Saturday, September 30, 2017

ReStructure Mix Update (9/30/17) "Give It To Me Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James




Rick James began a recording career in 1978 with his group Stone City Band and soon became the new face and sound of funk. A hard hitting style of dance music which incorporated a touch of the deep percussion of disco and his “punk funk” edged guitars and grooves. His 1981 album “Street Songs” was his sixth release and one of his more memorable with two dance tracks, “Super Freak” and “Give It To Me Baby” which played out on dance floors as a return to the sound which James is known for. “Give It To Me” is a bass driven dance track which emulates a riff from Kleeer’s “Keep Your Body Workin’” – but with some new elements which make it its own.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Give It To Me Baby” and created a new ReStructure Mix with a psychedelic disco wah-wah guitar leading the mix. The extension of all that is great in this song are the focus and some play on words and of course Rick James’ genius.

http://www.glennrivera.com/multiply/rickjames_giveittimebaby_restructuremix.jpg

WEEKEND HIGH - here and now

WEEKEND HIGH - here and now

“Runaway (With My Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tapps - https://youtu.be/SPvJf9peYos
"Flashlight On A Disco Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rofo - https://youtu.be/40xB70dKyCM
"Shanghied" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - 'Lectric Funk - https://youtu.be/wVLWOir2ORY
"Wake Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stop - https://youtu.be/PNmlv1mWp4U
"Take A Chance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bizzy & Co - https://youtu.be/-31K5sTR-5I

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

ReStructure Mix Update (9/26/17) "Major Tom (Coming Home)’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Schilling




Peter Schilling is a German singer who marked the early 80s with a synth-pop track titled “Major Tom (Coming Home)” from 1982. The song is a memorable piece which contains elements of trance and techno in the nu-wave rhythm. Major Tom being the focus of a 1969 David Bowie song, “Space Oddity” replaying as a dissecting of the character. Peter Schilling later went on in 1989 to record with producer Michael Cretu (producer and husband of German dance artist Sandra).

I have taken the US 12” version of “Major Tom (Coming Home)” with the remixes by John Luongo and took the dreamy feel of the song into a new extension as well as using beats and rhythm over the drop out verses of the original. It is a non-stop ReStructure Mix that uses pieces and parts of the great Luongo remix and reassemble it into a whole new journey.

http://www.glennrivera.com/multiply/peterschilling_majortom_special80sedition_restructuremix.jpg

The Mechanics of HI-NRG - Overhaul the beat

The Mechanics of HI-NRG - Overhaul the beat

“Where Are You Now” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone - https://youtu.be/NrrtjX_FZwI
"It's Too Late" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Simone - https://youtu.be/ybFAbsY3Uko
"I Believe In Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jackie Rawe - https://youtu.be/tDV9SmZJ404
“Step By Step” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Griffin - https://youtu.be/5IRyucGVGLM
“Native Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Divine - https://youtu.be/kUUGxWblKEo

Sunday, September 24, 2017

ReStructure Mix Update (9/24/17) "Space Movin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Candy Darling and The Viscounts




Candy Darling is known as an American transgender actress who was titled “Warhol Superstar” following her role in Warhol’s 1968 film, “Flesh”. A crossover performance in a few films including “Klute” and “Silent Night, Bloody Night” gave this performer a rated career in a limited market for Darling. A 1978 disco single which utilized the image and essence of the deceased performer was released titled “Space Movin’” which is a funky space-disco instrumental number and the flip side titled “Beautiful Sunday”. The instrumental became an underground DJ classic and is the focus of this entry. It is produced by Bob Race.

