Tuesday, December 25, 2018
ReStructure Mix Update (12/25/18) “Oh Que Calor” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Primero
ReStructure Mix Update (12/25/18) “Oh Que Calor” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Primero
Primeo is an electronic dance project from Dutch producers Erik Van Vliet and Michiel Van Der Kuy. Van Vliet had started his new dance label Hotsound Records in Rotterdam in 1981 and featured a synth-dance format where keyboards and electronics were the foundation of many productions. It was another shift from disco to electronica during the 80s. “Oh Que Calor” is the debut release for their project titled Primero which outlines a Latin style flair along with the heavy percussion tracks and light and airy arrangements. The track is one which became a hit immediately in my club where peak hours would become a celebration. It has the mild delivery that hits hard when its chorus strikes and builds from thereon. A nice addition to their catalogue which is a must for those who admire a little adventure in their dance music.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions of “Oh Que Calor” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix focusing more on the intense percussion track. I have laid out a new intro which spotlights a hardcore morning of hip shaking to the percussion and bass synth elements. This new arrangement adds more effects to give way to the excitement of the number that is now evident.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/23/18) “Magic” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio
ReStructure Mix Update (12/23/18) “Magic” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio
Gino Soccio is one of the pioneers and innovators of electronic disco music. His work with session bands Kebekelektrik, Bombers, Gotham Flasher and Witch Queen and also solo artists Radiah Frye and Karen Silver have made his work some of the most respected dance music in its history so far. The single “Magic” was released in 1986 and is formulated in Soccio’s style in forming a dance track out of segments of tech-grooves and light ambient effects. The effect is always a mystical experience in dance music. “Magic” is centered in the techno genre with Soccio’s rolling bass synths providing the disco groove. Vocals are much like a shout out of short verses which give way to the imagination – where in this track it is a love affair in its peak identity. A less noticed piece for the time yet for those who know dance music and Soccio’s music, it is a gem.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Magic” and have rearranged the original layout in a new ReStructure Mix. The climbing intro is a path to the wonderful sparkling of Soccio’s elegant dance music and by extending it as an intro I have worked to provide a higher dive into this wonderful piece of dance music.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/21/18) “Watch Out!” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Doctor’s Cat
ReStructure Mix Update (12/21/18) “Watch Out!” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Doctor’s Cat
Doctor’s Cat is an Italo-disco project lead by producers Aldo Martinelli and Fabrizio Gatto and features Simona Zanini on vocals. The early 80’s and during the innovative and formative years of Italian disco music projects like Doctor’s Cat help to bring a fresh edge to dance music. Utilizing the electronic production to create a full orchestrated sound and like this more of a stamp of airy keyboards and jittery sequencers. “Watch Out!” is the second single from Doctor’s Cat from 1983 and is one of those numbers which pull your mind into the phasing and rolling electronics. Vocals are a bit haunting and can be classified as an alternative chorus of childlike and at time ominous. The effect together, both music and vocals are as effective as Italo-disco can get.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Watch Out!” to work the maze of this production into a new ReStructure Mix. This new outline places some hardcore street beats under the wobbly sequencer pieces and breaks the original flow into parts. This one caught my ear immediately and for the time many of the dancers in my clubs
ReStructure Mix Update (12/19/18) “I Want You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rofo
ReStructure Mix Update (12/19/18) “I Want You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rofo
Rofo is an electronic dance project from producer Fonny De Wulf whose work in the early 80s brought on a whole new message and sound to dance music. In 1982 their work began utilizing their talents on electronic savvy with singles for clubs. “I Want You” is a single from 1984 which blends a dream-like essence for this love stomper. The team of Ronny Verrept and Fonny De Wulf are played out with the power of what Rofo is all encompasses. One of the big tracks for me to bring high energy to dance floors and environments in the 80s in a manner I admired.
