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ReStructure Mixes by Glenn Rivera, Video Mixes and Classic Disco Tracks
ReStructure Mix Update (2/27/21) “Give Me Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fun Fun
Fun Fun is one of the early Italo-disco sensations whom helped to pave the road for the new fusion of dance music. Their light hearted sound and lyrical dance numbers are the sound of disco music magic with a new edge for the 80’s. Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s the ensemble has maintained their connection to dancers and dance music “Give Me Love” is their single from 1989 and follows the Italo-house movement of the time. Produced by Roberto Ferrante, Alvaro Ugolini and Dario Raimondo and one of the most complete of Fun Fun’s essence. The simple love song soars with their signature style of vocals and rolling synthesizers giving feet and the heart a reason to move. One of the songs in their repertoire that make me excited to bring this project back into the light,
I have taken the 12” House Mix and Hi NRG Mix of “Give Me Love” to a ReStructure Mix to a new energy. Using the bass and bongo loops in more of a foundation for the new version and adding some new breaks.
REISSUE: “Let’s Make It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vallerie Allington Valerie Allington is an Italo-disco artist from the early 80’s who was introduced with a track titles “Stop” released in 1982. This experimental and innovative time was perfect for Italian producer Sangy to work his 70’s influenced keyboards into the new Italian disco sound. “Let’s Make It” is her second release from 1984 also produced by Sangy and every bit as exciting and powerful. This is an uplifting message of love put into a reverberating love song that follows the edge of Kraftwerk with pieces of their hit “Numbers”. This pretty much has it all for the time period as it was always requested and I kept it alive throughout the year. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions of “Let’s Make It” and focused on a percussive foundation to represent a carnival experience. The breaks are dragged out until the groove jumps right back at the floor. It is quite a great time for this song and feeling.
REISSUE: “Get On Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Suzy Q Suzy Q is a dance music project from Jerry Cucuzzella – a Canadian disco producer who is known for his work on the 1979 project Nightlife Unlimited on Casablanca Records. His dedication to disco and dance music continued throughout the 80’s with projects like Suzy Q where in this edition of “Get On Up” is vocalist Michelle Mills (Mizz). “Get On Up” is from the album titled “Get On Up And Do It Again” released in 1981 and is another one of the infectious grooves that continued to move dance floors in the early 80’s with the disco tradition. The vocals by Michelle Mills are quite delicious in that they flow with a sensual edge yet deliver that overpowering and definitive party mood. One of my many favorites from Suzy Q and a great way to start any weekend. I have taken the vocal and instrumental versions of the 12’ of “Get On Up” and recreated a new party for this ReStructure Mix. I have used some of my favorite pieces of the song and added a few new riffs and breaks along the way.
REISSUE: “Mandrill” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patrick Colby Patrick Colby is an Italo-disco project from producers Alex Cundari and Max Sierra. The single was released in 1985 and was an Italo-disco number in the mature stages of high energy and the rolling hypnotic sequencers weaving patterns. “Mandrill” is a story about a tough kid who falls into a new world when he is free on the dance floor. The energy here is nice and blends into the pop-iconic vocals which Patrick amerces himself into when the chorus rides into a nice crescendo. One of the mid-tempo gems for my club of the time and a favorite of mine which I always remember from the sweet melody. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Mandrill” and reapplied a new arrangement for this ReStructure Mix. A new break with a guest appearance by Tito Puente is added to give the Latin fantasy some reality.
REISSUE: "Breakaway" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Watson Beasley Watson Beasley are Alfred Beasley and Gina Watson - an incredible duo from 1980 - their LP "Watson Beasley" produced by Peter Alves and Watson Beasley. "Breakaway" is the big hit from the album and has become a classic at the end of the disco era. It remains one of the most loved high energy/disco tracks for many disco connoisseurs. The vocals always brought to mind an Ashford and Simpson-like driving disco energy sound. I have taken the album version (not the 12" remix) and ReStructured a longer and more break injected mix for the lovers of this monster hit. Dedicated to Mr. Alfred Beasley and sending lots of good energy and thanks for your talent!
