ReStructure Mix Update (8/13/18) “Love Masterpiece” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

ReStructure Mix Update (8/13/18) “Love Masterpiece” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams is one of the true divas of disco music. Her vocals gave many nights of dancing and celebration an experience that would soon become a high energy form of dance music. “Love Masterpiece” is a cover of the 1978 Thelma Houston disco track which was featured on the soundtrack of “Thank God It’s Friday”. Jessica along with The Simon Orchestra (Simon Soussan) give the track a new life and also a unique feel which only a powerful voice as Jessica’s could accommodate. She creates a whole new prescience for the song as she towers above the disco orchestral sound of this production. It is one of the moments in disco music where one can be truly grateful.

I have taken the album version of “Love Masterpiece” from Jessica’s “Queen Of Fools” project and worked it into a new ReStructure Mix. A new intro with a back beat driven rhythm gives us another passage into Jessica’s outstanding performance. T

ReStructure Mix Update (8/14/18) “Another One Bites The Dust” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Queen

ReStructure Mix Update (8/14/18) “Another One Bites The Dust” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Queen

Queen is one of the 70’s rock bands whose innovative creative process paved their success in the early 80s in a new genre of pop music. Their past rock operatic numbers are the highlight of Queen and the fabulous lead vocal from Freddie Mercury. “Another One Bites The Dust” comes from their 1980 album “The Game” which began another trend of an intricate bass loop bringing a song to its higher life. This one plays out as a heartbreak number vs. an Old West shootout. It is the true rock edge played out in full.

I have taken the album version, instrumental and accapella to recreate this standoff in ReStructure Mix format. There is a new arrangement and use of the classic lead and bass guitar riffs. A bit of play with Freddie’s vocal is another opportunity to hear the power and control of a great vocalist.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/12/18) “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gayle Adams

ReStructure Mix Update (8/12/18) “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gayle Adams

Gayle Adams is an important artist from the Prelude Records roster. In the mid and late 70s Prelude was focused on bringing the new sounds of disco music to the clubs and dedicated their artists in this direction. As the close of the disco era became more of a reality the label focused their touch on the funk dance scene and in their own flavor became the New York funk sound in the early 80s with singers like Gayle and bands like Unlimited Touch and Secret Weapon. “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” gave this artist an opportunity to display the beauty of her soulful and slick sound. This anthem became quite the stir of a new and funk driven sound being produced by Willie Lester and Rodney Brown. The track has the sweetness of essence of disco with a funk infused rhythm. One of the big shifts in dance music during the early 80s.

I have taken the album version of “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” and retraced the funk mix from Kiss FM into this ReStructure Mix. Making the message more of a reassurance to Gayle’s beautiful vocal there are edits and loops which are elements to pump more energy into this funk-tastic number.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/10/18) “Thank God It’s Friday” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love & Kisses

ReStructure Mix Update (8/10/18) “Thank God It’s Friday” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love & Kisses

Love & Kisses is a Euro-disco project from Alec R. Costandinos whose early work in disco’s fame is penning the Cerrone hit “Love In ‘C’ Minor” in 1976. His work as The Disco Syncophonic Orchestra includes his classic “Romeo and Juliet” the project Sphinx. The sound of soul music began its early shift with Barry White brining the full orchestra into the funky grooves and interludes – where the disco connection to European dance music began its full orchestral production. It was indeed another big moment for music in its history. “Thank God It’s Friday” is the theme from the Casablanca/Motown Records 1978 film. This piece took Alec’s group Love and Kisses who have had great success with their first two albums into a more pop-feel with the disco edge. The track plays out in sweetness with a touch of lighthearted comedy as the film did. Love and Kisses featured vocalists from many sessions from the Trident Recording Studios in London who became the sound of Euro-disco in the late 70s.