I have taken the 12” of “I Want You” and using both the vocal and instrumental reform a ReStructure Mix in this formula. It retains the outline of the keyboards play on the dreamlike state and adds a few pieces of drum patterns to pound out more of its energy.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/18) “Stop On By” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/18) “Stop On By” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
Rufus and Chaka Khan are the Chicago funk/soul group which made funk music a natural experience. Even though Chaka’s career became the forefront at certain periods of their performing and recording years their combination always rang out with the best they could offer. Their 1974 album “Rufusized” as their first offered the track “Stop On By” (co-written by Bobby Womack) produced by Bob Monaco. This early display of the bands ability to take a song and play it into a funk rendition which displayed a unique and satisfying groove. Chaka is at her most effective in tracks as this where her voice fills in the emotion that feeds the sound of soul becoming funk. A great number and an early sign of where Chaka and Rufus were headed in the 70s.
I have taken the album version of “Stop On By” and re-introduced the song with this ReStructure Mix which takes more advantage of the jazz feel of the base and uses the funk to accentuate it. More percussion floats along to build more of a groove and the pieces of both the band and Ms. Khan left where they made history.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/18) “You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Lewis
ReStructure Mix Update (12/16/18) “You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Lewis
Linda Lewis is a vocalist from West Ham, London and began a recording career in 1967 with a string of ballads and pop hits to follow. Her first single “You Turned My Bitter Into Sweet” is transformed in 1984 into a high energy love song by producer Kevin Anthony Roberts. A nice transformation from the bebop/Motown-esque feels of the original into a pulsating and still “sweet” number. Linda also does a nice job working the song all over again for a new audience and a stomping dance floor.
I have taken the 12” single Megamix created by Ian Levine and worked the Lewis classic into a new ReStructure Mix. The essence of this love anthem is accentuated into a new format with more of the climbing from verse to choruses of testifying true love. It gives a tribute to the original with a few sampled pieces.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/15/18) “Give Me Your Body While We're Dancin'” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jesse Towers
ReStructure Mix Update (12/15/18) “Give Me Your Body While We're Dancin'” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jesse Towers
Jesse Towers is a disco artist who released “Give Me Your Body While We’re Dancin’” in 1979. Originally pressed and released in Canada on Attic Records the single caught on in clubs during the peak of disco and its production pointed towards the energy of disco music and the excitement it had stirred. This single was a powerhouse hit with clubs who were building the energy to that peak featuring songs like “Love Attack” by Ferrara and “The Break” by Kat Mandu – this one rolled along the same energy. The vocals as Mr. Towers presents have a sweet delivery which rings out with the accompanying disco chants. A true disco track with the echoes of a dance floor with the disco roller skating feel.
I have taken the 12” extended and radio version of “Give Me Your Body While We’re Dancin’” to rework the hand clap riffs and fabulous mod-keyboards into a new ReStructure Mix. This play not only extends the pulsating disco energy but also gives it a strip down at the fade.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/18) “Woman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Snob
ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/18) “Woman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Snob
Snob is a disco project from Philip Walter, Patrick Barbero and Philippe Renaux – formerly titled Black Sun. Their 1979 project titled “Are Women Snobs?” is one of the disco variations on the Italo-disco craze taking over in the late 70s and early 80s. “Women” is a single from the album which is known by hardcore disco connoisseurs as a slice of that disco pie. The number uses heavy synthesizers and guitar riffs in the pure disco sound and weaves a hypnotic foundation for the light and elf-like chorus singing of those ladies in the club that drive onlookers to question just where they come from. The theme alone follows the Italo-disco exploration of alternative and unique compositions. The drum tracks are the main force here and they never leave short a space where a break can benefit.