ReStructure Mix Update (2/27/21) “Ice Cream Castles” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Time
The Time is Morris Day, Jesse Johnson and Jerry Hubbard – one of the 80’s leading funk-dance ensembles. This band was produced by The Starr Company who is also 80’s artist Prince and his dedication to keeping new talent rolling. “Ice Cream Castles” is from their album by the same name released in 1984 and following their appearance in the film “Purple Rain” which brought them into focus. This track always gave me attention from the first beats with its wobbly bass effect over driving funk drums. It is one of the elements of the song that makes it a dance floor hit from the start. The tale here is a lyrical fantasy of falling in love and comparing it to an enchanted placed where the wonderful dreams overflow. One of the magical pieces of this one is the connection to Prince’s organization and talent yet maintains its own. A great number from the 80s and The Time and another salute to the dance/funk of the period.
I have taken the album version of “Ice Cream Castles” and reworked the groove which was something I welcomed for this ReStructure Mix. The double vinyl was the only way to play out this one during its time which always made the dance floor or stand up patrons catch on to the groove also.
REISSUE: "Marisa" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine Machine is August Darnell, Clare Bathé, Jay Stovall, Kevin Nance, Lonnie Ferguson and Melvin Lee - their big disco hit "There But For The Grace Of God (Go I)" was one of the most innovative and intense dance floor tracks on of it's time. The first LP was a nice production from August Darnell (who also gave us Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Gichy Dan's Beachwood #9, and Don Armando's Second Avenue Rumba Band. The second single from their first self-titled album was "Marisa" - one of my favorites! I have taken the 12" version of "Marisa" and used the funky-keyboards and groovy guitars to create a whole new ReStructure Mix for this bass-thumping love song.
REISSUE: "Star Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cheryl Lynn One of the most incredible vocal performances is Cheryl bringing us into another galaxy and time. I have taken the original tracks and reworked the arrangement focusing on guitar hooks and an ambient flavored back up. I attempted to breakdown the energy from the original 12" mixes which takes off shortly following Cheryl's intro - a new reverse feel hopefully adds a new experience.
REISSUE: "Shame" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Evelyn "Champagne" King Thee "classic" disco tune which reshaped the disco mix. Produced by T. Life and Warren Schatz. This cut explodes each time it is played and I have taken the original mix to a new extreme with some new percussion fills and a intro beat track. Evelyn's vocals are the main stay in the song but the instrumentation is mere genius.
REISSUE: “You Fooled Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Grey and Hanks Grey and Hanks are Len Ron Hanks and Zane Grey. This duo was most known for songs written for L.T.D., Jerry Butler and Jean Terrell to name a few. In 1978 they ventured into recording their music and adding to the disco realm and soulful blend of disco tracks. “Dancin’” was their big hit from 1978 and gave them a standing which lead to “You Fooled Me” which is from the album with the same title. This one is the disco blend of funk and soul which brings the 70’s to a head for the completeness of the dance floor. A nice production that lingers on with plenty of guitars and percussion to make the disco rhythms complete. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a new ReStructure Mix to outline this classic sound. More downbeats are added to give the new edit more drive and energy.
ReStructure Mix Update (2/26/21) “Dance In America” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Boogie People
Boogie People are Bruno Perri, Yves Charbonneau and Vincent Ciambrone. This Canadian based project is a disco extravaganza with the focus on percussion and a bass groove along with the showgirl chorus celebrating an era of dance. “Dance In America” is the studio ensembles first project and plays out like a disco anthem. This may have been the last of the crescendos of the disco era and plays out quite dramatically as such. A stripped down production with the feel of a Euro-disco piece.
I have taken the 12” version of “Dance In America” and rewired the feel of this track for a new ReStructure Mix. I used the percussion once again as the mainframe and added only a few more rearranging of the chorus girl segments.
