Tuesday, February 27, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/26/18) “Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers



Soul Searchers began their recording career in 1972 and expressed the funk in an early description of guitars and horns. Their shift in 1979 as Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers became one of the biggest moves to disco-funk in the early 80s. Their big hit “Bustin’ Loose” was an early path for funk following the close of pop-disco during the late 70s. This funky excursion into a realm of freedom of moving ones assets to the groove became one of the soul anthems of the time.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Bustin’ Loose” and re-vamped a funk-fest using the bass lines which echo into the bongo breaks for more of disco-funk edge. The chorus is still intact as it calls out the first dancers to break out of their molds and get loose. This is a tribute to the funk and its part in dance music history.

disco chipe - programmed for dancing

disco chipe - programmed for dancing

“Striptease” by Cerrone by Bob Sinclair – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/wX6IVP__pLY
“Tiger Tiger (Feel Good For A While)” by Gregg Diamond’s Bionic Boogie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/4xYO0TCtRMY
“Hitchcock Makes Me Happy” by Azul Y Negro – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/mhypYVRVdIo
“Computer World” by Kraftwerk – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/fvjku8wTibc
“Fashion” by The New York Models – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/5cNFFL0a8P0

Friday, February 23, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/22/18) “Nights Of Arabia” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miro Miroe



Miro Miroe is a 80s synth-pop duo whom were a shift into a new era of dance music. Berenice Nally and Ian Ritchie create the Arabic feel in “Nights Of Arabia” from 1982 and weave an adventure into a desert romance. This track is their second single and was one of the synth-dance numbers which roll over and over a hypnotic rhythm which interplays with a force that is powerful and move the feet and mind.

I have taken the US 12” version of “Nights Of Arabia” and created a ReStructure Mix which plays on the pulsating bass synths and keyboards which interlock and then reverse to a new adventure. It is one of the new wave infused pieces that I recall serving to a packed dance floor so this reworking is a dedication to the 80s synth-pop sound and the power it brought to help introduce high energy music.

2 FROM THREE - The Energy From The Ladies Lingers On!

2 FROM THREE - The Energy From The Ladies Lingers On!

“Reflections” by Evelyn Thomas – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/l1tftltwFt8
“Sorry, Wrong Number” by Evelyn Thomas – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/sfxlHmRI2Ls
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Linda Clifford - https://youtu.be/LId2NEng4CE
"If My Friends Could See Me Now" by Linda Clifford - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/ZlEUEiT4_kQ
“I Have A Destiny” by Denise Mc Cann – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/x0QLMPPKNBw
“Tattoo Man" by Denise McCann – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/9cMxhNzxA0M

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/21/18) “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller (formerly Crystal & The Team)



Nina Schiller is one of the voices of the early 80s from the San Francisco disco resurgence movement whom brought a beauty to dance music. It was producer, Bill Motley who also created Boys Town Gang (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”) in the wake of period where a lack of high energy dance music was missing. Not only were the pounding disco drums scarce but the beautiful string and horn arrangements also. Motley created that feel once again with a single from Crystal & The Team in 1981 along with DJs Craig Morley and Mike Lewis. The single “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” was a fast rolling dance number which featured vocalist Nina Schiller on lead vocals. Her delivery was a great move for the number and created an underground audience for this swirling sound.

I have taken the original 12” vocal and instrumental versions on Moby Dick Records and weaved a new lengthier ReStructure Mix with a few new touches to make this classic another event. The beautiful and operatic vocal is still intact with Nina’s fabulous delivery.

D-SPY - mission: disco

D-SPY - mission: disco

“Right On Target” by Paul Parker – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/S5uNFmVhBVY
"Hit 'N Run Lover" by Carol Jiani - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/JEJcvfYDht8
"Love Spy" by Mike Mareen - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/04nnv_Fnk7Q
"Agent 406" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lime - https://youtu.be/UX-UcLeD60c
"Secret Agent Man" by Ultimate - ReStructure Mix and Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/rFuKiAaj5qs

Thursday, February 15, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/18) “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston



Whitney Houston took the 80s in her hands and heart with many of her ballads and pop-dance tracks. Not long after her first recording with Michael Zager Band on his “Life’s A Party” album did the voice of this chanteuse let the world know of its power. Her second album was another big surprise featuring the pop dance single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – produced by Narada Michael Walden. A smash for Whitney and those many fans that were becoming dependent on her music.

I have taken the 12” versions of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and took the pop-edge deeper into the percussion and beats. The dub was one of the echoing of the house movement where the beats became the foundation for a mix. This ReStructure Mix is a part of the 80s edition to celebrate the period which continued to keep the disco aura alive.

SUPER NIGHT - The music is you

SUPER NIGHT - The music is you

“Gloria” by Laura Branigan – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/vide…/laurabranigan_gloria.html
“Woman Ad-Lib” by L.A.X. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/C5EBpr1RlEk
“Workout” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/iacToZz7vjw
“Autumn Changes” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/-yJlOeZOVxs
“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/_AnYUYsao0k

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/13/18) “Take A Stand” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jackie Moore



Jackie Moore is a soul singer who began her recording career in 1973 and later found herself in 1979 with a huge disco hit titled “This Time Baby” written by Leroy M. Bell and Casey James (Bell & James “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night)”. Jackie is well known for her soulful recordings from the early 70s display the heart and soul of this woman where these disco hits give us more. “Take A Stand” is once again an emotional performance from Jackie where love that was once warm is now fighting to stay alive. The follow-up is from “This Time Baby” is appropriate however timing on release prevented it from having the success. Fans of Jackie and great soul divas will make it this one a personal hit. The production, arrangement and reality are from the genius of Bobby Eli (Eli’s Second Coming, MFSB, The Salsoul Orchestra and John Davis and the Monster Orchestra.)