I have taken the 12” version of “Women” on the Canadian disco label P.B.I. Records and took those grooves which formulate that hardcore disco edge in a ReStructure Mix. More of the winding pieces which make this song an underground sensation. It also signifies the movement of disco music which even today continues to influence artists and dancers everywhere.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/18) “Special Delivery” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Angela Bofill
ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/18) “Special Delivery” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Angela Bofill
Angie Bofill is a soul, jazz and rhythm and blues vocalist whose work it best known for her work in the late 70s and pop-dance tracks in the early 80s. Even though most of her memorable tracks are ballads I became focused on Angela’s music thanks to the sweetness of her voice and unique phrasing. “Special Delivery” is from her 1983 album “Teaser” and is produced by Narada Michael Walden who also gave a great effort in many dance productions of the time including Aretha Franklin, Sister Sledge, Stacy Lattisaw, Amii Stewart and Phyllis Hyman. This number is a nice pop-soul mover that incorporates a definitive announcement to a love who is unsuspecting. A nice dance track for Angela and again her voice powers this song into gear with her power yet subtle tease.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Special Delivery” and re-delivered this ReStructure Mix with new play with the existing beats. It works like a surprise in many ways with a few breakdowns and more of the bridge which echoes a 60s flair.
ReStructure Mix Update (12/10/18) “Cuba Libre!” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Modern Rocketry
ReStructure Mix Update (12/10/18) “Cuba Libre!” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Modern Rocketry
Modern Rocketry is a high energy project from San Francisco’s disco resurgence during the early 80s. The studio ensemble began in 1983 with their singles “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone” and “The Right Stuff” – both produced by Ken Kessie and Morey Goldstein. The sound of dance music began a new shift in dance music in the early 80s was immensely driven by electronics which brought the energy level higher. Tracks like “Cuba Libre!” are the essence of the 80s high energy scene where the rolling sequencers delivered the power and energy that dancers were looking for.
I have taken the 12” version of “Cuba Libre!” from the Megatone Record label – remixed by Marty Blecman and have given it a new ReStructure Mix lift. More of the celebration is extended by the chorus being ignited in many new ways along with some extending of those climactic keyboards and play on edits. A classic disco number is added by The Gibson Brothers to add to the excitement.
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ReStructure Mix Update (12/7/18) “Yoda’s Theme” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Boris Midney
ReStructure Mix Update (12/7/18) “Yoda’s Theme” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Boris Midney
Boris Midney is one of the earliest innovators of disco/dance music in the late 70s. His approach with disco music in his first two projects USA European Connection and Beautiful Bend were a blend of female chorus in Philly style along with a futuristic and electronic orchestra. His style was one which perplexed many whose ideas and rhythm were following the standard. It was not long before this underground disco style became a classic among itself and influenced many producers and artists in the upcoming disco arena. “Yoda’s Theme” is from Boris Midney’s 1980 album which featured “Music From The Empire Strikes Back” scored by John Williams. Midney had already progressed into a new rhythmic and jazz fused edge which was heard in his projects Festival, Masquerade and Caress. With “Yoda’s Theme” Midney does not hold back from using what imagination brought along with score.
I have taken the album version of “Yoda’s Theme” and gave it a new ReStructure Mix and took pieces of the composition from Boris Midney to play out in a new and soaring version. More of the swirling pieces of Midney’s majestic orchestral snippets are intact and at times are created in a new way.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
ReStructure Mix Update (12/5/18) “7th Heaven” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vanity
ReStructure Mix Update (12/5/18) “7th Heaven” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vanity
Vanity is Denise Mathews and is best known for her performances with group Vanity 6 and her music affiliation with artist, Prince. Her solo career following the Prince Triage ensemble began in 1984 where her singles featured her luscious vocals pawing at funk rhythms like a cat teasing its prey. “7th Heaven” is a 1985 single which was produced by Bill Wolfer and was featured on the Motown soundtrack to the film “The Last Dragon”. The track is very similar to her single “Pretty Mess” yet the rhythm funk grooves make it unique and stand on its own. The sexy vocal again lures us into Vanity’s style and play land where the height of the song never ends.
I have taken the soundtrack version of 3:28 into a ReStructure Mix as a portion fixer to extend and work with more beats and street drums to enhance this number. “7th Heaven” has the alluring quality which makes Vanity’s style stand out and obvious and this extension works on completing it in a new suggestive way.