REISSUE: "Beat Of The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Fever This was the project which may have encompassed all that was disco and everyone who pulled disco throughout the 80's. Featuring Patrick Cowley on synthesizers and Tip Wirrick (Sylvester) on guitar The Waters (Clydene, Julian, and Maxine) on vocals and produced by Dale Reed, Marty Blechman (Megatone Records) and John Hedges (Lisa, Shawn Benson, etc.). Complete and complex. This LP was a non-stop dancing fest of energy and anything that was "disco". The title cut, "Beat Of The Night" made everyones top 10 list during this time. Released in 1979 on Fantasy Records, this one was a powerhouse and remains one of the top favorite among disco collectors. I have put off many times ReStructuring "Beat Of The Night" not sure how to polish this one even more. Using the beat track alone to enhance the breaks was my turn without wanting to damage the original sound. Not too much but arranging and looping to keep this one in it's somewhat original form. Dedicated to DJ Joey Luciano, Kerim, Alan and Rick from "Back To Disco" -long live "The Beat"!
REISSUE: "Don't Lose That Number (Mumbo Jumbo)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie Gregg Diamond's Bionic Boogie was a sign of thing to come in 1977 - disco music had begun to take it form and shape with many of the soulful recordings - it was the glitter that the strings, bass and light celebratory themes added to create the real atmosphere. The samba is "Mumbo Jumbo" in "Don't Lose That Number" and the production from Gregg Diamond's magic along with Brad Baker is now history. The vocals are provided by Gwen Guthrie, Zach Sanders and Yolanda McCullough - who at the time were session singers. The track is bright and has a feel of uplifting power when it reaches the ever building chorus. It is also the start of Gregg Diamond's ability to take parts of grooves and crescendos and work a track around them. I have taken the LP version and have given it a fading into and then extended the verses and that fabulous Fender Rhodes piano, which sounds familiar to Diamond's magic with Andrea True Connection's "More More More". This song has always been a favorite and this opportunity gives it an extended and alternate version.
REISSUE: “Disco Power” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – U.N. U.N. is a disco project from producer Tony Green who also delivered classic by France Joli, Freddie James, Norma Lewis, Geraldine Hunt, Caroline Bernier and many early disco and high energy projects. This production features the lead vocals of Goldie Alexander (“Show You My Love”) and backing are The Sweethearts of Sigma (Barbra Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton). “Disco Power” is the first release and pulls a punch with its tribute to the music of the time which created a unity and lasting feeling of good energy and celebration. This one is the essence of the energy which disco music became from the mid and late 70s. I have taken the album version of “Disco Power” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix which adds more of the riffs in places where it pumps more energy out of this geyser of disco percussion, handclaps and bass. It is a tribute to Tony Green and Denis Le Page who arranged this powerhouse album.
ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/21) “Don’t You Want Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jody Watley
Jody Watley is one of the artists from the 70’s who successfully transformed herself into funk singers who made a light of her own career. From her first appearance as a “Soul Train dancer” and then onto being a member of one of the most exciting disco groups of the late 70’s – Shalamar. Throughout the 70’s it seemed as though her singing career had become the worthy investment and in the 80’s her solo career was the big win. “Don't You Want Me” is from her first solo project and was produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic. This track is one of the most iconic pieces which give off Jody’s aura of a gentle sweetness and yet a hard hitting funk edge. One of my favorites of mine from productions to the last vocal piece it is hypotonic.
I have taken the 12” club version, dub and vocal dub into a dreamy like arrangement for this ReStructure Mix of “Don’t You Want Me”. There is an added hint of Jody’s past and also a few new breakdowns and a fade.
ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/21) “Don’t You Want Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jody Watley
Jody Watley is one of the artists from the 70’s who successfully transformed herself into funk singers who made a light of her own career. From her first appearance as a “Soul Train dancer” and then onto being a member of one of the most exciting disco groups of the late 70’s – Shalamar. Throughout the 70’s it seemed as though her singing career had become the worthy investment and in the 80’s her solo career was the big win. “Don't You Want Me” is from her first solo project and was produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic. This track is one of the most iconic pieces which give off Jody’s aura of a gentle sweetness and yet a hard hitting funk edge. One of my favorites of mine from productions to the last vocal piece it is hypotonic.