I have taken the album version of “Take A Stand” and worked to keep this one alive with the existing emotion and a few new percussion touches and extending the bass guitars licking at the beat and its percussion pattern – which I have added a few extra pieces to. A tribute to the powerful sound of Bobby Eli and Jackie Moore.

DISCO STREAK - You Can't Stop The Beat!


DISCO STREAK - You Can't Stop The Beat!

"Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Xatju1qwi5k
"Disco Express - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise - https://youtu.be/JZaEUW7hE3s
“Disco Choo Choo” by Nightlife Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/pWwcW9v55j8
"The Love Train" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crystal Glass featuring Kristi B. - https://youtu.be/1jVysfiHGps
"Chattanooga Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tuxedo Junction - https://youtu.be/eMA33dhg9Zw

Sunday, February 11, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/11/18) “The Beat Goes On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Orbit featuring Carol Hall



Orbit is an electronic studio group produced by Don Was, Jack Tann and John Lewis. A beat box tribute to the pop classic “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher from 1967 is the first single to bring Orbit into the dance floor. This cover features Carol Hall on lead vocals as a successful transition from the original to a slick new electronic feel. Dance floors were surprised by the creative edge used in this track and its echoes brought two more covers of classic pop and rock tracks in the early 80s. This one always worked for me as a dub or peak funk number on any night.

I have taken the 12” vocal, dub and acapella to pound out a street wise ReStructure Mix using the Sonny and Cher original to wrap this mix into a complete effort. The beat box syncopation and fabulous vocal from Carol Hall recap this dance floor gem from the early 80s for another banging dance.

2 LADIES ... The Woman and The Groove

2 LADIES ... The Woman and The Groove

"Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Teri DeSario - https://youtu.be/IlCii5Cy_Jg
"Moonlight Madness" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Teri DeSario - https://youtu.be/_g2ZlmKsJ_Q
"Don’t You Want My Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vera - https://youtu.be/HwI9nEptBvM
“Baby, Won’t You Dance With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vera - https://youtu.be/C-qrM2_Q4Uo
“Don't You Want My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs - https://youtu.be/Wh03kDd3X2Y
"Undercover Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs - https://youtu.be/xknWr0gj9gM

Saturday, February 10, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/10/18) “Lisa, Lisa” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Body Heat



Body Heat is a disco project from producer Teneen Ali. Their 1982 single “Lisa, Lisa” is one of the high energy pieces on Canadian label J.C. Records (for Jerry Cucuzella) which was an early sign of high energy music be coming of age. This piece has a sensual femme overtone of voices and sexy chorus innuendos. A disco approach with the right formula of rhythm and percussion.

I have taken the 12” version of “Lisa, Lisa” and reworked a ReStructure Mix using the fast paced rhythm segments to a new pace. More of the sensual elements are placed in breakdowns and build-ups to energy. One of the big opportunities here are the excitement which high energy and disco music create.

THE DAWN OF DANCE ... a disco odyssey


THE DAWN OF DANCE ... a disco odyssey
“Dance Yourself Dizzy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Liquid Gold - https://youtu.be/0I2hPisPzfg
“Won’t You Let Me Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester - https://youtu.be/WoIkym4mlGU
"Born To Be Alive" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Hernandez - https://youtu.be/TlDQh973Af8
"Standing In The Shadows Of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fever - https://youtu.be/Ssnxpv4UhGs
“Dancing In My Sleep” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Secret Ties - https://youtu.be/hsupGIWEykw

Friday, February 9, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/9/18) “I Wanna Be Your Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – La Bionda



La Bionda is Angelo and Carmelo La Bionda – a duo who helped to formulate Italo-disco in the early 70s. Their music has always displayed a dramatic flair or a simple yet effective sound and always fun to move to. La Bionda released their project “I Wanna Be Your Lover” in 1980 with a definite move towards a full electronic sound. The title track is a single in a realm that hits hard with the keyboard elements that operate in a robotic manner. The somewhat space adventure seems to point at the fear of connecting to a lovelorn admirer and comparing it to unknown and fearful territory. A light and more comedic edge.



I have taken the 12” version of “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and moved deeper in “the depths of space” with a few new sample from a Kraftwerk classic and using bits of pieces of the song to form a new blast off. Since the theme here is a bit of comedic riffs I took the closing into my own hands. It is a touch of Azul Y Negro on La Bionda.

ENERGY FILL - Disco Octane

ENERGY FILL - Disco Octane

"My Forbidden Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tapps - https://youtu.be/cnz2QI703NU
“Savage Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ring - https://youtu.be/Z1X9exhAcE8
“After Dark" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pattie Brooks - https://youtu.be/xxW7AYZGOH4
"Magic Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tamara - https://youtu.be/07tdgc6L3qU
"You Get High In N.Y.C." - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Revanche - https://youtu.be/vwhpNdDg3vI

Thursday, February 8, 2018

ReStructure Mix Update (2/7/18) "Restless” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Starpoint



Starpoint is a funk and r & b group founded in 1978 and recording through the early 90s. The brand of electronic dance funk is remedied by bands like Starpoint in the 80s and its shift to a soulful and pop diverse demand. Their 1985 release “Restless” is a slick love song which plays out like the lasting romance of the bands energy and excitement. Lead vocals by Renee Diggs are top form here and reach the success that they deserve backing up this band.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental version to recreate a ReStructure Mix with the electro funk pumping in new segmentations. This version plays out in a lengthier mix and more play with the theme of sleepless nights wondering what the next move for romance shall be.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Micheal Cigich – thank you for requesting this great number and more thanks for always being a wonderful friend.

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