This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ray Duran Jr. for his request to bring this piece onto the floor again with more ‘heaven’ for our ears and feet.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/30/18) “My Love Is Hot (Caliente)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lalomie Washburn
ReStructure Mix Update (11/30/18) “My Love Is Hot (Caliente)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lalomie Washburn
Lalomie Washburn is a soul and funk singer from the early 70s also from featured in bands High Voltage and Love Craft. Her solo recording began in 1977 with her album “My Music Is Hot” on disco music’s Parachute Records. The project was produced by Sye Mitchell and took Lalomie into a disco funk arena with a perfect landing for her soulful and sexy delivery. “My Love Is Hot (Caliente)” is the single which I caught onto with its Latin percussion outline and standard lounge male chorus adlibs. It is one of the great funk fares of the mid-70s and also features The Waters on backup vocals. A driving number that is one of the remnants of a great era of funk to disco.
I have taken the album version of “My Love Is Hot (Caliente)” and rearranged the hot track with a new ReStructure Mix for a deeper layout. It features a riff from an earlier recording produced by Sye Mitchell titled “Everybody Must Pay” by Swede. This new rework is a treatment of the loops and additions to give Lalomie another chance to lure us into the “hot” music these two have left us with.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/29/18) “Give Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Range
ReStructure Mix Update (11/29/18) “Give Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Range
Range is an Italo-disco project from Paul Mazzolini – a producer also known as Gazebo, Paul Micioni who produced projects by Easy Going, Gary Low, Amii Stewart and Twilight and Natasha King who is also the vocalist on the track “AM/FM” under Natasha. “Give Me” is the only 12” single released by this ensemble in 1981 yet the single lays out Italo-disco in its most creative and influential time period. The magic keyboards from Mazzolini are a galactic swirl that sounds as if they could have existed in an early work from Boris Midney. The song has a sweet taste of the Italian disco chorus which extends a delivery that is harmony at a falsetto range in a whisper. One of the memorable moments in disco history where the artists play the majestic elements of dance music with flair and a funky bass under tone.
I have taken the 12” of “Give Me” and created a ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to both Mazzolini and Micioni and their wonderful contributions to dance music. This slick piece is one where you can hear the talent and creative sense play. It has always been a favorite of mine from the echoes of that keyboard riff in a dance hall. This reworking is a touch of tribal drums meet outer space.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/26/18) “Am I Normal” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eye To Eye
ReStructure Mix Update (11/26/18) “Am I Normal” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eye To Eye
Eye To Eye is Julian Marshall and Deborah Berg. One of progressive moments in 80s dance music where the arrangement utilized a focus on the moody edge of nu-wave and synth-pop. A style which late became adaptable for alternative dance tracks and shaped the mid-80s dance floor. “Am I Normal” is a track that gives off the elegance of an anthem for an early morning dance floor number as clubs like The Saint would claim as a theme song. Julian Marshall also worked with The Flying Lizards who worked another cutting edge nu-wave dance track in 1979, a cover of Motown’s “Money”. Vocalist Deborah Berg gives a wonderful performance which rings out the questionable message which appears to be insecurity in circles. Her voice is a nice addition to a synth-pop band as Eye To Eye and may be the earliest feel of later 80s groups like Basia and Swing Out Sister.
I have taken the 12” version of “Am I Normal” and gave it an homage not only to the track itself but also the 80s transition of disco music to a new dance style in many variations. This song always gave me the escape that the dance floor offered with its piecing keyboards and sequencers following the mood. It is presented in this ReStructure Mix as another example of great imagination of talent from Eye To Eye.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/24/18) “Don’t Turn Your Love Away” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Viva
ReStructure Mix Update (11/24/18) “Don’t Turn Your Love Away” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Viva
Viva is a high energy disco project from producer by Kevin Mason and arranged and conducted by Mike Durandt. The aerobics pump in this one makes it light and sweet as the male vocal croons in a sexy 60s flair. One of the releases of the time that stands out with its original airy feel. High energy began speaking its true voice with tracks as this and made the mid-80s once again a rejuvenation period for disco music.
