ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/18) “Move Me With Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/18) “Move Me With Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane is disco purrr-fection! Her first album “Rough Diamond” from 1978 is a marker in dance history. Her blend of sexuality and a very subtle yet effective delivery works as discos engineers had intended. It was Euro-disco in a new package with a beautiful face and amazing sensuality to perform disco music as it was intended. “Move Me With Your Love” is a single from Madleen’s album “Sounds Of Love” from 1980 and produced by Paul and Lana Sebastian and Jean-Claude Friederich. Her third project and during a sensitive time for disco releases Madleen maintained her style, talent and confidence in this recording. The sweet rolling track is alluring and one of my favorites from Ms. Kane.

I have taken the album version of “Move Me With Your Love” and pieced and played out a more driven version for this ReStructure Mix. I have left all of Madleen’s fantastic vocal parts intact and poured more energy into the arrangement with some funky breaks. A true disco number is played out in full here not only in the recording but with my experiencing Madleen performing live I have seen the talent play out as beautiful as the woman herself.

DISCO KISSES - Love From The Ladies

DISCO KISSES - Love From The Ladies

"Burn" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Melba Moore - https://youtu.be/NDvA31o4ars
"Love Potion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sister Power - https://youtu.be/Xq5yqPvaGC8
"Pride" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Jones - https://youtu.be/u-9V7Yd55ac
"Love Fever" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Munich Machine - https://youtu.be/9QhqbfAUuxk
"African Queens" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family - https://youtu.be/V6sLfQvGQrM

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/18) “Why Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Irene Cara

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/18) “Why Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Irene Cara

Irene Cara is one of the voices which made the 70s a notable with her closing in the 80s with “Fame” and “What A Feelin’ (Flashdance)”. It was straight to the top with these two tracks for Irene. “Why Me” comes from her 1983 album “What A Feelin’” produced by Giorgio Moroder. This marks the phasing of Moroder’s work into the 80s pop-synth arena where a less futuristic in the conceptual layout. This project is one of the lessors of his and Irene’s numbers yet it does bring the synthesizer blend out in with the entire Munich feel.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub of “Why Me” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix to give the bouncy number a bit more edge using the vibrations and rolling sequencers to play more of an underground groove feel. It does have Irene’s troubles scattered here and there with only a touch of the drama.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/24/18) “Step Into The Love Line ” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amii Stewart

ReStructure Mix Update (3/24/18) “Step Into The Love Line ” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amii Stewart

Amii Stewart burst onto dance floors in 1979 with her huge disco hit “Knock On Wood” – a remake of Eddie Floyd’s 1966 hit song. It was like a blast of disco energy and a formation of things to come for discotheques. Her album “Paradise Bird” from the same year contained a formula similar to the beats and powerful electronic drums and sequencers layering overhead. Produced by Barry Leng and along Amii’s sweet falsetto sound this one was once again a disco treat. “Step Into The Love Line” was always a favorite in the segued B-side of this project. It is slick and moody track played out as Amii tells her suitors that love is out of the question following a one night affair. She weights out that will play the lover. A great track that displays her voice in a beautiful way.

I have taken the album version of “Step Into The Love Line” and played out a lengthier version with some use of the pounding syn-drums and flowing mystical energy of Barry Leng’s production. This is one of those tracks I could hear for an hour and perhaps want more. A one night affair for this song also that may last forever.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/18) “Top Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tantra

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/18) “Top Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tantra

Tantra is an Italian disco project from producers La Drogeuria Di Drugolo and Quelli Del Castello and arranger/conductor Celso Valli. Best known for the transformation of the big disco orchestral arrangement to the new electronic 80s dance era. “Top Shot” is a dark song about success in the music industry and the demise of ones soul after the demands bring on drugs and confusion. Its high end however is the use of this tale in a quirky manner. A great rock-edged guitar paints the picture of a Janis Joplin or Jim Morrison type story. It was one of the releases from the US release album by Tantra titled “The Double Album”.

I have taken the album version of “Top Shot” and reworked this eerie sounding dance track adding a familiar clap track from Gino Soccio’s production of Witch Queen. I have lifted more of the rhythmic parts of this piece and give it a new stage. Thanks to Celso Valli’s flawless arrangements this one was always a favorite.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/21/18) “It’s Broken” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob Chance

ReStructure Mix Update (3/21/18) “It’s Broken” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob Chance

Bob Chance recorded his project “It’s Broken” in 1980 with an absolute disco underground feel at the focus of the title track. A lengthy and swirling electronic production which is on the cusp of apartment recordings in an abstract way. Much of his direction follows the likes of the Patrick Cowley’s created in the wake of past Giorgio Moroder electronic masterpieces. The disco underground is a definite place for exploration when you hear the original traveling into many areas and dreamy electronics.

