ReStructure Mix Update (6/17/18) “The Calling” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ken Heaven

ReStructure Mix Update (6/17/18) “The Calling” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ken Heaven

Ken Heaven is a 80s artist whom followed closely on the falsetto delivery of Bronski Beat’s Jimmy Sommerville of a couple of years earlier. The success of the band Bronski Beat brought many sound-alike vocalists like Ken Heaven and Italo-disco’s Kinky Go who brought their high energy sound with a tribute to the energy and vocal of Sommerville. Ken had a great success in 1986 with his single “The Calling” and although his voice sounding familiar was still refreshing to an audience of dancers desiring that rolling electronic high energy edge. This track is a perfect love track where “the calling” is romance and a promise of content. It is a bit haunting yet the energy builds over and over with the chorus. A big part of my peak hour program of the time.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to the ReStructure Mix cutting board to pay tribute to the high energy 80s sound. The intro and arrangement are given some new breaks and kick to give the energy more of a challenge. A few winding electric breaks are added to give the track more of an underground message.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/15/18) “For Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Klaudia

ReStructure Mix Update (6/15/18) “For Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Klaudia

Klaudia is an Italo-disco project from masters of Italo-disco Peter Micioni and Paul Micioni. The track titled “For Your Love” is a haunting love song that rings mysteriously and emotionally with a strong yearning. The production team gives this one a similar flavor as their work with Gary Low (“I Want You”) with some great riffs. The vocal is written in several places that may be Dora Carofiglio – where many of these Italo-disco projects were studio projects with artist creation aimed at the songs mood itself. In any wonder, this one is a beauty. One of my favorite Italo-disco numbers and performances.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a lengthier and airy-like environment for this ReStructure Mix. The difference in the instrumental EQ is worked to preserve the weight of the moody feeling brought on by the vocals and keyboards which tend to be a bit more emotional on both ends. It is slim re-edit with some of the loops and effects to bring on a new trip.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/14/18) “Disco Break” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hemlock

ReStructure Mix Update (6/14/18) “Disco Break” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hemlock

Hemlock is a disco band produced by Jerry Styner – the music here was featured in the 1979 comedy “Swap Meet”. The Miami band recorded several singles in 1979 and were one of the bands which outlined the disco feel in real time. Their single “Disco Break” is one of their biggest dance floor hits and displays the bands ability to play funky disco to a beat that is smooth and sweet for hustling or freestyle. The track has that Miami flavor and gives the final days of disco music’s rein a great model in its style.

I have taken the 12” version of “Disco Break” and re-edited the original in a new attempt to bring this one to a ReStructure Mix format. It borrows a recognizable riff from another “break” and also used those hard end drum rolls in a new arrangement.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/12/18) “Super Jock” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Goody Goody

ReStructure Mix Update (6/12/18) “Super Jock” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Goody Goody

Goody Goody is a Vincent Montana, Jr. project from 1978 where he unleashes his sound in a much more laid back groove – unlike his former creation: The Salsoul Orchestra where in 1974 a blend of funk, Philly, and Latin percussion were booming to the disco beat. Goody Goody also features the lovely voice of his daughter, Denise Montana who gives one of the most memorable of disco recordings starting with the powerhouse and classic track “#1 Dee Jay”. “Super Jock” is a vibe oriented piece that uses heavy rhythm guitars to blend this one into an unstoppable production. It was a crossover again for disco as the producer could command the mood and edge of a themed project. This one definitely is one of the most memorable.