I have taken the 12” versions to weave this new ReStructure Mix and adding more of a shallow percussion assist to work along this pumping energy. More detours are taken into new breaks and a new way of listening and dancing to this little gem.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/22/18) “When You Walk In The Room” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ramming Speed
ReStructure Mix Update (11/22/18) “When You Walk In The Room” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ramming Speed
Ramming Speed is an 80’s high energy project from Canadian disco producers Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison – the fantastic duo who brought to dance floors their former work by THP Orchestra, Southern Exposure, The Duncan Sisters, Grand Tour, The Skatt Brothers, American Fade, and Hazell Dean’s “Evergreen”. This 1984 release is another example of the magnificent duo and their ability to shift from the big disco production of THP Orchestra and Grand Tour into the new and growing high energy sound of the early 80s. A sound which seemed heavily influenced by later 70s productions by The Simon Orchestra and the striking drums and dramatic keyboard riffs. “When You Walk In The Room” is a clever disco clever of the Jackie De Shannon song and takes it to the hilt with pounding drums and the rolling bass tracks. One of the sweet high energy pieces which continued to keep the disco efforts moving in a progressive manner for the 80s.
I have taken the 12” and utilized the three versions to recreate a ReStructure Mix with hints of the original from the 1964 original. The drums and percussion are pieces of the original only being brought to the front like a cannonball. More of the Morrison and Guenther work which continued to leave me in awe of their magic in the 80s and just as successful on the dance floors.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/21/18) “Some Kind Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Always
ReStructure Mix Update (11/21/18) “Some Kind Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Billy Always
Billy Always (William Lewis Moore) is a soul vocalist whose talent led him under the direction of Aretha Franklin in the 50s at the age of nine. His solo recording career includes the 1980 single “Some Kind of Love” which was released under Canada’s dance label V.S. Records. A funk arrangement a mild energy yet quite contagious thanks to the magic of Billy’s vocals. The blaring horns create a nice layer of serious throwing down in this one.
I have taken the 12” of “Some Kind of Love” and recreated a looser and funk driven groove with some pieces of the bongo riffs and horn parts. The existing groove makes this ReStructure Mix only a rekindling of arrangement in parts and pieces.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/17/18) “From Here To Eternity” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Colby
ReStructure Mix Update (11/17/18) “From Here To Eternity” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Colby
Colby is an Italo-disco project from producer Servero Lombardoni along with Marcello Catalano arranging this classic Giorgio Moroder instrumentation. Released in 1987 this single placed the space disco epic into a new time zone with a hard hitting beat and use of the elements from original pieced into a new journey into the sound of electronic disco during its creation. This one pours more of the mystic with heart and soul which Moroder may have given this project during his brainstorms – it is the classic Italo-disco emulating the master with respect and the same imagination.
I have taken the 12” dance mix and “Pippo” mix into this ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to Moroder’s original as well as the Italo-disco counterpart so well executed. I have added a few of the original elements to piece this journey into a completeness that will give the ride a pleasing familiarity.
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ReStructure Mix Update (11/12/18) “You Make Me Feel Brand New” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lorraine McKane
ReStructure Mix Update (11/12/18) “You Make Me Feel Brand New” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lorraine McKane
Lorraine McKane is known for her big dance track “Let The Night Take The Blame” from 1984. A track which revitalized the high energy movement with its direct target for the night life and its disco diva spotlight allowing the lure of the night lights to point the fault for a short but sweet relationship. It was that disco magic rolled into a song. “You Make Me Feel Brand New” from 1990 is Lorraine’s fabulous high energy cover of The Stylistics 1974 soul classic ballad. It gives the piece a wonderful pitch into disco space with its sweet yet defined vocal from Ms. McKane and the high energy production from Steve O’Donnell who gave us work from David Boydell, The Salsoul Orchestra and Tracy Ullman and Pete Ware who also gave us in the dance arena tracks by Bona-Riah, Divine, and Hazell Dean.
