The Heartache Lives On ... disco emotion

The Heartache Lives On ... disco emotion

"Doin' The Best That I Can" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bettye LaVette - https://youtu.be/2SJVcuC2Aik
"Emotion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Samantha Sang - https://youtu.be/kJtH43Y3nlo
"Just Another Broken Heart" by Dorothy Moore - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vEuZCjh_kus
"This Is The House Where Love Died" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pattie Brooks - https://youtu.be/rI9i3oJ_V6Q
“Walk Away" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/z4ypsyEo7rM

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/18) “Embraceable You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Westside Strutters

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/18) “Embraceable You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Westside Strutters

Westside Strutters are a disco project from producer Ross Salome whose venture into the music of George and Ira Gershwin in a disco realm. The production is a sweet air of standards to a disco beat with funky guitars and a fabulous vocal by Carmen Twillie and Sue Raney. “Embraceable You” is part of the first movement from the album titled “Gershwin ‘79” – it is added to a medley including “The Man I Love”. The guitar riff in this arrangement moves the track as a hardcore disco number yet the vocal from Carmen Twillie gives the song its deserved sweetness.

I have taken the album version of “Embraceable You” from the opening medley and transformed it into a ReStructure Mix to keep it unique. I have added new percussion to give the fast paced disco number to a lovely hypnotic piece. It is a great concept of what disco what know for best – transforming classic music into a renewed vehicle to introduce to a new audience and keep it alive.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/18) “Dance Party” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blue Lazer

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/18) “Dance Party” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blue Lazer

Blue Lazer is an electronic dance project from Canada – featuring Tony Bentivegna (of Nightlife Unlimited) and Giovanni D’Orazio. The mid-80s welcomed the light and focused arena of dancing again and justifiably so when many still worked for that night on the dance floor. “Dance Party” is a single from Blue Lazer released in 1984 with the uplifting feel of disco music as it left us. This one pours the elements of bass synthesizers playing out the pounding disco beat as the boys direct the attention to the whole purpose the night is here. It was one of the big dance floor movers for me and continues to remind me of the shift into high energy music as dance music became more underground once again.

I have taken the 12” version of “Dance Party” and extended the rolling synthesizers into a pumping ReStructure Mix. The play with a new intro is for that intense moment where the night is at its peak. A salute to the Canadian disco scene which saved the disco era with its dedication and talent.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/28/18) “Disco King” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carrara

ReStructure Mix Update (5/28/18) “Disco King” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carrara

Carrara is Alberto Carrara an Italian producer and artist who moved the Italo-disco scene in the early and mid-80s with his bouncy and lovely melodies. His direction has always been the coordination of keyboards and guitar speaking to each other along with the disco beat. “Disco King” is from 1983 and one of his most memorable pieces. It has always brought to my mind the Meco disco version of “Star Wars” and its brief visit to the Cantina where the bass is rolling along with the big band horn blaring. A nice imaginative twist into an Italo-disco anthem. His use of riffs and melodies always satisfies the heart and feet.

I have taken the 12” instrumental version of “Disco King” and transformed parts of Carrara’s great number along with a sample of Meco’s production to create this ReStructure Mix. It breaks the original into pieces and reassembles it into a new experience. One of my favorite bass lines here is worked into a new timeline.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/25/18) “Castles In The Sky” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Destination

ReStructure Mix Update (5/25/18) “Castles In The Sky” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Destination

Destination is one of the leads in great disco. Their 1979 project “From Beginning To End” produced and arranged by Elton Ahi is one of disco music’s finest moments. The orchestrations set to a disco groove are the perfection from which earlier conductors like Barry White and Vincent Montana were striving to create in a maturity of its time. “Castles In The Sky” is a track from the second movement of this disco trip and tells the story of dreams fabricated out of desires which may not last longer than a glance. Another great vocal performance from lead singer from the group, Mr. Danny Lugo and the music painted by Mr. Ahi is indeed the sound which Butterfly Records worked to press as the top line of disco of its time.