I have taken the 12” version of “Space Movin’” and worked this ReStructure Mix with an extended arrangement and some new base percussion. I have transformed the simple keyboard arrangements into a “lost in space” aura for those who hold this one as an underground gem.

http://www.glennrivera.com/multiply/candydarlingandtheviscounts_spacemovin_restructuremix.jpg

"one more dance" ... don't let this end

"one more dance" ... don't let this end 

"Ooh, La La" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzi Lane - https://youtu.be/emtHgLk_S1A
“Love Waves” by Patty Heart – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/gygicVTs-Qk
"Secret Agent Man" by Ultimate - ReStructure Mix and Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/rFuKiAaj5qs
"Searching" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change - https://youtu.be/DdYunhyXPzQ
"Au Revior"- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Noel - https://youtu.be/zwWcpWIgVaY

Thursday, September 21, 2017

DISCO TEASE - Just a touch of what makes you move

DISCO TEASE - Just a touch of what makes you move

"Shame" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Evelyn "Champagne" King - https://youtu.be/YM5passavEs
"Get Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gene Chandler - https://youtu.be/mQOFM2CA9AI
"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gloria Gaynor - https://youtu.be/EEDv_jZilmY
“By The Way You Dance (Knew It Was You)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bunny Sigler - https://youtu.be/6CHy_A7zVt4
"Everybody Get Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mouzon's Electric Band - https://youtu.be/iCxZE2MJ-Qc

ReStructure Mix Update (9/21/17) "In The Navy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Village People




Village People are the disco gems of the late 70s with the stage line up which displayed the various gay fantasies which creator and producer Jacques Morali opened a closet door wide and at the perfect time in the music world. What began a studio session group soon became one of the most celebrated and popular camp groups of all time. Victor Willis, Randy Jones, Alex Briley, Felipe Rose, David “Scar” Hodo and Glenn Hughes are the boys who would take this moment into history. “In The Navy” is from their 1979 album “Go West” and plays out as a disco parade. It is the magic of disco thanks to Jacques Morali and Henry Belolo and their orchestrated disco arrangements that bring these men to another level.

I have taken the album and 12” versions of “In The Navy” and worked this ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Village People and Jacques Morali. This dub-edge version makes use of the disco bass, claps and percussion which are the essence of the 70s. I have rearranged the verses and laid them out in a new mix to bring a new “adventure” to life for those die-hard fans

ReStructure Mix Update (9/20/17) "Body Heat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus and Chaka Khan




Rufus is a band from Chicago who also brought vocalist Chaka Khan to the front of the stage along with the sound which gave her the “Queen of Funk” edge. Their music in 1979 took the direction of super-producer Quincy Jones – and their project “Masterjam” reminded dancers that the beat and funk plays on. “Body Heat” is a dance track from the album which stood out for me since it has not only the Quincy Jones touch but it also gives Chaka a disco-funk playground to deliver what she does best. This wonderful track has the wind-up that ignites the disco flame from a nice groove with a sensual aura. Horns and bass roll out like a magic carpet.

I have taken the album version of “Body Heat” and recreated a ReStructure Mix with a phasing to boom into using the rolling bass chorus piece. The intro is a more of a high energy focus while the funk essence remains intact with more separation on verses and added bongos and percussion.

DISCO DREAMGIRL ... more than just one night!

DISCO DREAMGIRL ... more than just one night 

“Diana” by Julius Brown – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/nJU6mJwIzHs
“One Night Queen” Medley by Claudja Barry – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/videos/claudjabarry_onenightqueenmedley.html
"Supermodel (You Better Work)" by Rupaul - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/z4OAGWTRMvc
“Success” by The Weather Girls – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/ifwikwhuHs0
“Queen For A Day” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/u8agFYgJDoY

Saturday, September 16, 2017

ReStructure Mix Update (9/16/17) "I Need You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Precious Wilson




Precious Wilson gives her music the unforgettable experience of emotion and enthusiasm with her vocal performances. In noted tracks the soft delivery which she lays out builds to soulful diva climax and resolution. As the voice of the disco band Eruption from 1977 – 1979 where their hits “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, “One Way Ticket” and “Party, Party” delivered satisfaction to dance floors. Her solo career in 1982 incudes a cover of Solomon Burke’s 1964 r&b classic “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” in a new capsule titled “I Need You” – produced by Frank Farian. This 80s dance piece takes on the song with a new guitar riff which echoes throughout sweet and haunting verses into the celebratory chorus. It is a fine transformation from soul to disco and another stage for Precious Wilson’s style and sound.

I have taken the 12” version of “I Need You” and worked a new ReStructure Mix which aims more at a dreamy-dub-like mix. The 3:25 version pressed was also too short I during peak hour so I focused on a longer and deeper experience. Taking pieces of the vocals and some instrumental riffs into a whole new realm for this much loved dance number that I always had the best of luck playing.