I have taken the original 12” version and focused on taking the existing energy and extending it. The beauty of the original is still intact and only pieces and parts of the rolling bass synths and climactic keyboards are given more opportunity to relay the magic of the song. Lorraine’s vocals are rearranged in spots and given a layered fade out.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/9/18) “The Beast In Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Silence 2 featuring Gordon Grody
ReStructure Mix Update (11/9/18) “The Beast In Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Silence 2 featuring Gordon Grody
Silence 2 is an 80s dance project from Italo-disco’s most essential producer, Mr. Jacques Fred Petrus and arranger Celso Valli – paired along with longtime vocalist Gordon Grody who performed in many sessions including disco groups Lemon, Gregg Diamond’s Starcruiser and Bionic Boogie, Change and B.B. & Q Band. “The Beast In Me” is a track released in 1984 twice. This version by Gordon Grody and the Italo-disco duo Petrus and Valli is an electronic version in the synth-pop mode where the release by Bonnie Pointer in the same vein with more of a rock edge poured into the mix. Grody’s vocal bring a 80s male rock flair with his Steve Perry flair and style. It is one of early morning weapons I would reach for when those eerie playlist call for the deeper mood of energy. A must for those moments for me when a little jolt was needed early in the AM.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental into the ReStructure Mix phase to create a blend for the heart of the song. In the early morning arrangement when the mood stays where it is haunting and eerie. A few elements of percussion are added to peak the breaks and chorus spots for more push.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/7/18) “Skydancer” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Android
ReStructure Mix Update (11/7/18) “Skydancer” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Android
Android is an electronic disco project from The Netherlands featuring Imro Van Hetten and Marc Hartman. Their first single from 1986 followed in the Italo-disco sound with a keyboard instrumental journey titled “Skydancer”. The track utilizes the heavy down beat with rolling sequencers providing the foundation for a short interlude. Many of Italo-disco music’s instrumental pieces crossed over into a wider audience in the mid-80s gave the high energy theme a direction. “Skywalker” is pieces of keyboard which emulate a space or futuristic feel. May sound like a motion picture theme cut down to a dance track. It is one of the periods of dance music where once again a sound influenced another change in direction.
I have taken the 12” and dub versions of “Skydancer” and created a new layout in this ReStructure Mix. It uses more of the keyboard parts as the flow along with a riff from a familiar composition from Giorgio Moroder which helped to bring about this sound all together.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/5/18) “It’s Hot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Unyque
ReStructure Mix Update (11/5/18) “It’s Hot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Unyque
Unyque is a disco ensemble from 1979 produced by Britt Britton and Freida Nerangis of Crown Heights Affair. The project introduces an array of funk and disco tracks that emphasize the best fusion of soul and funk into the disco arrangement. Heavy on the horns and the content of both disco numbers and funk are fitting in vocal delivery and energy. “It’s Hot” is a track from the project which caught my ear for its slick lyrics and tight horn sections. This one feels like the Crown Heights Affair that helped to influence soul to disco music in the mid-70s. A nice dance track that fills the shoes of uplifting dance floor themes like “In The Bush” with the same sensuality blended in.
I have taken the album version of “It’s Hot” and recreated the energy in a 80s form by adding a familiar synth-edge. This ReStructure Mix extends the chorus mainlines into more of what makes it what this set out to relay in disco music. A play with beats and the existing percussion and congas make it more of a dance floor event.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/4/18) “Green Onions” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix –Zinthetyer
ReStructure Mix Update (11/4/18) “Green Onions” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix –Zinthetyer
Zinthetyer is Canadian DJ/producer Mario Tremblay. His two releases under the title Zinthetyer were covers of soul classic: “Money” – and the 80s punk interpretation by The Flying Lizards and the blues track “Green Onions” which his version was released in 1982. A piece of the 80s nu-wave dance scene using Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” as the under force of the syncopated beats. A female speaks throughout this version as the lazy rhythm plays out as the original. It is one of the left field releases that I always enjoyed including in afterhours programs and moody mixed tapes. A bit odd in its context but this makes it quite interesting. Mario Tremblay also released another single titled “Dance In America” in 1981.