I have taken the 12” club version, dub and vocal dub into a dreamy like arrangement for this ReStructure Mix of “Don’t You Want Me”. There is an added hint of Jody’s past and also a few new breakdowns and a fade.
REISSUE: “The Glamorous Life” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sheila E. Sheila E. brought a wall of percussion into her brand of synth-funk. Her album “In The Glamorous Life” released in 1984 was a great entrance for the former Prince band member. “The Glamorous Life” is one of the big dance floor movers of the time and the horn riffs and rhythmic bells, drums and congas make it an infectious move. This was another turning point in dance music in the pop arena. Sheila E. has peaked with Prince and The Revolution entourage with a great energy and dedication. The mid 80s were made for the ever-changing sound of dance music especially as you can feel here. I have taken the 12” vocal and “Part II” of “The Glamorous Life” and reworked a new layout for this event. More of the loops and edit create more of the dub feel and deliver a new stage for this number.
REISSUE: "Good, Good Feelin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - WAR WAR is a soul/funk band which started in the early 70s out of Southern California. Their producer Jerry Goldstein brought them into the recording music scene and the rest has only benefited our ears and feet. "Good, Good Feelin'" is from their "The Music Band" LP and the second big disco single from the band. I have ReStructured the 12" single version by request of Mario (DJ Teacher) and dedicated this re-working of a great dance number to him!
ReStructure Mix Update (2/24/21) “(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Modern Rocketry
Modern Rocketry is Morey Goldstein and Ken Kessie. Their disco project from the early 80’s is a studio ensemble keeping dance floors moving with an electronic arrangement and a new energy. “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” is a cover of the Paul Revere and The Raiders 1966 rock song in a bass rolling arrangement. The 12” version was a top pick for a changing sound in the early 80’s and in the wake of new-wave and pop rockabilly releases of the time. The San Francisco Disco edge here is the sound that Megatone Records used throughout the 80’s in various production and artists.
I have taken the 12” vocal version of “(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone” and reworked this ReStructure Mix for a new turn in placement and arrangement. I have utilized the cowbell percussion to the hilt for more of a pulse in this new version.
REISSUE: “One More Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Oh, Romeo Bobby Orlando took the 80s into his concept of a full on electronic dance production and with his heavy percussion accenting his heavy beats this sound became a necessity. Oh, Romeo is one of the projects from Bobby Orlando with a wall of keyboards and upfront percussion. “One More Shot” is their single from 1985 and plays out as one of the most energetic numbers of the time as a high energy track. The vocals are always somewhat familiar and lyrics are unimportant. This music is for dancing where the only thing understood should be the bass line and drum fills. I have taken “One More Shot” in the ReStructure Mix arena since it is one of the big movers for me of the time in my club. This replay is re-edited to give the original arrangement a touch more boom and shake. More looping of those simple sequencer tracks and a touch of dub mix to pay tribute to the high energy genre and its roots.
REISSUE: “Shotgun” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Sabu Paul Sabu placed the cherry u-top the disco sundae. His productions with Debbie Jacobs, Sister Power, Gwen Jonae and Ann Margret are the most complete sound which is disco music in the late 70’s. The funky guitars and sweeping strings bring the disco fantasy to life. His solo projects are arranged and positioned as a rock-disco production and they play out in that glam rock edge in a disco finale. “Shotgun” is a single Paul wrote, arranged and performs in his power and unforgettable appeal. A disco dance floor at 4 am I can remember not only feeling but coming to life again after a long night of dancing. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Shotgun” and created this stage-explosion for a new ReStructure Mix. Using that rolling bass and Paul’s rhythm and lead guitars to lead us on once again, another journey.