DISCO FLUFF - a dance cycle

DISCO FLUFF - a dance cycle

"The Best Disco In Town" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family - https://youtu.be/iw5c6XSzgFo
“Get Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Disco Tex and The Sex-O-Lettes - https://youtu.be/FEw0fSti_sY
“I Think We're Alone Now..." - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Scott Allan - https://youtu.be/aN-oqDcLAQs
"Shake It Baby Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ferrara - https://youtu.be/NK_Vi6KdwWo
"San Francisco Hustle" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Silver Convention - https://youtu.be/F7HFEHz3gYo

Sunday, September 10, 2017

HALFWAY TO MIDNEY - The Boris Midney Route

HALFWAY TO MIDNEY - The Boris Midney Route

“I'm Attached To You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Masquerade - https://youtu.be/ttBkqi6WoQc
"Charmed By You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Caress - https://youtu.be/6OUsAgZODAQ
"Come Into My Heart / Good Loving" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - USA European Connection - https://youtu.be/pd_mJ26ASlg
"Buenos Aires" by Festival - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/EO8_nx4EbwM
“Can He Find Another One?" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Double Discovery - https://youtu.be/m1-YvyAJA1Q

ReStructure Mix Update (9/10/17) "Harmony/I Got It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jayne Edwards




Jayne Edwards is one of the divas of the early 80s who brought an excitement to dance floors in transition from disco to high energy. Her first single produced by Rick Gianatos who is one of the genius minds of the late 70s in disco production and remixes. “Harmony/I Got It” is a gospel powerhouse track that wears out every tambourine and every heart and set of feet in the house. This rousing number plays out like flood of good feeling and a spirit of belief in living in the spirit. Always a wonderful Sunday tea-dance favorite and a great 80s dance piece. This ReStructure Mix takes the two parts – “Harmony” and “I Got It” and blends them into one shakin’ down mix. Jayne’s soulful vocals still play witness to this great song and with Rick Gianatos it is no wonder this one is a classic.

Monday, September 4, 2017

ReStructure Mix Update (9/4/17) "Chains” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Teena Marie




Teena Marie is a soul, funk and disco artist whose presence in the music world of 1979 brought a whole new light. Known as the “Ivory Queen of Soul” and paired with Rick James on her first album, “Wild and Peaceful” this talent was headed for a revitalized group of funk followers. Not only was Teena’s voice a break into a new sound but her low down on the funk was another order for her brand of music. “Chains” is from her 1980 album “Irons In The Fire” which was self-produced and arranged. This piece is a funk masterpiece of horns and guitar racing that wears out not so easily. One of the tracks that I would rely during the cross to funk and disco during the period. Also a theme that expresses that cross reference of a tough love that we all know.

I have taken the album version of “Chains” and recreated a new phase for the song yet maintained the original intent. Lots of hard hitting drums are still the focus with a bit of dropping of some disco pounding moments to give it a ReStructure Mix feeling.

WORKIN' 'N TWERKIN' - The only break is on the music!

WORKIN' 'N TWERKIN' - The only break is on the music!

"Workin' and Slavin' (I Need Love)" by Midnight Rhythm - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/mA8gjVjEFXQ
“To Have And Have Not” by Ronny – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/prDBBVkXLbM
“Club Tropicana” by WHAM! – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/videos/wham_clubtropicana.html
“Sleazy” by Village People – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/e9rC79CpFJY
“Nice ‘n’ Nasty” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/videos/salsoulorchestra_nicennasty.html

ReStructure Mix Update (9/1/17) "Automatic” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pointer Sisters




Pointer Sisters rejuvenated themselves in the 80s with their album “Break Out” in 1983 – with four major dance floor hits including “Jump”, “Baby Come And Get It”, “Neutron Dance” and “Automatic”. A big lift for these talented ladies and their dedication to recreate themselves appropriately. “Automatic” is ReStructured her with an extended play on both verses and the pop-funk energy it creates. Along with the powerhouse vocals this one is sure to bring back that 80s feeling that the dance floor delivered.


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