ANOTHER REALM - a mystic disco move
ReStructure Mixes by Glenn Rivera, Video Mixes and Classic Disco Tracks
REISSUE: “Move Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margie M. Marie M. is an Italo-disco artist who released her only 12” single in 1987 where the A-side was a melodic dance track titled “China Boy” and the B-side a mystifying and moody number titled “Move Up”. The production by Cay Hume echoes the dance scene of the mid 80’s with the rolling bass and light keyboards. I focused more on the track “Move Up” since I enjoyed the early morning sound that emerges from it. I have always wanted to give it more of the fantasy it deserves. I have taken the 12” version of “Move Up” and reworked this lengthier and more destined journey in this ReStructure Mix. A familiar chant and some percussion are added from a classic which follows the same mood.
REISSUE: “Magic” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Five Sinners Italo-disco was a guiding force in dance music during the early 80’s. Many of the producers and artists worked at stripping away the large production ensemble and create a raw and simple sound based on the bass synthesizers and keyboard elements. It was a return to the early formula of disco music during its formulation in the early and mid-70’s. Five Sinners is a project from Giuliano Saglia and Silvio Trisolino from 1982 – and along with writer and arranger Celso Valli created a dance hall classic. During the late 70s when disco was rejected by major labels in the US many of the big hardcore dance tracks were becoming more of Italian, German and small label releases. “Magic” is one of the deep sounding tracks that resonate this period. It may have been influenced by groups like Change – yet the influence created its own sound. I have taken the 12” version of “Magic” and created a dreamier version using parts of two big 70’s pop-hits in this ReStructure Mix. There are a few DJ mix elements used to bring back that early morning feeling of being lost in the song and also some phasing and rearranging.
ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/21) “The Freeze” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Spandau Ballet
Spandau Ballet is one of the 80’s more successful New Romantic groups. Members include Gary Kemp, John Keeble, Martin Kemp, Steve Norman and Tony Hadley. Their first album titled “Journey To Glory” from 1981 was produced by Richard James Burgess. The single from the project titled “The Freeze” is their first synth-pop releases which outline the 80’s dance scene in vigor and excitement. The electronic elements are the influence of many years prior during the funk, disco and boogie layouts and only applied with a new goth-like edge. “The Freeze:” is a poetic sounding piece which always makes segues more exciting throughout the arrangement. A great dance number for a new layer of music to keep dance music alive.
I have taken the 12’ vocal and instrumental of ”The Freeze” and revamped a new ReStructure Mix for this special 80’s edition. The energy is guided throughout the new remix with only samples of what had originally existed.
REISSUE: "Night Rider" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - C.O.D. Giorgio Moroder fans will feel like they have stepped back into time - to the "Battlestar Galactica" LP by Moroder. This track is along the lines of the "Evolution" track. It is driving and solemn in it's own way. The guitars may remind you of the Emir Deodato track, "Shazam" - even the energy is similar. C.O.D. is a studio band that was released on Casablanca Record and Filmworks in 1979 - produced by Joe Falsia. This project featured "Night Rider" and "(Putting My) Heart On The Line" - 2 tracks that got momentous play in my club at the time. I have ReStructured "Night Rider" and took the 5 minute track into a longer and more satisfying mix. Dedicated to all of the Moroder fans who loved his innovative style and genius!
REISSUE: “Embraceable You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Westside Strutters Westside Strutters are a disco project from producer Ross Salome whose venture into the music of George and Ira Gershwin in a disco realm. The production is a sweet air of standards to a disco beat with funky guitars and a fabulous vocal by Carmen Twillie and Sue Raney. “Embraceable You” is part of the first movement from the album titled “Gershwin ‘79” – it is added to a medley including “The Man I Love”. The guitar riff in this arrangement moves the track as a hardcore disco number yet the vocal from Carmen Twillie gives the song its deserved sweetness. I have taken the album version of “Embraceable You” from the opening medley and transformed it into a ReStructure Mix to keep it unique. I have added new percussion to give the fast paced disco number to a lovely hypnotic piece. It is a great concept of what disco what know for best – transforming classic music into a renewed vehicle to introduce to a new audience and keep it alive.