I have taken the album version of “Super Jock” and transformed this salute to the man behind the turntables with more of the percussion using the rhythm track. The bongos are the element which brings the top layer of this disco track its lure. More of Denise is added in new loops and edits to give a new part of this celebration her identity again.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/11/18) “Welcome Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Jacques Band

ReStructure Mix Update (6/11/18) “Welcome Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Jacques Band

Peter Jacques Band is a disco project from producer Jacques Fred Petrus. Petrus was a master at assembling a recording studio full of musicians whom played the heck out of the new period of dance music as disco progressed through it final years. His credits include Change, Macho, Revanche, B.B. and Q. Band, High Fashion and his assemblage band Goody Music Orchestra. “Welcome Back” is the follow up project from 1980 – where the first album titled “Fire Night Dance” set an innovative take on high energy disco music. In this second project we hear the same in many different areas. “Welcome Back” features Luther Vandross on vocals and also arranger Mauro Malavasi once again. A great title track is presented in a hypnotic yet patterned beat that stomps out of the disco beat in a new way. It is one of the moments where Petrus again delivers another masterpiece of disco innovation.

I have taken the album version of “Welcome Back” and worked a new ReStructure Mix which adds more percussion and beats to level out the rhythm. It is a great keyboard performance so the original is left intact and only re-looped to give it new life.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/11/18) “I’ll Be The Music” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bonnie Boyer

ReStructure Mix Update (6/11/18) “I’ll Be The Music” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bonnie Boyer

Bonnie Boyer is a singer who fit the sound of disco quite well with her album from 1979 titled “Give In To Love” – produced by Giuliano Salerni – who also gave us Hi-Gloss, Ultimate, and Strange Affair. Her first single “Got To Give In To Love” was a big dance floor hit and gave way for her sophisticated, yet sassy delivery. The sensuality of disco music can be felt in her words as the European disco artists did so well. “I’ll Be The Music” is another dance single from the project which emulates that stage disco production that would fit in well in a Las Vegas revue. It is a “femme disco” track that gives Bonnie the stage her voice allows. One of the last of the big disco production songs I can remember on a US label.

I have taken the album version of “I’ll Be The Music” and reworked this disco piece into a new ReStructure Mix with more bongos to guide the rhythm and longer arrangement broken down into the funky guitar riff. A nice return to the big disco sound that made dance floors excited with the spotlights and glamour.

JOURNEY ... a mystic groove

JOURNEY ... a mystic groove

“Macumba” by Tantra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/o09T_ioXJMs
"A Place Called Tarot" by Tantra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/jbWOLXLaf8g
"Wishbone" - Tantra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/EEcTpDLySZ8
"Hills Of Kat Mandu" by Tantra - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/8dmfBOe7-Do
“Top Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tantra - https://youtu.be/_VWqAOFesqQ

ReStructure Mix Update (6/9/18) “Forever Lovers” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Italian Boys

ReStructure Mix Update (6/9/18) “Forever Lovers” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Italian Boys

Italian Boys are Lucio Manfredini and Stefano Francesconi – an Italo-disco project produced by Gianni Salvaton and Florian Fadinger. This beautiful mid-tempo love ballad is a touch of the beauty that disco music brought with sweeping strings and horns in an arrangement. This synth-pop built piece has a melodic chorus along with a touch of Italian-rap that is also as simple and sweet. One of my favorites of the time and one of the tracks I would love to build a program at the start of a weekend night.

I have taken the 12” vocal and house versions to recreate a ReStructure Mix to pay homage to those Italo-disco producers and artists who kept the magic alive with their great touches and talent. This new edit gives the track a new arrangement and a long fading exit. It will haunt the hearts of those who love that Italo-disco direction and also give another twirl to those who love romance on the dance floor.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/7/18) “Tonight I’m Gonna Make You A Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda Jones

ReStructure Mix Update (6/7/18) “Tonight I’m Gonna Make You A Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Brenda Jones

Brenda Jones is a soul vocalist from the group The Jones Girls and made an impression on DJs and dance floors in the early 80s. Her 1982 dance track “My Hearts Not In It” produced by C.M. Lord and Mark S. Berry brought dance floors into an emotionally charged funk experience. Brenda was one of the soulful female artists of the time worthy of attention. “Tonight I’m Gonna Make You A Star” is her follow up single from 1983 produced by Steve Jerome and remixed by Mark S. Berry. Another powerful ballad-like dance number with a build that feels like a winner on “Star Search” reaching high. It is one of the r&b dance tracks that I favored for early evening programming or easy listening lists.

This ReStructure Mix of “Tonight I’m Gonna Make You A Star” takes the 12” dance version and works like a mash-up using “You Don’t Have To Be A Star” from 1976 by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. I have always admired the beauty of the song and the real dance potential is exposed here. Brenda is placed on a new stage to display her emotions and love for her “star” and this ReStructure Mix blends the two to assist her.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/6/18) “Alisand” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hugh Bullen

ReStructure Mix Update (6/6/18) “Alisand” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hugh Bullen

Hugh Bullen is a funk-soul-disco artist whose recording career spanned the late 70s throughout the late 80s. His Italo-disco track from 1985 titled “Alisand” is interesting in theme and execution. It rolls heavily with synthesizers and keyboards which remind me of early work from Kano. Hugh plays out his vocals in spoken verses which add to the mystique of the words and edge. Keyboards play out most of the energy here and give this Italo-disco number produced by Stefano Scalera a wall of energy. One of the pieces I would use for the afterhours programming when 2 am was the beginning of a new mood.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions to play out this ReStructure Mix in a more segmented fashion and allowing the rolling sequencers a new stage. The original 12” version is a great variation mix – this take is lengthier reedit however the focus in this ReStructure Mix are to keep the dance track in the adventurous mode.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/5/18) “Love Chant” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eli’s Second Coming

ReStructure Mix Update (6/5/18) “Love Chant” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eli’s Second Coming

Eli’s Second Coming is a project from producer/arranger Bobby Eli. This sweet and sexy project features The Sweethearts of Sigma on vocals where the night light is the only trace in this sector. “Love Chant” from 1977 is a sensual orchestrated number which brings to mind that the guest appearance from Vince Montana, Jr. is the cherry on top of this disco monument. It has that Salsoul sound in between the sexy moments the chorus introduces us to its power. A great disco spotlight with the late70s focus in mind

I have taken the album version of “Love Chant” and tamed down the pieces that move sleek and elegant as this ReStructure Mix enables. This track always brings to mind the sexy feel of disco music in the late 80s – so a recognizable bass line from one of the early disco pulses is added. A great Bobby Eli production and one of his many of shining moments when his music takes us to another place with lots of groove.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/3/18) “Turn It Around” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

ReStructure Mix Update (6/3/18) “Turn It Around” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

Gino Soccio is a disco artist who was far ahead of the sound in electronic elements. His early work was displayed with many of his touches adding a modern-esque feel to disco music as well as some of the earliest techno and ambient dance arrangements. “Turn It Around” is a single from Gino Soccio released in 1984 and is another example of Soccio’s innovative edge. An electronic take on the disco beat allowing funk and ambient like sounds in a dance piece. It is one of my favorite productions from Soccio as it is a dream-like sound and also features his own recognizable vocal.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions and blended them as they play out originally with a few edit marks to play this one “around” another way. It is a moment where I stopped and realized that messing with a master was not easy – so the solution was utilizing more of the deejay aspect to recreate another experience. Thank you, Gino Soccio!

John Davis ... bitten again!

John Davis ... bitten again!

"Morning Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Siren - https://youtu.be/mfljvEuTtPY
"Love Magic" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - John Davis and The Monster Orchestra - https://youtu.be/pmolBxK0Hic
“Start A New Affair” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ruth ‘Silky’ Waters - https://youtu.be/gRiFMIZ5EEE
"Steppin' Out" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ray Dahrouge - https://youtu.be/nONsOjrtdcw
“Up Jumped The Devil” by John Davis Monster Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/N4fgD_07_Jg

A Donna For All Seasons - A DONNA MELODY

A Donna For All Seasons - A DONNA MELODY

“She Works Hard For The Money” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/g3AO_a_Q5NM
“Spring Affair” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/s47f7ZvC_Sw
"Take Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/apsNGNaHp8o
“Summer Fever” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/huzqC2-8Hss
"Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/afl9NDJtYPk

ReStructure Mix Update (6/2/18) “Circuits Overloaded” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Inez Foxx

ReStructure Mix Update (6/2/18) “Circuits Overloaded” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Inez Foxx

Inez Foxx (Inez Johnston) is an r&b singer who began her recording career in the early 60s. Her 1974 single “Circuits Overloaded” produced by Randy Stewart and Willie Hall is one of the early funk-disco tracks that followed closely the Miami sound where tambourines and blaring horns set the rhythm. This one is funk classic for me as I recall seeing this number bring a party to life as a young child. It was the start of the fascination with the dance floor and the music which moves it. Inez does one incredible job at convincing us that something is missing in her relationship – however she has it all in this performance.

I have taken the 7” version of “Circuits Overloaded” and chopped the fantastic rhythm tracks to pieces for this ReStructure Mix. A percussion foundation has been added to pump up this recording and also extended to give more power to this dying story from Inez Foxx. A funk-disco classic in all means.

ReStructure Mix Update (6/1/18) “I Love America” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patrick Juvet

ReStructure Mix Update (6/1/18) “I Love America” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patrick Juvet

Patrick Juvet is a Swiss singer who became a disco sensation in the late 70s with his project “Got A Feeling” – co-produced by Jacques Morali who also brought us Village People, The Ritchie Family and the return of Earth Kitt in the early 80s. “I Love America” is the single which received a great welcome on many dance floors and gained Patrick a new audience. The song emphasizes the excitement of the disco movement in the late 70s and its effect on the big city. It plays out like an anthem and pieces of this big hit have been sampled in house and techno tracks. It is a big uplifting number a gives the dance floor a good reason to celebrate again.

I have taken the album version of “I Love America” and reworked this ReStructure Mix focusing on that haunting chorus which seems to swirl even after it is gone. The original piece does not track well as the bpm races up and down so this edit attempts to tame parts with more care. The original production is a definite Morali masterpiece so more of an insert for breaks is more of the difference.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/31/18) “Again and Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nikki Lauren

ReStructure Mix Update (5/31/18) “Again and Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nikki Lauren

Nikki Lauren is a 80s artist who was featured on Disconet Vol. 5 Program 9 from 1983 and is a production from Mark S. Berry who worked on classic productions with Poussez!, Frisky, Roni Griffith and Carol Williams. “Again and Again” is an uplifting dance number which features the synth-pop edge that became the new sound of dance floors in the early 80s. This one is an ecstatic jump into the excitement of the dance floor left over from the end of the 70s. The new interpretation along with Nikki’s vocals creates an anthem dance number.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Again and Again” and worked a ReStructure Mix which pulls out more of the drums and synths into a more afterhour’s mood. The soft feel of the beats are intact and extended for this new experience. A tribute to the music of the early 80s and producer Mr. Mark S. Berry.

A DISCO ATTITUDE - Oh, Patti

A DISCO ATTITUDE - Oh, Patti

“New Attitude” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti LaBelle - https://youtu.be/yOaeyTGZRAk
"Music Is My Way Of Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patti Labelle - https://youtu.be/cRcoSf1ZdQQ
"Lady Marmalade" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Labelle - https://youtu.be/NcwszTa_ao8
"Oh, People" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patti LaBelle - https://youtu.be/w2DZek7MUwc
“Lady Marmalade” by Labelle – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/UCsn995gwPk

ADVENTURE IN BEATS ... SUPER DISCO!

ADVENTURE IN BEATS ... SUPER DISCO!

"Ultra Warp (Final Conflict)" by Laser-Cowboys - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/cP4kGEGtJ_o
"Future World" by Ganymed - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/R1RYLfDiPXA
"The Force" by Nancy Nova - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/videos/nancynova_theforce.html
“Magnifique” by Magnifique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/TZQmVN8u_UY
"Japanese Boy" by Aneka - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/OkdM93VzRD0

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.