamonds Never Made A Lady" by Lift Up - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/lJaxt3scgiM
"Airport" by Marc Harris - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Dr89umE0-rM
"You're My Heart, You're My Soul" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Modern Talking - https://youtu.be/oHiG_zl4pQQ
"Video Games" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ronnie Jones - https://youtu.be/m29F_NcJBhU

ReStructure Mix Update (7/9/17) "Under The Influence of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love Unlimited

ReStructure Mix Update (7/9/17) "Under The Influence of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love Unlimited

Love Unlimited is the backing group for the disco magic created by Barry White in the early 70s. A smooth trio of voices which created a lush symphony of dance music shifting from soul to a new genre titled disco. The members are Glodean James, Linda James and Diane Taylor – three sisters. Their 1973 track “Under The Influence of Love” is from the album by the same title and creates the beauty of Barry White with a lush string section grooving to soulful bass and guitars. It is truly one of the landmark times for the pre-disco period and offers again the celebration of dance and love.

I have taken the album version of “Under The Influence of Love” and recreated this ReStructure Mix giving the greatest of the original an alternative disco DJ hand. More of the strings and powerful intro are given a new placement and assistance with some her drum elements.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/7/17) "Disco Circus” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Martin Circus

ReStructure Mix Update (7/7/17) "Disco Circus” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Martin Circus

Martin Circus is a French disco act that began recording in 1970 with productions which blended sophisticated arrangements with a rock edge. Their projects soon began to fuse the disco sound and created one of the unique sounds of the disco era. “Disco Circus” is their 1976 project created for a soundtrack to a French film – the US release on Prelude Records in 1979 repackaged the title track and made it an underground classic. The album is produced by Sydney Bechet along with Martin Circus and uses drums, percussion, synthesizers and wild chanting to work a new disco funk into its creation. A hardcore piece that many may recognize even elements of the song as it has been sampled and also used as transition in mixes.

I have taken the US album version and reedited a ReStructure Mix adding yet another twist to the stomping beats and chants. Using samples of Joan Crawford in the 1967 British horror-thriller film, “Berserk!” as the new ring-master. Many of the parts of “Disco Circus” are used to display the wonderful aura of this disco-fantasy. More looping and added breaks give it more of an after-hours feel.

DO IT! ...anyway you wanna!

DO IT! ...anyway you wanna!

 
"Do What You Wanna Do" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Nona Hendryx and The Cage - https://youtu.be/0VV3ITuJOZ8
"Do It (Til You're Satisfied" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - B.T. Express - https://youtu.be/fupbJomlgLo
“You Should Do It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/sq9_FpENmK0
"Take Your Time (Do It Right)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The S.O.S. Band - https://youtu.be/d6G64V7RnuA
"If You Can Dance You Can Do It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Slimline - https://youtu.be/dRYu5ReYHxk

ReStructure Mix Update (7/5/17) "Take No Prisoners (In The Game Of Love)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peabo Bryson

ReStructure Mix Update (7/5/17) "Take No Prisoners (In The Game Of Love)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peabo Bryson

Peabo Bryson is a soul artist from the mid-70s whose ballads and r&b tracks made him a standard. Much of Peabo’s charm is relayed in his vocal approach and I have always compared his style with Jeffery Osborne who also became a crossover hit in the 70s with the funk band L.T.D. and his solo projects. “Take No Prisoners (In The Game Of Love)” is from his 1985 album with the same title. This electronic dance number is a 80s love anthem which displays a great need in Peabo’s performance and plays out as a hardcore 80s mark for a champion of soul to give dance floors this experience.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental piece to rework a ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Peabo’s powerhouse delivery. The original extended version is a masterpiece for the 80s mix standard and my take on it is only to give this number another opportunity to mark a great memory. My mark fortunately is watching a packed dance floor move and reacts to this wonderful piece.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/3/17) "Dance The Night" (“Vol la Nuit”) - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Harlow

ReStructure Mix Update (7/3/17) "Dance The Night" (“Vol la Nuit”) - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Harlow

France Harlow is an artist who released a single titled "Dance The Night" (“Vol la Nuit”) – an electronic and early morning edged track. Produced and written by Frank Ceniccola in 1983 the song tells the story of heartbreak and the need to dismiss the pain on the dance floor. One of the great moody pieces that I relied on in many early morning tapes or programs where the energy was trance-like. Great vocals with one side in English and the flip side in French.

I have taken the original 12” on Illusion Records (Canada) and recreated a longer ReStructure Mix with some new emphasis on breaks and a few percussion effects added to give a punch to the airy sound of this magic song.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/1/17) "Boogie Walk" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susan Stevens

ReStructure Mix Update (7/1/17) "Boogie Walk" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susan Stevens

Susan Stevens released her third electronic dance single in 1983 titled “Boogie Walk” and produced by the Canadian team of Gino D’ Orazio and Tony Bentivegna. This duo gave us many of the dance singles filling in the gap from new-wave, synth-pop and disco with a sound of percolating bass and keyboards in a disco-esque feel. Susan Stevens released many singles which followed the disco anthem feel with themes of love, heartbreak and dance celebration. 

“Boogie Walk” is the dance anthem referencing the need for the elements of disco needed for her feet to move. A fun disco number with the 80s transition sound in full order.

I have taken the original 12” version of “Boogie Walk” and created a ReStructure Mix which blends more of the synths bongos and a cameo from The Rooftop Singers 1962 hit, “Walk Right In” – using appropriate lines to accent Susan’s “boogie”!

SYNTH-POP TREAT ... catch it before it melts

SYNTH-POP TREAT ... catch it before it melts

“Touch" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lori and The Chameleons - https://youtu.be/79qYuh-YGRI
“Herr Wunderbar” by Tanya Hyde – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Rf3b0AYLLTY
"You Gotta Problem" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Toni Basil - https://youtu.be/zn-DiYwCN14
“Don’t You Want Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Human League - https://youtu.be/v0pJuTY4kfo
"Computer Game" by Yellow Magic Orchestra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/-gM0D33D2vs