I have taken the 12” instrumental and vocal versions of “Green Onions” and reframed this underground piece into a new ReStructure Mix. It uses some of the original effects from Soft Cell’s influential track and also pulls more of the rhythm into a new arrangement.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/3/18) “Got Got Money (and I moo)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Five Letters
ReStructure Mix Update (11/3/18) “Got Got Money (and I moo)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Five Letters Five Letters is Claude Vallois and Denis Desrouvres – a duo who explored the abstract sound of dance music using the French language as an instrumental piece of many of their recordings. Their 1979 album “Got Got Money” is their disco/high energy Tour de Force which helped to make disco music a powerful outline during a period where the direction took a new step. This percussion filled project is much like a hardcore project as studio pieces from Erotic Drum Band created earlier on. It left the imagination open for anything as we find here. “Got Got Money (and I moo)” is a fast moving track with some of the most infectious keyboard and drum fills in a dance track. The chorus line leaves a curious mind entertained throughout a transition of funky keyboard sounds that emulate a 60s psychedelic trip. This one was an instant draw for me since my programs often built them to a top level of this energy. I have taken the 12” version of “Got Got Money (and I moo)” and in tribute to a track as such released during a transition of disco peaking and fading as a pinnacle. It is broken down in segments for this ReStructure Mix to present a new flow from the original arrangement to bring more of the energy to the track. The bongo and drum fills are still the hit here and always remind me of a dance floor entranced in disco energy.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/1/18) “I Strip You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Easy Going
ReStructure Mix Update (11/1/18) “I Strip You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Easy Going Easy Going is an Italo-disco project from Paul Micioni, Giancarlo Meo and Claudio Simonetti. At the creation of a new genre of dance music this trio brought a new light to dance floors in a cutting edge style. Their first big dance floor hit, “Baby I Love You” combined the work which producers like Giorgio Moroder were formulating with an electronic production and intent. “Fear” is from their 1979 project and displays a new layering and attitude for not only the Italo-disco genre but also a breath of freedom for its creators. A rush of energy just as Peter Jacques Band’s “Fire Night Dance” brought a few years earlier. “I Strip You” is a wonderful journey into a denial of gay sexuality between our bands vocalist who eventually exclaims in a sexual situation that a female suitor is barking up the wrong tree. A definite move forward from the Village People and their prior attempts at making the Y.M.C.A. a cruising stop. This track is powered by pure disco energy and the elements of the time poured in buckets. I have taken the album version of “I Strip You” and focused on breaking down the electronic production into layers and then applying a ReStructure Mix touch to its greatness. It plays out in bits and pieces yet gives a new work for those who want to hear it new and completely unlike the original – yet it is what it is – Italo disco!
ReStructure Mix Update (10/30/18) “Funk Encounters” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Constellation Orchestra
ReStructure Mix Update (10/30/18) “Funk Encounters” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Constellation Orchestra Constellation Orchestra is a disco project from 1978 and produced by Jesse Boyce and Moses Dillard – the duo that also delivered Saturday Night Band, Lorraine Johnson, and Frisky. This is New York Disco at its finest. A true blend of the soulful and funk elements of the early 70s and the smooth and chic edge of this new music fashion called disco. Jesse Boyce and Moses Dillard have captured the period in their music beginning with their classics, “Come On, Dance, Dance” by Saturday Night Band and “Feed The Flame” by Lorraine Johnson – here with “Funk Encounters” they work another trip to the disco galactic world of the time period. Funky bass guitars play out the time travel with lots of their synthetic effects to take the dance floor on another journey. I have taken the album version of “Funk Encounters” and worked on the rhythmic pieces of this dynamite number for this ReStructure Mix. More of that infectious bass is roaring throughout this new arrangement and the horns are the centerpiece for the energy. More loops create a few new breaks and moments where this track plays us to another level.
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- ReStructure Mix Update (12/25/18) “Oh Que Calor” -...
- ReStructure Mix Update (12/23/18) “Magic” - Glenn ...
- ReStructure Mix Update (12/21/18) “Watch Out!” - G...
- ReStructure Mix Update (12/19/18) “I Want You” - G...
- ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/18) “Stop On By” - G...
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