I have taken the album version of “It’s Broken” and used more of the rhythmic elements to bring the pale vocal into a new arena. The simple lyrics are now accentuated with some hardcore 80s energy samples and mood. I must thank Jussi Kantonen for bringing this one to my attention as the disco flash with the right amount of underground to make an dance floor "phreek" take note and dance.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/20/18) “Paradise” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sade

ReStructure Mix Update (3/20/18) “Paradise” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sade

Sade is a band with Sade Adu upfront bringing a fusion of world music to the 80s with an excitement that the jazz and swing era may have created at its time. The British group became a shift in adult contemporary music, jazz and rhythms. “Paradise” is from their third album titled “Stronger Than Pride”. A rolling bass keeps the story of the perfect love between two in sync. The crossover of 80s dance music is heavily influenced by disco music and the sound is here in a new formula. A great number which makes swaying on the dance floor an experience.

I have taken the 12” vocal and bonus beats tracks to take this “Paradise” into a new ReStructure Mix. It is more of a dreamy feel with more surprise detours. It is intended to drive this piece into more of an underground arena.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/19/18) “Victim Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

ReStructure Mix Update (3/19/18) “Victim Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

Elton John worked with producer Pete Bellotte who is best known for his work with Donna Summer along with Giorgio Moroder – and also disco projects from Melba Moore, Joy Fleming, and his own band Trax. “Victim Of Love” is the title track and electronic disco full on movement here with Elton bringing his 70s-rock flair to the dance floor. This one is somewhat mysterious and moving. The keyboards work well throughout the segued dance cuts in this Bellotte beauty for Mr. John.

I have taken the album version of “Victim Of Love” and played it out in a new direction for this ReStructure Mix – not only playing with edits of those fierce keyboards – also adding a touch of classic Elton John to bring back the magic of his talent. An all-time favorite of mine and one of the last great markers of the disco era.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/18) “Let’s Go All The Way (Down)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda and The Tabulations

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/18) “Let’s Go All The Way (Down)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda and The Tabulations

Brenda and The Tabulations are a rhythm and blues vocal group whom began recording in the late 60s with Brenda Payton, Eddie Jackson, Jerry Jones and Maurice Coates. Their 1977 album “I Keep Coming Back For More” features productions from Bobby Eli, John Davis, Ron Tyson and Norman Harris. The project guided the group onto the soulful disco arena. “Let’s Go All The Way (Down)” is a single from the project –produced by Bobby Eli and Gilda C. Woods. This sexy-funk classic is one that proves its creators were watching dance floors carefully. A full on groove with a sensual vocal and approach by Brenda along with Bobby’s magic which later brought us Eli’s Second Coming with the same flavor. A great dance track and a major classic stamp for those who know the in-and-outs of disco’s history.

I have taken the 12” version of “Let’s Go All The Way (Down)” and added some new drums to awaken this gem. More pieces of Brenda reaching for the groove are looped and rearranged to bring another hot sweaty night to life. A great moment for those who can never get enough of a good thang.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/11/18) “If All We’re Gonna Do Is Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hott City!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/11/18) “If All We’re Gonna Do Is Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hott City!

Hott City! Is a disco project from producers Jeffrey Parsons and Jeffrey Steinberg – the project featured vocals from Sherry Fox, Mildred Vaney, Ortheia Barnes and Bluejay. The disco feel here is the last of the sophisticated sound of New York disco. Keyboards, percussion and electronic ambient touches create a mature and dreamy aura. “If All We’re Gonna Do Is Dance” is a classic disco sound from this band and the time – it is the closing of an era of dancing and for the hardcore followers indeed. Vocals are from Sherry Fox here and paint an obvious ultimatum. A great band who later with Mildred and Ortheia and producers became Cut Glass – who gave us the big hit “Without Your Love”.

I have taken the album version of “If All We’re Gonna Do Is Dance” and played out a new ReStructure Mix with some new elements to further the mood and use all of those sequencer and drum effects to the hilt. This is a salute to New York disco and those who have made it all the biggest part of the mid and late 70s.

SUMMER NIGHTS - "Oooh, those Summer Nights!"

SUMMER NIGHTS - "Oooh, those Summer Nights!"