REISSUE: "Love Magic" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - John Davis and The Monster Orchestra SAM records was John Davis' home base for creating his style of disco music. Taking on the mixing elements being used for discotheques, Davis found himself creating orchestrations for conga filled rhythm lines. His earlier hit, "Ain't That Enough For You" became a club standard and today a classic. "Love Magic" is the definition of Davis' best. It contains an infectious bass line and some of the funkiest guitar licks. ReStructured to keep the magic alive!
REISSUE: "It Doesn't Only Happen At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cissy Houston Cissy Houston is one of disco music long-time vocals including sessions with Sweet Inspirations, Zulema, Herbie Mann, Bionic Boogie, Michael Zager Band and Love Child's Afro Cuban Blues Band. Her 1980 album "Step Aside For A Lady" is another disco project from producer, Michael Zager and contains two of the big disco tracks of that year: "You're The Fire" and "It Doesn't Only Happen At Night". I have the album version of "It Doesn't Only Happen At Night" and have given it a few lifts here and there - including a new intro and break-beat to make those horns and funky guitars sound even deeper. This is one of favorite from Cissy who reined during the disco era with "Think It Over". This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay - and done per their wonderful request and advice to keep those great disco tracks alive!
ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/21) “Satisfied” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Allen
Donna Allen takes the 80’s by “funk force” in 1986 with her album “Perfect Timing” – produced by Lou Pace and injected with his beat master arrangements. “Satisfied” is one of the singles from the project which plays out like a sensual call to a lover where Allen plays it with a bit of dare and lots of promises. One of the funk moments of the 80’s when the arrival of a new voice and energy was obvious. This one beats into a nice groove and then plays out with Donna’s wonderful soulful performance.
I have taken the 12” vocal and dub version of “Satisfied” and replanted a heavy thumpin’ bass beat to give this ReStructure Mix a touch of that early am dance floor mystique. It takes on a whole new feel and gives the purpose a new edge.
This one is dedicated to Ray Duran Jr. who requested the work on this classic. Thanks, Ray and as always, you are so right!
REISSUE: "Disco Express - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise Plastic Surprise is producer, Peter DiMlo and his concept of what disco music is - a driving energy for dancing feet to appreciate. His past work including Erotic Drum Band, Extensive Care, and Pussycats are the framework of great Canadian disco music. "Disco Express" from the "Bang Bang" project feature the fabulous Sweethearts of Sigma (Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, Evette Benton) guiding us through a disco fantasy. I have taken the Canadian 12" single and recreated a ReStructure Mix addign some elements that may be familiar to retro-television fans. Mixing the track in-and-out of a journey for disco lovers everywhere! Dance! Shout! Freak Out! Dedicated to the very talented, disco producer, Mr. Peter DiMilo!
ReStructure Mix Update (3/28/21) “One Less Bell To Answer” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pearly Gates
Pearly Gates (Viola Billups) is a vocalist from the early 70’s whose career leads her into the arms of high energy producers, Ian Levine and Steven Wagner. Their 1989 rendition of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic “One Less Bell To Answer” (originally sung by Marilyn McCoo) is brought to life here in this moving dance version. The tracks is a solid piece of heartbreak with great lyrics and preface which makes this venture an win for Pearly and those who can’t get enough of the swirling ballads turned to high energy anthems. It plays out with allot of keyboards pounding out the rhythms and Pearly playing the femme fetal in this episode.
I have taken the 12” version of “One Less Bell To Answer” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix for this return to the drama. A slight twist of the original instrumental is added for a fade in and out of this heart wrenching work.