I have taken the album version of “Castles In The Sky” and recreated a journey for this pipe dream. A new ReStructure Mix only adds a few elements and edits to give this gem a new lift to remind us of what disco fantasy gave the dance floor at the end of the 70s. It is the genius of those producers and minds like Elton Ahi who worked these concepts with the imagination and groove that stamps the essence of disco very well on it.

BLUE DISCO - Adults Dance!

BLUE DISCO - Adults Dance!

"Sex" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester - https://youtu.be/5tcCaXXHDVI
“Sexy Thrills” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Extensive Care - https://youtu.be/lMqsOL52BNo
“Benihana" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marilyn Chambers - https://youtu.be/qP1YWnB38Cw
"Love Massage" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Musique - https://youtu.be/0ny9wuH5GZE
“Sex Appeal” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vivian Vee - https://youtu.be/lSZV4obNAP0

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/18) “Yellow Pearl” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phillip Lynott

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/18) “Yellow Pearl” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phillip Lynott

Phillip Lynott is a bass player whose career with rock band Thin Lizzy in the 70s helped to launch a solo career in 1980 with his project “Solo In Soho”. The single “Yellow Pearl” is co-written and remixed by Midge Ure of Ultravox another big innovative project from the 80s. The heavy synth layers on this big 80s dance track dominate it well and play out over the heavy drum patterns pounding at the foundation. It is one of my favorite crossover dance tracks from 1980 also give an opportunity for Lynott to crossover into 80s synth-pop pool. The track I also featured as a theme to the 80s dance show “Top Of The Pops” at the time.

I have taken the 12” import version of “Yellow Pearl” and recreated a ReStructure Mix to extended and make play on those heavy drum beats. The heavy bass synthesizers are accentuated for a more durable energy. This one has always been a weapon of mine for afterhour’s playlists and always worked well for me at 3 am.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/18) “Never Give You Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/18) “Never Give You Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

Sharon Redd is one of the voices in dance music which completed many arenas of funk and energy.  Her most memorable of parts is the fusion of New York funk created in the early 80s namely on the recording label Prelude Records. Sharon’s second project titled “Redd Hott” – produced by Eric Matthew and Darryl Payne is one of the magnificent pieces of dance vinyl of its time. Featuring the hit singles “Beat The Street”, “In The Name Of Love” and “Never Give You Up”. The arrangements here are easy to forget the disco era was entering a new phase of synth-pop venturing from the full production of dance music. This project claimed both the street-funk edge and the high energy anthem feel. “Never Give You Up” is an electronic funk love song that rings out loud with Sharon’s style of vocal appeal. It is one of the best of the Prelude catalogue and is still a favorite.

I have taken the promo 12” of “Never Give You Up” – using the vocal and dub to recreate a new direction for this diva’s classic track. I have given pieces of the tracks a heavy beat to bounce over what already uses the rhythm at most. It is a tribute to the Prelude sound and the producers Eric Matthew and Darryl Payne for giving the dance floor a reason to believe and keep dancing.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/18) “Dance (Whoever You Are)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Partners

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/18) “Dance (Whoever You Are)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Partners

Partners are a disco project rom producer Claude Mainguy – who also gave us DJ All Stars and Venus Gang. This outline highly influenced by Euro-disco is transformed into a pop-dance formula using a simple arrangement with the sweetness of the big disco production. Vocals are very reminiscent of Bee Gees success and are provided by Johnny Russell, Sergio Handlemann, and Steve Loyds. The tail end of the big disco era brought many of these projects to the front as the disco symphony sound brought the success of the genre itself. “Dance (Whoever You Are)” is their single from the project “Last Disco In Paris” – released in the US on Marlin Records. The sweet feel of disco hustle music is outlined here along with the soft arrangement. It is one of the last of the disco dancing projects of the late 70s.

I have taken the 12” version of “Dance (Whoever You Are)” from the T.K. Records label and remastered and reworked this ReStructure Mix as a sweet as it could be. The original 12” remix from Richie Rivera was pressed a bit muddy and low on volume. I have over laid some of the re-equalized percussion tracks below portions of the song to bring out more of the energy. It is still one of the nice disco hustle pieces I have heard from the time and this ReStructure Mix is a tribute to the end of the TK Disco and disco music era of the 70s.