"This Time I Know It's For Real" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/3D5_sQOKu4E
"Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/afl9NDJtYPk
“Wasted" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/0-Jf2AC9N7U
“I Remember Yesterday” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/FzFqC8BM1sc
"Try Me, I Know We Can Make It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/I3fN4lMMpd4

ReStructure Mix Update (3/10/18) “You’re A Beat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eastbound Expressway

ReStructure Mix Update (3/10/18) “You’re A Beat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eastbound Expressway

Eastbound Expressway is a disco group created by producers Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench from 1979 featuring the disco orchestration which these two genius minds created for dance floors. The group began as disco chorus on their first album and during the high energy period of the early 80s became a trio for an electronic drum and keyboard edge which many productions were using. “You’re A Beat” is the high energy peak for Eastbound Expressway in the 80s full-on synthetic disco production. It features Jocelyn Phillips and Karen Freeman on vocals and explodes from start to finish. It is a mark for high energy and the Levine and Trench sound which kept many feet and hearts moving in the 80s.

I have taken the vocal and dub version of “You’re A Beat” from the 12” single and revamped a ReStructure Mix adding a few new elements to lift the energy again. There is a new arrangement for the new percussion loops to play out through the fading finish. A salute to high energy again!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/9/18) “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Aretha Franklin

ReStructure Mix Update (3/9/18) “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin took the dance floor in the mid-80s with her album “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” – produced by Narada Michael Walden, Dave Stewart and Aretha. The title track is the focus of this ReStructure Mix where the pop-dance world surrenders to the beat and rhythm of hardcore dance music with help from Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero at the helm. Slick handclaps and pounding street beats make this 12” single a big win along with Aretha’s soulful rendition.

I have taken the vocal and dub of the 12” single and worked a new ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to The Queen of Soul and her transition to the 80s dance scene. A bit more effects and transition build this one into a more energy filled mix.

ABOVE THE UNDERGROUND - disco cavern

ABOVE THE UNDERGROUND - disco cavern

"Too Hot To Handle" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio - https://youtu.be/v00KyRcbfJc
“Mischief" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - French Kiss - https://youtu.be/RLIpX2aW4Lk
"The Break" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kat Mandu - https://youtu.be/8_vo98uqbj0
"Wake Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stop -https://youtu.be/PNmlv1mWp4U
“Underwater" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Harry Thumann - https://youtu.be/7VYSEHc54ZY

ReStructure Mix Update (3/9/18) “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rena

ReStructure Mix Update (3/9/18) “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rena

Rena Feeney is a disco artist working under the production of Billy Nichols (“Give Your Body Up To The Music”) and the sound of New York Disco of the late 70s. The progression of disco music during the night life explosion of the mid and late 70s was the reshaping of funk and soul. A touch of more of percussion and the lush strings along with some lighter melodies and sensual breath. “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” is one of those swinging disco tracks with a horn segment which brings a 40s feel alive. It is one of those sexy disco tracks where breathy vocals make perfect sense. This release from 1980 is one of the finales of the underground disco era.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” to create a new ReStructure Mix to bring back that mirror ball trance of the 70s. There is a new intro and arrangement using the sexy feel of Rena’s vocal as the opening and closing of this sexy number.

disco pastiche - reflect yourself

disco pastiche - reflect yourself

"Gimme Some" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jimmy 'Bo' Horne - https://youtu.be/DN18ASYvVg0
“They Only Come Out At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/hdKUAYOHBcY
“My Girl” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – 1 Plus 1 - https://youtu.be/ONqNNHHW2p8
"Fire In My Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madleen Kane - https://youtu.be/IRk2Wa6wTVU
“Relight My Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dan Hartman - https://youtu.be/zC_W4YbwrnU

ReStructure Mix Update (3/7/18) “Lightning Strikes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – SFX

ReStructure Mix Update (3/7/18) “Lightning Strikes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – SFX

SFX is a band from San Francisco and produced by disco producer Marty Blechman who also brought us work from Sylvester, Patrick Cowley and Modern Rocketry. The sound of San Francisco disco is here with all of the attributes which made a disco renaissance possible in the early 80s. It was obvious dance floors were still on fire. SFX takes Lou Christie’s classic “Lightning Strikes” and revamps it with the swirling synthesizers and bass beats with a light rendition which fits perfectly into the 80s high energy feel. This one was placed behind others from the Megatone label in a time where many were crossing over to a pop-rock edge. It still points to a great period for me and the music which kept the beat alive.

I have taken the 12” version of “Lightning Strikes” and reworked a ReStructure Mix using parts of the original by Mr. Lou Christie and also reshaping the synthesizers into a new arrangement. It is a tribute to the birth of high energy out of disco’s ashes.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/18) “Make That Move” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shalamar

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/18) “Make That Move” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shalamar

Shalamar is Jody Watley, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel. Their disco hits “Uptown Festival” and “Second Time Around” are classics from the disco era and their 1980 project titled “Three For Love” delivered a new sound for the trio. Produced by Leon Sylvers, III and portrays the sound of 80s funk in a polished manner. “Make That Move” is the single which follows closely to “Second Time Around” as the electronic funk edge pulls the trios lovely voices. Shalamar brings the 80s into a fresh new sound and also maintains the respect that is deserved.

I have taken the 12” single of “Make That Move” and edited a ReStructure Mix for a tribute to Shalamar and the 80s funk scene. The guitar elements are reworked in several parts of this new arrangement keeping intact the original groove with just a touch of drop-outs and breaks for a new option.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/4/18) “Walking In The Neon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Richard

ReStructure Mix Update (3/4/18) “Walking In The Neon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Richard

Peter Richard is an Italo-disco artist with one of the 80s most hypnotic and experimental pieces of its time. The project is arranged by Celso Valli who is responsible for many classic Italian dance tracks from Tantra, VISA, Lama and Azoto. This one weaves a sci-fi feel with a deep bass loop which brings to mind the genius of Giorgio Moroder when placed in the electronic dance arena. Percussion is pounding out an ethereal space journey which takes place on the dance floor. A masterpiece from the Italo-disco catalogue.

I have taken the 12” version of “Walking In The Neon” and recreated another trip into disco heaven. More percussion is lightly added to the underground feel of this track and of course it is extended to give the followers of such a long lasting high.

CERRONE IS MINE! - We’ll see who gets to the dance floor first...

CERRONE IS MINE! - We’ll see who gets to the dance floor first...

“Call Me Tonight” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/uX5hqp6sk08
"Took Me So Long” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone - https://youtu.be/jcFAWXzatMw
"Trippin' On The Moon" by Cerrone -- Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/W5BtAm1N240
“Love In 'C' Minor" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cerrone - https://youtu.be/ox2pqaEZtA8
“Cerrone’s Paradise” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/5qBzXrEat1c

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/18) “Your Good Lovin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/18) “Your Good Lovin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

France Joli is the one disco music’s most exciting voices. Her big dance hit “Come To Me” from 1979 gave the closing of the disco era a crescendo. Her 1980 album “Now!” and her third was a turn for France to the sound which her label, Prelude Records was creating for the 80s – New York Funk. The production by Ray Reid and William Anderson (Crown Heights Affair) gave us an opportunity to hear France and her lovely vocals in a funky setting. “Your Good Lovin’” is the second single from the project following “Gonna Get Over You”. It is another great love song which gives us some slick keyboards and funk beats and was produced by Darryl Payne and Eric Matthew (Sharon Redd. Gary’s Gang) and features an arrangement by Giuliano Salerni (Ultimate, Strange Affair, Bonnie Boyer).

I have taken the original album version and recreated a ReStructure Mix using the loop edits for a new approach. I have extended it for more of France’s outstanding performance and of course the backing vocals of Fonzi Thornton and Dolette McDonald. A funk fest made in New York and branded the same!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/18) “Mother, Look What They’ve Done To Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amanda Lear

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/18) “Mother, Look What They’ve Done To Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amanda Lear

Amanda Lear’s “Sweet Revenge” project from 1978 is a disco-opera of our heroine whose soul is taken by the dark side for the fortune and fame of a Hollywood career. A touch of modern day Faust set to disco beats and rolling synthesizers. The production by Anthony Monn is an innovative twist for the mysterious tale being weaved through songs where Amanda gives a hypnotic performance of lusty, temptation and regret. This one is ahead of its time as it portrays an early morning dance feel with the main tracks, “Follow Me” which is a classic.

I have taken the album version from the side one medley of “Sweet Revenge” – where obviously the title exclaims that Amanda has over shadowed the grip of evil in this tale. The original is extended in this ReStructure Mix and contains pieces of those in the lead of the tale and following to complete the fantasy. It is one of the pieces from Amanda which make her aura as tempting as Faust.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/18) “Come Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vivian Vee

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/18) “Come Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vivian Vee

Vivian Vee is an Italo-disco artist who worked with producers Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo. Their work in the late 70s and early 80s helped to bring Italo-disco to the forefront and lead the way for the high energy explosion. “Come Back” is the third single from her 1979 album “Give Me A Break” – where the title track dominated the clubs in early 80s. This single a love song begging an estranged lover to return for more love or closure. It is a similar sound as the electronic work which Simonetti and Meo helped to launch in the Italo-disco genre early on. Vivian has a melodic performance again here and although her words at times are not so clear it is still a pleasant experience in her delivery.

I have taken the 12” version of “Come Back” and redesigned the flow of the song for this ReStructure Mix. Taking the percussion from breaks and segments of the track to enhance others. This is great piece not only for the breakdown of recreating disco music electronically but also for the thrill of its energy and direction.