REISSUE: “We’re The Right Combination” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – French Kiss French Kiss is a studio band created by producer Simon Soussan in 1979 and features Jessica Williams, Lamarr Stevens, Muffi Durham and Yvette Johnson. The success of his group Arpeggio gave him another opportunity to give dancers another explosive disco outline in his symphonic and electronic driven style. “We’re The Right Combination”: is a track from the project which stands out once again thanks to the soft-vibrato vocals which Soussan us known for in his productions. This love song is a wonderful serenade and keeps moving along with the strings tweaking at the breaks. The album titled “Panic!” is one of the great releases of 1979 and maintains the magic of the disco era. I have taken the album version of “We’re The Right Combination” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix giving it a new intro and some play with the verse. There is an extended use of the handclap groove that moves throughout this new arrangement.
REISSUE: “I Wanna Be Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rose Rose is Elena Ferretti and a disco project from Italo-disco producer Giacomo Maiolini. The Italo-disco movement was one which helped to preserve the disco dance floor feel as well as create several new facets of dance music. High energy music soon became to being as this style of music morphed into a new influence. “I Wanna Be Your Love” is the fifth single by Rose and is one of the most beautiful. It is lyrical and also pumps enough synth and keyboard expertise to make a dance floor take notice. The vocal is a sweetness that is one of the assets of Italo-disco which made its own success. I have taken the original import 12” vocal version of “I Wanna Be Your Love” and created a new blossoming ReStructure Mix. This one uses parts of the original to make a new statement in a dub-like manner. More breaks and flowing edits make it an new dance experience.
ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/21) “Stars On 45” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stars on 45
Stars On 45 is an 80’s dance project produced by Dutch producer Jaag Eggermont and was inspired by a popular disc jockey medley titled “Bits and Pieces III – Let’s Do It Again” from 1980. The medley was a mix of various hits – disco, pop and rock blended over the beat/clap track of “Nanu, Nanu (I Wanna Funky Wich You” by Daddy Dewdrops. The medley was extended in the Stars On 45 version and released in several volumes featuring many genres of music and artists. It was a successful venture for the period and brought back the attention to many past pop hits.
I have taken the opening segues to the Stars On 45 medley’s and recreated a separate mic for this ReStructure Mix. Using parts of each and adding new percussion to give the new layout some energy.
REISSUE: "Fear" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Easy Going Easy Going released their second LP in 1980 titled, "Fear" - this marked a period of innovation in the alternative electronic disco chamber. The title track was well known by the peculating effects that linger throughout the track and of course the ominous "blood curdling scream" direct from our Halloween sound effects album from our childhood. The production was executed by Giancarlo Meo (Vivian Vee, Caludio Cecchetto, Capricorn, Queen Elle, David Zed) and assisted by Claudio Simonetti - the remaining tracks from this project are along the Euro-disco influence on Italo-disco. But, "Fear" remains one of the most incredible tracks and always stands alone on the dance floor. This ReStructure Mix gives way to an alternative mix with more breaks and a whole new series of effects to pump the mystery from this die-hard. Requested by Rene S. from The Netherlands and dedicated to his never ending support and love for the beat of disco music!
REISSUE: "Rofo's Theme" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rofo Rofo is Ronny Verrept and Fonny De Wolf (Charity, Samantha Gilles, Michael Bow, Bianca). The first single from Rofo from 1983 "Flashlight On A Disco Night" egnited a new high energy sound in electronic music - followed by "I Want You" and "You Got To Move It On". A blend of rolling synthesizers and male/lounge-like vocals. "Rofo's Theme" is an instrumental track from 1987 which brought dance floors to their feet with it's fast furious keyboards and rolling-rolling bass sequencers. This on has always reminded me of "a day at the horse races" - it has that much energy! I have ReStructured the original 12" remix version and created an extended flowing intro and then had some fun chopping and re arranging much of the keyboard bridges and segues.
REISSUE: "Disco Kicks" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Boystown Gang Bill Motley brought the resurgence of disco to life in 1981 when no one believed it was possible. One of his first being "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"/"Remember Me" Medley from the Boystown Gang's first LP which featured Cynthia Manley on lead vocals. On his follow up project he broke down the concept with more of a high energy feel - focusing on a few covers from soul to classic easy listening songs to "Disco Kicks" (which was originally recorded by The Original Mass). This track pumped over and over and kept dance floors jumping all over again. It was pure excitement. I have taken Motley simple production and broke it into many pieces and then placed it together in this ReStructure Mix - it has a new flavor and arrangement. This one is dedicated to all of the die-hard high energy disco lovers who just can't get enough "kicks"!
ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/21) “I Only Have Eyes For You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bonnie Forman
Bonnie Forman is a high energy project from Bobby Orlando from the early 80’s and during the reformation of dance music. Bonnie had a single released in 1982 titled “Walk Away” which charted very well on the dance charts and drew some attention to her raspy and rock edged vocal delivery. Here in this cover of The Flamingo’s classic “I Only Have Eyes For You” she gives another edge to the song which blends Bobby Orlando’s hardcore synthesizer and heavy percussion as a tough and raw love song – almost as a hard rock version would. This one is quite a surprise where an odd approach works in more than one way. Bonnie’s version was a welcome to those who wanted that 80’s edge and a rough of the upcoming high energy feel that was new for the period.
I have taken the vocal and instrumental of “I Only Have Eyes For You” and reedited a new ReStructure Mix for this winding and punchy version. There is a touch of the original doo-wop version injected to give those who love the piece another chance to find themselves lost in it again.
REISSUE: “Dancing Is Alright" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - THP
THP (Three Hats Productions) are the sound of producers Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison who also brought us The Duncan Sisters, Skatt Brothers, Sticky Fingers, The Immortals and Southern Exposure. A bold blaring sound for disco music which helped to bring the power of the big “orchestral’ band sound. THP is a project not only based on their name but each project dedicated to a new sound for a new vocalist: Barbara Fry on “Two Hot For Love” – The Duncan Sisters on “Tender Is The Night” and Joyce Cobb on “Good To Me”.
I have taken the fierce track “Dancing Is Alright” from the “Good To Me” album and reworked it into a new ReStructure Mix for some looped action and fun with segments. One powerful disco album where each track stands on its own. A die-hard piece of vinyl for me!
REISSUE: "Take It To The Zoo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sunshine Sunshine are Donna Summer's sisters. Dara Bernard and Mary Bernard - they began as back-up for Donna during her few projects prior to the release of the "Thank God It's Friday" soundtrack. The project was produced by Arthur G. Wright (Paul Jabara, Rare Gems Odyssey and also from the soundtrack "Leatherman's Theme" from Wright Brother Flying Machine). The track is one of the memorable tracks not only the way it plays out "The Zoo" disco from the film - but also it's funk production and disco strings. The Bernard Sisters do a great job at giving a performance which is laid back, but also encompasses the energy of disco of late 70s.
REISSUE: “That’s Where The Happy People Go” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Trammps The Trammps are a soul ensemble from the 60’s whose influence of disco music is a great memory for many who experienced the transition in the mid-70s of soul/Philly blend to a club/disco feel. Their 1976 hit “Disco Inferno” is still an iconic piece of dance music. “That’s Where The Happy People Go” from the album by the same name is another anthem which brings a groove which helped to make dance floor intentity with both the music as well as the discotheque scene. I have taken the 12” version of “That’s Where The Happy People Go” and worked a new ReStructure Mix to bring out that hand-clappin’ groove with a new arrangement and a few added breaks. The chorus is one of the great tie-line with the mid-70s scene and brings back the excitement all over again.
REISSUE: “Have A Good Time” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Salsoul Orchestra The Salsoul Orchestra released their project “How High” in 1978 and featured tracks produced by Colin Horton Jennings, Steve O’ Donnell, Ron Baker, Bunny Sigler and Ron Tyson. The dance number “Have A Good Time” is one of the songs which brought another bump to dance floors with its anthem flavor and homage to the disco scene. The track features The Sweethearts of Sigma (Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benson) on vocals and a funky groove with that Salsoul arrangement. I have taken the album version of “Have A Good Time” and reworked a ReStructure Mix to give the track a new facelift with some familiar percussion and repeat that “disco chant” with evidence that an era of uplifting energy will always bring to mind not only a great memory but continue to mesmerize us with rhythm.