REISSUE: “Number One Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – J.D. Hall J.D. Hall is a vocalist from California who covers rock, blues, r&b and high energy in his repertoire. A powerful which currently play out as a tribute to the great Barry White. “Number One Lover” is an electronic high energy single from 1985 and features a production from Sebastian Rayas who cleverly striped down the basics of high energy presenting it in his own package in the mid and late 80s. J.D.’s deep and breathy vocals add a mystique to Rayas’ eerie like keyboard arrangement. This is one of those mid-80’s high energy classics that still spell out the period. I have taken the JDC 12” original and instrumental to create this ReStructure Mix and deliver another form of excitement which leads to the fast moving sound of high energy along with some of the elements which make up my touch on these classic pieces. This one was a floor packer and always brings a great feeling to mind when hearing it. Long live HIGH ENERGY!
REISSUE: "Shoot Your Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Divine Divine is a disco “must”. His persona is what cult disco is all about. A combination of camp, glitter, outrageousness and fabulous beats make these recordings a classic piece of disco history. Producer Bobby Orlando painted a raw and edgy backdrop for Divine and let the glam go. “Native Love (Step By Step)” from 1982 is the first single I can remember hearing for the first time and never let go of this sound. It was the start of high energy and a hold on the disco sound. “Shoot Your Shot” is more like the dreamy feel of disco with the 2 elements – drums and synthesizer – like fire and water. I have taken the 12” version of “Shoot Your Shot” and recreated a ReStructure Mix that plays out like a Saturday night dance floor sweat competition. I have taken more of the recognizable pieces and parts and resembled it with a focus on the energy and mood. This one loops and phases its way into the peak hour.
ReStructure Mix Update (2/23/21) “Garden Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Don Ray
Don Ray (Raymond Donnez) is an arranger and musician who are well known as one of the pioneers of the European disco sound as it progressed in the mid and late 70’s. Along with Cerrone and Alec R. Costandinos this man achieved a notation in the creative process of symphonic disco productions. “Garden Of Love” is the title track to the 1978 project produced by Cerrone and Don Ray along with many other talents from the Euro-disco pool including Madeline Bell, George Rodi, Ray Cooper, Kay Garner, Mo Foster and Sue Glover. This number is one of the nice Calypso-disco feel rhythms with a smooth vocal provided by Lee Rich and Rob King. One song that was least to receive the play due to the big disco energy pieces “Got To Have Loving” and “Standing In The Rain” but every bit as exciting and worthy.
I have taken the album version of “Garden Of Love”: and worked on playing more on a down beat in this ReStructure Mix. The aura of the smooth and whimsical melody is intact with more of a kick-drum rhythm track placed to give it a new energy.
REISSUE: “Roller Boogie” by Voggue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Voggue is a disco group created by Denis Lepage and featured Denyse Lepage on vocals. The duo was known as Lime and taking over discotheques quickly with their new brand of high energy dance music. “Roller Boogie” is the B-side to their big 1981 hit, “Dancin’ The Night Away” which quickly established the band on many club playlists. I have taken the 1979 disco musical film, “Roller Boogie” starring Linda Blair and Jim Bray and blended it with the high energy disco piece. The segments of the disco skate world minus the drama create a nice flow for the mode and feel of the Canadian disco work! The film was directed by Mark L. Lester Featuring scenes from “Roller Boogie” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Move On Up” by Destination – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Destination is a disco project from Elton Farokh Ahi from the height of the disco explosion with an album titled “From Beginning To End” – which played out the scene as a theme for wanting dance floors. The first release is a disco cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” which soon became the soundtrack for many dance floors. A fantastic production and assemblage featuring Danny Lugo on lead vocals and Kathy Bradley and Lovechyle Theus on backup. I have taken “Move On Up” into a Disco Video Mix and playfully added clips and parts of the theme from “The Jefferson’s” – the CBS television comedy starting Isabel Sanford and Sherman Helmsley. The themes are sailing in the same direction and with a little play back and forth on both episode themes – mainly the big disco attic theme in season five – it is most fitting. Featuring scenes from “The Jefferson’s” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons