COMING SOON! (EPISODE 11/30/20): "Love Resurrection"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alison Moyet
ReStructure Mixes by Glenn Rivera, Video Mixes and Classic Disco Tracks
ReStructure Mix Update (11/29/20) “Let's Make Love To The Music” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pattie Brooks
Pattie Brooks is an iconic singer and disco artist. Her work initially as a back-up singer gave her the endurance and work necessary to create her solo endeavors. Her first solo album from 1977 titled “Love Shook” was produced by Simon Soussan and featured his own studio ensemble called The Simon Orchestra. “Let’s Make Love To The Music” is one of the lyrical disco numbers that plays out in the mid-70’s fashion with a beat providing the rhythmic edge of the song. Pattie is in her early stages of becoming one the disco era’s most loved and talented performers. The session features more of disco music giants including Elton Ahi, Lauren Rinder and Michael "El Coco" Lewis*.
I have taken the album version of “Let’s Make Love To The Music” and placed it in a ReStructure Mix fantasyland. I have added a new drum track to give the flowing sound a new edge and also reworked some of the existing percussion in a new way.
REISSUE: "Rapture” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blondie Blondie is a band from the early 70s who took over in 1979 with their album “Parallel Lines” which featured their first disco single “Heart Of Glass”. “Rapture” is from their 1980 album “AutoAmerican” produced by Mike Chapman. This classic features a rap which is one of the first to hit airwaves from a female and in a pop track. The dreamy song is a lure for Deborah Harry’s sensual vocals and also a persona of street sense. The crossover pop tracks from Blondie always relayed the edge which the band created and works very well again in “Rapture” I have taken the 12” remix of “Rapture” and re-funked and ReStructured a more rap based version with a surprise from the Sugarhill rap ensemble The Sequence. It is a mild rap attack and flows with the nice flow of bells and guitars. Special thanks to YouTube user ‘User B’ for requesting a Restructure Mix of this great dance tune.
ReStructure Mix Update (11/28/20) “Thank You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Judy B.
Judy B. is an electronic dance ensemble from Biagio Farina (Claudia Hart, Ray Vista, and Kryptonite) and released 2 singles in 1982. “Thank You” is the second release and is one that follows a catchy riff where keyboards light up ala “Funkytown”. The funky downbeats are the groove that makes this one work along with several nice keyboard riffs. This one made my dance floor come alive early evening and during peak hours. A touch of funk type bass licks make it even more irresistible. A great 80’s dance track that should bring back the period well.
I have taken the 12’ vocal and instrumental of “Thank You” and recreated a new version for this ReStructure Mix. A placement of arts of the song in new areas and extended grooves are added to give in a new flavor.
REISSUE: “Resorts International” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera The Salsoul Orchestra is the disco band from the mid-70s which fused Philly-soul, funk and Latin music to create a whole new chapter in dance music. The 1978 album “How High” is the album which gives off the mature sound of disco music of the time. “Resorts International” is a track from the project produced and co-written by Bunny Sigler and features The Sweethearts of Sigma serenading a locale where all is possible for relaxation and entertainment. I have created a Disco Video Mix for “Resorts International” using the 1967-Technicolor film, “Hotel” starring Rod Taylor as the hotel manager. The drama occurring as they check in and out and the owner himself realizes that the future of his financially troubled hotel. Visuals of the building and some of the outside businesses are used to enhance the exciting sound of the disco track. The film was directed by Richard Quine Featuring scenes from “Hotel” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: "Frantic Love" by Eastbound Expressway - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Eastbound Expressway is a disco ensemble from producers Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench. Their disco orchestrations from their 1979 album brought this group to dance floors during the dance peak of 1979. In the early 80s the ladies took a shift into the high energy set with tracks like “Primitive Desire” and “Frantic Love”. It was the turning point and survival of dance music which seemed to morph again for the times. “Frantic Love” is a fast moving dance number which sounds like a Broadway musical on steroids. Always a favorite of mine and a floor packer for my sets. I have taken the 1957 romantic musical “Funny Face” with Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. The fashion edge in the storyline helps bring the dance numbers and music alive in this George Gershwin Broadway hit. The energy works with the disco number and plays out in synchronization. The film was directed by Stanley Donen Featuring scenes from "Funny Face" - RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Panic!” by French Kiss – Video Mix by Glenn Rivera The 1979 Simon Soussan production of French Kiss is paired with the 1978 musical, “Grease” starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. A strange mix of dance periods yet the same romantic theme of uncontrollable love. I have found a few areas of “Grease” where “Panic” is appropriate. French Kiss was Jessica Williams, Lamar Stevens and Muffi Durham – an ensemble very familiar to Soussan’s production of Arpeggio – yet the energy of “Panic!” is still one disco music classics during the high energy peak of the period. Featuring scenes from “Grease” – RENT THE DVD! Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
ReStructure Mix Update (11/26/20) “Hot Feet” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tschai Prender
Tschai Prender is a disco artist produced by Charles Blackwell who also gave us Larry Page Orchestra from the mid-70. The disco era was constructed on many independent labels and ventures into disco productions. The sound of classic disco was created on dance floors with many of the disc jockeys giving feedback from the dance floor. Many of disco music’s characteristics are based on camp and over dramatized orchestrations – “Hot Feet” is camp all around as it returns the height of the disco boom when people found themselves dancing all night long. It is a sexy moment for Tschai Prender as she gives up the floor for a woman who just can’t stop dancing. It is the essence of where disco music was intended for the feet to move to. The production follows the fast rolling hustle sound that is being covered in 1980.
I have taken the 12’ version of “Hot Feet” and retraced a new edit where the rhythm tracks are dissected in this ReStructure Mix. The outline is in more of a slice of what works best in the song.
REISSUE: “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.
REISSUE: "How" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Flower Flower is a sexy disco number in the vein of sultry and amorous moods. Her second album titled “Heat” is produced by Richie Rome – who collaborated with Jacques Morali to create The Ritchie Family in 1975. The full orchestration in the Philly-tradition gives his music the fantasy angle which disco music is meant to bring. “How” is a very sensual number from the “Heat” album and is a favorite among those who savor the full-disco experience. More of the yearning and ecstasy that love and desire are brought to the surface in disco music of the 70s. I have taken the “Long” and “Short” version of the 12” and recreated a drum-fantasy ReStructure Mix to soothe over those “playgirl”-esque vocals of Flower.
REISSUE: "Come With Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer Donna Summer became the midnight sound of disco music with the sensual appeal done with the right essence of the time period. "A Love Trilogy" is the follow up project to the sultry "Love To Love You Baby" hit single - is was definitely the defining of "The First Lady Of Love" for the time. It was as experimental for Giorgio Moroder as Donna. "Come To Me" is the closing track on the LP and has always made the needle regret it's place. I have ReStructured the song and now give it a new intro and breaks as well as a few new elements that create a whole new energy for the dynamite single.
REISSUE: "Give Me Tonight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Shannon Shannon (Brenda Shannon Greene) set the 80s on fire with "Let The Music Play" a brand of New York electro-funk which is know as "The Shannon Sound". This beat-and-kick formula utilizes the scratch mix in more ways than one. "Give Me Tonight" is the second single from Shannon's debut album and as big - if not bigger - than "Let The Music Play". The sound of the 80s is all hear and may bring back more than you can handle. I have taken the 12" vocal and dub version to give this song a ReStructure Mix and re-funk the mix with some new elements and emphasizing the work of the original. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Bob Tiedemann - who I thank for his support and for this request! Go get it, Bob - tonight!
REISSUE: "Thank God For Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Cowley Patrick Cowley began to paint his colors on the disco canvas during the late 70's with his keyboard and synthesizers on many of Sylvester's great dance floor hits. His unique style is now a staple among disco collectors and is a sound that is imitated and influential, but never replicated. Much of his success came at a time of a renaissance for disco in the early 80's - Cowley had the knowledge of the dance floor and the genius of his keyboards to create his work. "Thank God For Music" is from his 1981 LP "Megatron Man" - the album fused his keyboards in a 50's like sci-fi film aura complete with a chorus style ensemble much like The Manhattan Transfer with a disco edge. This song celebrates disco music and is my theme for another ReStructure mix with a bit of a funky edge to it. To all of you clicking on this link and your love for disco music.
REISSUE: "Grateful" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester Sylvester (Sylvester James) hit the disco scene in 1977 with a self-titled album containing the garage classic "Over and Over". His second project titled "Step II" was co-produced by Harvey Fuqua and featured synthesizers by Patrick Cowley. "Grateful" is another track from the "Step II" album which contained the energy of the disco era and encompassed Sylvester belief in life - "to be grateful!" It is a celebratory track and still holds the key to keeping your life humble and happy. I have ReStructured this track and extended it's 3:27 timing to a little over 8:00 to give the happiness a go at it a bit longer!
ReStructure Mix Update (11/25/20) “Hey, You Should Be Dancing” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gene Farrow
Gene Farrow is a disco artist from 1977 and with a classic dance track titled “Hey, You Should Be Dancing” made an impact on the growing disco trend of the time. This track is an obvious take on the Bee Gee’s “You Should Be Dancing” – with a slight alteration and a heavy drum and conga outline added. This one plays out as the disco-pop sound yet with the drums and conga sections it makes a nice edge. Gene Farrow released his album in 1978 titled “Move Your Body” which contained this single and a few more pieces with a nice rhythmic outline. The song is infectious and has a bit of a sound ala-The Archie’s which is what I hear – overall a nice disco classic to remind of the huge impact the motion picture “Saturday Night Fever” made on the nightlife.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental dub of “Hey, You Should Be Dancing” and recreated a new pounding and tingling ReStructure Mix for this classic. I have used more of the drum breaks in a new arrangement and offered more of the verse and chorus to bring it into a new sound.
REISSUE: “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Carl Douglas released his first LP in 1974 titled “Kung Fu Fighter” produced by Biddu (Biddu Orchestra) – the album marks a piece of funk/disco history with the big hit single, “Kung Fu Fighting” which hit #1 on the soul charts and won the 1974 Grammy Award for best selling single. The song, based on the Kung-Fu movie craze of the time helped to bring disco into a whole new success. I have taken the 2002 action/comedy film “Kung Pow: Enter The Fist” into this Disco Video Mix and chopped the crazy and hilarious antics of these martial arts masters along with the disco track. The film stars Steve Oedekerk, Fei Lung and Leo Lee. The film was directed by Steve Oedekerk Featuring scenes from “Kung Pow: Enter The Fist” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Tequila” by Bo Boss – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Bo Boss is Paolo Minioni, Massimilano Di Carlo and Roberto Masala – a trio of Italian writers and producers who created a few very progressive dance landmarks in Italo-disco history. Their studio project Bo Boss covers The Champs oldies-favorite “Tequila” in a robotic-like approach and gives the song a whole new essence. I have taken the 1985 comedy-adventure film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” starring Paul Reubens and singer, E.G. Daily and pasted the famous “tequila-dance” scenes along with the new beat of the classic. It gives Pee-Wee a whole new spin on the disco version and also an opportunity to see this uproarious movie once again. The film was directed by Tim Burton Fearturing scenes from “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
ReStructure Mix Update (11/24/20) “Leave That Boy Alone” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Poussez!
Poussez! Is a disco project from producer Alphonse Mouzon and contributed to the 1979 dance phenomenon. The project titled “Poussez!” contained not only 4 tracks which all make the classic disco lists but also the vocalist who made it all happen – Ms. Christine Wiltshire (Musique, Center Stage, Phreek, Class Action, Aural Exciters). The vocal delivery on the initial album is the essence of Poussez! The single “Leave That Boy Alone” is from their second album released in 1980 and minus Ms. Wiltshire features Connie Harvey and Janet Wright. The production is less chic disco and more into the electronic 80’s disco camp. The sound is more camp edged and falsetto. The anticipation of the project is what maintains it as a remembered moment in disco history.
I have taken the 12” version of “Leave That Boy Alone” and reweaved a new ReStructure Mix and bring back Ms. Wiltshire in a cameo. The outline had a bit more of a dub conciseness and more play with the concept of the song.