I have taken the 12” version of “Thank God It’s Friday” which was a lengthier version from the soundtrack and reworked pieces and parts for this ReStructure Mix. A new bottom beat and clap are added to pump the energy into a Friday Night feel. More loops are added to remind us of the disco concept which was a powerhouse for the late 70s.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/18) “Disco ‘78” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ennio Morricone

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/18) “Disco ‘78” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone is An Italian composer whose work is best known in films. The most haunting of his compositions is from the 1967 western, “A Fistful Of Dollars” and most recent being his electronic score from John Carpenters “The Thing”. In 1978 his score for the Italian film “Cosi Come Sei” brought a single that follows closely his haunting and always somewhat sensual to the soul. The 12” was re-titled “Disco ‘78” and plays out like a soundtrack with many beautiful qualities – which is most likely where the fusion of a disco single is placed. Much like Morricone’s work there is always a wonderful riff which rings out as this little has.

I have taken the 12” of “Disco ‘78” and worked on the main pieces of the theme and its movement as a new ReStructure Mix. Adding a deeper beat to accentuate the rhythm and a few electronic effects to make this ambient flowing beauty into a listening experience as well as a nice early morning awakening.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/5/18) “Baby Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – C. orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (8/5/18) “Baby Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – C. orchestra

C. orchestra is a production from Jean Marc Cerrone from 1983. This cover of The Supremes’ 1964 hit “Baby Love” transforms the Motown sound into a bouncy disco bubble gum mode. It is clever in the use of a harmonica to bring out the saucy lead vocal which sounds like an over the top lovelorn teen. It is fun and has some of the great brass that Cerrone is known for. It is also one of his plays during the early 80s where he was being experimental to find where the disco sound was heading on dance floors that were not quite done moving to new rhythms.

I have taken the 12” vocal into the ReStructure Mix arena and used more edits and loops to rework this one again. It has more of the keyboards that weave a whole new feel to this song for an intense disco-fied experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/18) “His Name Is Charlie” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Laser

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/18) “His Name Is Charlie” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Laser

Laser is a disco concept album from producer Wolfgang Hermes (Fox & Promes) with an electronic dance direction. The early 80s were soon to become the synth-pop era once this sound was exposed to dance floors with the expression and creative possibilities. “His Name Is Charly” is a spoof on a situation in a make believe western where a fugitive named ‘Charly’ is on the run to Mexico – obviously to escape the law. The light synthesized keyboard riffs help to play out this rolling dance track in an effective and mysterious manner. It was released on Moby Dick Records in the US during the early 80s as proof that disco was quickly becoming high energy soon.

I have taken the 12” on Moby Dick Records and the original album version to weave this ReStructure Mix into a whole new drama. Using more of the rolling sequencers to outline the pulse of the song. More Charly is added to outline the title and of course play out this play.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/3/18) “Freedom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thanya

ReStructure Mix Update (8/3/18) “Freedom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thanya

Thanya is an Italo-disco project from producers Robert Masala (Gloves), Massimiliano Di Carlo (Konner), and Paul Micioni (Trilogy). This 1983 track is one of the innovative electronic pieces which was responsible for the success of this new edge of disco music highly influenced by the work of 70s pioneers as Giorgio Moroder. “Freedom” is an eerie dance song which gives out heroine a moment to project her need to escape the pressure of life. There is a touch of fantasy in the lyrics however the music reflects a moody and underground feel. The stage for this one is indeed a well-deserved moment. Time has proven the success of Italo-disco in the 80s is indeed due to productions as this.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub versions of “Freedom” and used the jittery keyboards and eerie sweeps in a new play for this ReStructure Mix. One of the pure adventures for a disc jockey is a 12” which uses the original content of the song and gives a dub version with a new punch. The new round here is again my interpretation of a somewhat soaring afterhour’s song that “Freedom” – the claustrophobic edge gives it the direction which is unique.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/2/18) “Shazam” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deodato

ReStructure Mix Update (8/2/18) “Shazam” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deodato

Eumir Deodato released his project “Knights Of Fantasy” in 1979. The composer and musician had focused on jazz and a fusion of rhythms, Latin and Brazilian style. His venture into the dance realm was well accepted with this project which produced classic tracks, "Whistle Bump", "Space Dust" and "Shazam". The high energy instrumental feel of "Shazam" is what drew me to the album. Its string section reminding me of disco tracks like "I'm Okay, You're Okay" by American Gypsy. This was a nice percussion and bongo dance number that lays itself out in several sections of rhythm guitars, bongo fills, horns and eventually the 70s string sweep. “Shazam” was always nice to watch an early morning dance floor come alive with.