ALL ABOUT Diana - Closing by Julius Brown

ALL ABOUT Diana - Closing by Julius Brown

"The Boss" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Diana Ross - https://youtu.be/ff6nxkKa_0Q
"Eaten Alive" by Diana Ross - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/eovMuwTcQrM
"Chain Reaction" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Diana Ross - https://youtu.be/z_IzCbYgKks
“Nobody Makes Me Crazy Like You Do” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diana Ross - https://youtu.be/xHwB0dSJD2E
“Diana” by Julius Brown – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/nJU6mJwIzHs

TWIRL - Dancing and dancing

TWIRL - Dancing and dancing

"So Close To Heaven" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Trix - https://youtu.be/Rmey1800Tno
“Can The Rhythm” by Girl Talk – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/09iZO6drNUk
"Color My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fun Fun - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTg29qhxrRQ
"Can We Try Again" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Technique - https://youtu.be/1lEsUPksmEQ
“High On Mad Mountain” by The Mike Theodore Orchestra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/p2TYK8m2tP4

ReStructure Mix Update (5/20/18) “Cover Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Anita Ward

ReStructure Mix Update (5/20/18) “Cover Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Anita Ward

Anita Ward brought the end of the 70s disco era one of the most memorable songs – it was “Ring My Bell” from 1979 produced by Frederick Knight. The 12” remix featured by Ritchie Rivera gave the track an extensive sound which later became the songs lure. “Cover Me” is from Anita’s follow up album titled “Sweet Surrender” and is another song with a light groove and sound. Anita has always had a soothing falsetto edge to her delivery and this one works well with these elements.

I have taken the 12” version of “Cover Me” and worked some of the percussion and groove parts of “Ring My Bell” into the foundation to bring it more punch. This love song has always been a favorite and this ReStructure Mix places it again in a loving place.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/19/18) “Leaving On The Midnight Train” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nick Straker Band

ReStructure Mix Update (5/19/18) “Leaving On The Midnight Train” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nick Straker Band

Nick Straker Band is a U.K. band whose recording career began in 1979. Their fusion of synth-pop developed a style which became a new phase in the early 80s. A blend of jazz and light disco melodies. “Leaving On The Midnight Train” is an electronic dance track which was best known for a return to the new disco energy of the 80s. This one rolls along with several recognizable elements and a percussion track that stands out as the high energy intro of the period. A nice dance number that always made my dance floor come alive again.

I have taken the 12” version of “Leaving On The Midnight Train” and worked this ReStructure Mix using the guitar break in several places to bring this one to mind again. I have added some new percussion to make it sound off even more so. A trip back to the early 80s when disco once again morphed into a new exciting phase.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/18/18) “Do You Wanna Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hotbox

ReStructure Mix Update (5/18/18) “Do You Wanna Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hotbox

Hotbox is a 80s street-beat project from Jon Morales, Mary Berry and Rick Tarbox. The early 80s was another experimental period for dance music as the beat took on many drop kicks to move into a whole new realm of energy. New York street beat is a style created by breaking up the beats into a rhythmic stomp. Morphed from the scratching techniques used by innovative producers and DJs. “Do You Wanna Lover” is a track from Hotbox released in 1983 which uses this technique to its extreme where a whole new arena called Latin freestyle took off in Miami. Many bands like The System are in the same genre and sound.

I have taken the 12” of “Do You Wanna Lover” using the “club”, “beats” and “dub” to recreate a “Latin” lover with a touch of disco classic pieces from Voyage. This ReStructure Mix drags out the percussion from Hotbox’s fierce layout and takes it into a new desire for that dance floor energy of the early 80s.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/18) “Crazy Family” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jock Hattle

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/18) “Crazy Family” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jock Hattle

Jock Hattle is a disco project from producer and singer Alberto Carpani (also known as A.C. One and Albert One) – his work helped to bring Italo-disco to the front lines in the early 80s. Jock Hattle is a studio band which he performed in 1983 along with producers Miki Chieregato, Roberto Turatti and Giuseppe Mincioni. “Crazy Family” is their first single – an electronic and fierce disco track. It pours out a factory of rolling keyboards and makes its way into one of the most memorable of the time period for Italo-disco. The odd vocal and number-chants are unique and quite interesting as silly as they may sound.

I have taken the 12” of “Crazy Family” – using the “Yes No Family” side which is the roaring instrumental to create this new ReStructure Mix. I have edited the pieces of the solid synth tracks and added a new arrangement and feel to the fantastic dance number. Another salute to the Italo-disco 80s movement and the power it created.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/14/18) “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Parliament

ReStructure Mix Update (5/14/18) “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Parliament

Parliament is a funk capital band led by producer and musician George Clinton. A step forward in the innovation and creation of funk using a hardcore edge in sound and delivery. The band began its recording career in 1970 and has since been admired as the start of a funk-regime. “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” comes from their 1975 album “Mothership Connection” which explores the outline for an introduction to “the funk”. It has since become an old-school classic and gives an essence to the period where dance music began its journey into a whole new era.

I have taken the album version of “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” and recreated a funk-fest of loops and edits for this ReStructure Mix. Using all of the pieces that make it time out into funk and added a few breaks with intensity in mind.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/12/18) “Trouble In Paradise” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

ReStructure Mix Update (5/12/18) “Trouble In Paradise” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

Sylvester is one of disco music’s unique and fabulous artists. His first album in 1977 introduced not only a new persona of a disco artist with a blend of soul and gospel with funk-driven disco music. His classic “Dance (Disco Heat)” from 1978 is the turn of the disco era into its success. Sylvester never stopped giving his audience and dance floors a delivery which endured dedication to the art of music and performance. “Trouble In Paradise” comes from his album “Call Me” from 1983 which is the sound from San Francisco during the early 80s when disco producers continued disco music’s legacy. This anthem of failing love leaves questions to the romance in question and never a doubt that Sylvester gives his emotion and heart again. A great production by from James “Tip” Wirrick and Marty Blechman on the Megatone Records label and during a time where dance music continues to mature and progress.

I have taken the album version and the 12” versions of “Trouble In Paradise” and worked the two versions into a new chapter for this track. Taking the elements from both and placing them into an arena for Sylvester to tell us how it is done. The new phasing and rearranging are the new part of this ReStructure Mix.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/10/18) “Disco People” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Mike Theodore Orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (5/10/18) “Disco People” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Mike Theodore Orchestra

The Mike Theodore Orchestra from producer, arranger and writer Mike Theodore who created many disco studio projects including productions for King Erisson, C.J. & Co., Jim Gold, Detroit Emeralds, Carlis Monroe and Tempest Trio. The essence of funk always rang true in Theodore’s music as his disco years proved. “Disco People” comes from his group The Mike Theodore Orchestra from 1979 and features the sound of discos evolution from the early 70s to the end. Full orchestration on this production bring it into a realm of the soundtrack disco era where dramatic motion picture scores or funky tracks from b-movies were disco-fied for the pop-arena. Mike Theodore brings to life the sound that disco music brought to the hilt of its greatness and influenced many of the later part of the producers in the latter part of the disco era.

I have taken the beat pumping album version of “Disco People” from The Mike Theodore Orchestra album “High On Mad Mountain” (which I always believed was the influence of “Hills Of Kat Mandu” by Tantra) and moved the smooth disco-funk into this ReStructure Mix. More of the percussion that Theodore made his weapon for dancers and the sweet disco feel that the late 70s was all about.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/18) “Tie Me Down” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/18) “Tie Me Down” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams is the icon of divas in disco music. Her work in the disco arena along with producer Simon Soussan and her husband John B. Williams are some of the period’s magic. Featured in the studio groups Arpeggio, Romance, The Simon Orchestra and French Kiss give Jessica a range of vocal approaches with her best always upfront. In 1979 her solo album "Queen Of Fools" was one of the most energy fused projects which eventually lead to the high energy movement in the early 80s. "Tie Me Down" is a single from Jessica released in 1984. A full electronic arrangement from Simon Soussan which works as well as the disco orchestrated work with Jessica in the 70s.

I have taken the 12” version of “Tie Me Down” and gave it an overhaul for this ReStructure Mix. Adding a few elements to pump the energy up a bit and using Jessica’s powerful diva pipes as another layer of fun and a good reason to visit this high energy classic again.

Dedicated to Jessica Williams – who is the best of disco music and a fantastic lady. Thank you Jessica for your friendship and love.

DISCO VEST - Wear it as you shine!

DISCO VEST - Wear it as you shine!

"In The Middle Of The Knight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio -https://youtu.be/PXbHYnJ1RMw
"True Love Is My Destiny" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - James Wells -https://youtu.be/jU1-JhB_2dU
"Gimme Back My Love Affair" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sister Power -https://youtu.be/nLpdWEAMoHg
"Come Inside" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fancy -https://youtu.be/uaZRB2vg1DY
"One Of A Kind" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer -https://youtu.be/OHtxsiW3ffE

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/18) “Little Lies” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fleetwood Mac

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/18) “Little Lies” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is a definite air for soft rock in the 70s. Their music has moved throughout the period as magic. Their return to the music industry in 1987 welcomed a new edge with a pop-dance feel. “Little Lies” is the single which caught my heart as the group uses all of their familiar music curves to bring this one to live. It features a nice chorus which ignites the bands flavor. One of the great movements in the 80s where a soft rock classic returns in a new suit.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub of “Little Lies” and played out the elements which evoked the sweetness of Fleetwood Mac and a new ReStructure Mix focus. This one uses the percussion to the hilt along with most of the charm. The 80s again marks dance history as an influence for time.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/18) “In The Heat Of The Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debbie Jacobs

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/18) “In The Heat Of The Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debbie Jacobs

Debbie Jacobs is a performer among the late 70s whose voice paved success on dance floors with an elegance and style. Her first album “Undercover Lover” from 1979 gave several tracks that dominated dance floors and made producer Paul Sabu and Debbie a very welcomed pair. “In The Heat Of The Night” is a single released in 1985 and produced by Ian Anthony Stephens and Paul Parker. A high energy mover that is everything that is 80s nightlife. Another great shot from Debbie and another chance to hear her wonderful voice bringing a dance floor together in unity and celebration.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “In The Heat Of The Night” and reworked a ReStructure Mix for this number to bring that feeling back. More of the instrumental in worked into the mix with lots of play on Debbie vocals and those wonderful backing vocals by Jo-Lo.

Through The Neon ... lost in music

Through The Neon ... lost in music

"Eat You Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Angie Gold - https://youtu.be/bDa2lusZd_w
"The Visitors" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gino Soccio - https://youtu.be/18kjwbPJQc0
"Paradise Island" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Wonderland Band - https://youtu.be/pHb8w4V9JT8
"Beat Of The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fever - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbViOQh4_OU
"Sadness In My Eye" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Duncan Sisters - https://youtu.be/IiE7_yPTPxE

ReStructure Mix Update (5/4/18) “Dirty Ol’ Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Three Degrees

ReStructure Mix Update (5/4/18) “Dirty Ol’ Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Three Degrees

The Three Degrees brought the Philly Sound into a new realm with their 1973 self-titled album – including the timeless ballad “When Will I See You Again”, “Year Of Decision” and “Dirty Ol’ Man” - a Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff gem with all of the poise perfect for these ladies. “Dirty Ol’ Man” is a play on tiresome advances from an interested party who doesn’t seem to get the message these ladies are giving. It is sweet indiscretion for the focus of our little drama and appropriate for the time.

I have taken the 12” version remixed by Tom Moulton and played out a drum filled ReStructure Mix with a “dirty” synth pattern borrowed from Patrick Cowley’s production of Sarah Dash’s “Low Down Dirty Rhythm”. This one is layered and layered with more of the groove that makes it a Philly classic. Intended for fun and a new take.