I have taken the album version of “Shazam” and reworked a ReStructure Mix to celebrate the disco instrumental with the touch of Deodato’s magic. The Captain Marvel shout adds a focus on the “fantasy” and more breakdowns give just another chance to work the adventurous feet on the dance floor, again!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/1/18) “I'd Rather Spend The Bad Times With You Than Spend The Good Times With Someone New)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thelma Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (8/1/18) “I'd Rather Spend The Bad Times With You Than Spend The Good Times With Someone New)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thelma Houston

Thelma Houston has one of the fiercest reputations on disco dance floors since her 1976 blockbuster hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way” – a song that changed radio and clubs forever. Thelma made the disco era a home with many tracks which outlined not only the scene but a fusion her soulful voice bringing a layer of emotions to life in an era of great disco music. Thelma’s project from 1984 titled “Qualifying Heat” is a street-beat production influenced by the New York beat-box sound and features tracks produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – who later became the powerhouse duo creating hits for Klymaxx, Cheryl Lynn, S.O.S. Band and Janet Jackson. “I'd Rather Spend The Bad Times With You Than Spend The Good Times With Someone New)” is an uplifting beat stomping dance number that outlines the “break dance” scene of the early 80s. It uses a powerful and innovative sound that works well with Thelma’s troubled but romantic message. A nice reminder of how dancers and the club energy created the sounds which topped the 80s dance scene as it did in the disco 70s. The progression of disco and dance music continued even though the industry and critics claimed it was dead.

I have taken the 12” vocal and dub version of “I'd Rather Spend The Bad Times With You Than Spend The Good Times With Someone New)” to work this ReStructure Mix with more of the dreamy keyboards outlining the mood. It plays out in a new way along with a piece of Thelma’s classic hit aiding the excitement.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/30/18) “Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Lekakis

ReStructure Mix Update (7/30/18) “Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Lekakis

Paul Lekakis gave us one of the high energy classics of the 80’s – “Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room)”. This sexy number is an enticing and fast paced dance track which follows closely the sound created by Dead Or Alive but in a new package. The production by Italian disco producers Miki Chieregato and Roberto Turatti is another time when Italo-disco used a fusion of the dance floor elements of the time and transforming it into a sound of its own. This one was a big dance floor favorite and made Paul Lekakis a welcomed star to the dance floors for his later hits, “You Blow Me Away” and “My House”.

I have taken the original 12” vocal of “Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room and played out a new proposition from Mr. Lekakis in this ReStructure Mix. There is more real “boom boom” and allot of fun with the original keyboards and that chorus that we all loved to pound and jump to!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/18) “I’m Your Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – WHAM!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/18) “I’m Your Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – WHAM!

WHAM! Are George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley who began in the early 80s as a pop duo bringing a funk and synth edge to radio music. Their success began the solo career of George who later became one of the biggest selling artists of the late 80s. Their single “I’m Your Man” from their album “Music From The Edge Of Heaven” from 1986 brought more of their be-bop-pop sound to the forefront. With George’s vocal upfront and as creatively affected by this love song it was a great pop dance single of the time.

I have taken the 12” versions including the “Extended Simulation”, “Instrumental” and “Accapella” to recreate a deep down disco ReStructure Mix. Using more emphasis on the “man” theme and another disco classic by Macho – uniting the two for a new feel. This one was always a favorite since it delivers that sound which WHAM! conquered the early 80s with.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/18) “Lump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mutiny

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/18) “Lump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mutiny

Mutiny is a funk band with members from both innovative groups Funkadelic and Parliament – sounds created in the early 80s moving soul music into a new edge called funk. This sound used the fusion of hard-rock guitars and funky grooves moving over a new focus of themes in a bit of distortion. “Lump” is from their 1979 album “Mutiny On The Mamaship” – produced by Jerome Brailey. The track was also featured in the then-controversial film, “Cruising”. The blaring chorus is a take on the sound that Funkadelic made use of to create Parliament. The wah-wah guitars and deep bass grooves are the elegance of hardcore techno soon to come. The piece has always stood out as one of the forerunners of taking the late 70s disco dance floor again into a hardcore state.

I have taken the album version of “Lump” and worked on this ReStructure Mix as another underground state. There is more instrumental provided by the guitar distortion pieces and a classic key riff from Herbie Hancock. The full mix is lengthier and for those who can’t get enough funk and dance it should make the edge sharper.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/18) “Love Is A Strange Affair” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Strange Affair

ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/18) “Love Is A Strange Affair” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Strange Affair

Strange Affair is a disco project from producer Giuliano Salerni who also created the European-disco phase in the US with his group Ultimate (“Touch Me Baby”, “Ritmo De Brazil”) in 1978. His beautiful strings with a disco lullaby edge are always accentuated by a chorus of alluring females in a frame of disco ecstasy. One of the producers of disco music, Salerni was able to transform his style into a European flair as he does with Strange Affair, Ultimate and Tangerue and then a funk edge with his band Hi-Gloss (“You’ll Never Know”). “Love Is A Strange Affair” explores the albums ménage a trois theme with the chorus exclaiming the excitement of sexual exploration. It eventually sounds out in an operatic arrangement that is everything that European disco promised us from the start. The funky guitars and groove is the perfect layer for the strings, horns and percussion.

I have taken the album version of “Love Is A Strange Affair” and placed the bill into a ReStructure Mix phase with more of the guitars licking away at the disco beat. More of the sensual feel is played out and extended.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/18/18) “Joey, Joey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vera (Patti Masi)

ReStructure Mix Update (7/18/18) “Joey, Joey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vera (Patti Masi)

Vera is Patti Masi – a high energy dance project from producer Louis Toteda who worked on classic disco projects as Nightlife Unlimited and Nite Life from 1978. “Joey, Joey” is from Vera’s 1983 album “Joey”. The soft synthesized arrangement always left the sweet vocal delivery very haunting. The piece falls under the early 80s dance movement where many new wave tracks were emerging and high energy music created its own fusion of both. This one pulls out the “girl-group” sound of the 50s and uses the simple chorus hook as such. A nice electronic piece and another moment for Patti Masi to give dance floors that dreamy yet darling sound.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Joey, Joey” and replanted the go-go feel along with sample from The Ronettes. This time around it is the sock hop with the appropriate edge.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/18) “I'm Glad That You're Here” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alphonse Mouzon

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/18) “I'm Glad That You're Here” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alphonse Mouzon

Alphonse Mouzon is producer, arranger, and drummer who worked from the early 70s creating his brand of fusion-jazz. During the late 70s he is known on dance floors as the force behind the disco band, Poussez! – Which features Christine Wiltshire (Musique, Phreek, Center Stage, Revanche) on lead vocals. The project has become one of the hardcore classics in the disco arena as well as his single “Everybody Get Down” from his project Mouzon’s Electric Band. From the depths of his jazz creations to the hardcore disco grooves Alphonse shows his diversity and use of drummer/percussion talents. “I’m Glad That You’re Here” come from his 1981 project “Morning Sun” which returns to Mouzon’s jazz roots with a touch of UK funk. One of the beautiful numbers that reminds me of a sweet ballad from Barry White and his great ensemble.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions of “I’m Glad That You’re Here” and blended the electronic flutes and sweeping strings into a new ReStructure Mix. I have taken the outline of the original mix and moved its mood into a more underground-early morning feel with some new bass synths and drum patterns.