NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Shake It Up, Shake It Up"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Managers
ReStructure Mixes by Glenn Rivera, Video Mixes and Classic Disco Tracks
ReStructure MixUpdate (4/30/21) “Mar de la Tranquilidad” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Azuly Negro
Azul y Negro is
an electronic band whose place in the 80’s became a wall of sweeping
synthesizers pouring into a robotic mixture. Their big hit from 1982 titled “The
Night” is one of the underground club pieces that resonate over and over. “Le
Edad De Los Colores” is their project from 1981 and contains the instrumental “Mar
de la Tranquilidad” which sounds like a spaghetti western soundtrack put to a
disco arrangement. It is a wonderful fantasy play and gives Azul y Negro their
style for giving disco music an artistic slant in the 80’s.
I have taken the
12” version of “Mar de la Tranquilidad” and reworked the mysterious guitar segments
into a new ReStructure Mix. There are breaks that are new and give the musical
piece a club underground touch.
REISSUE: "1-2-3" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Salazar Salazar is a disco band created by David Perry ("Keep On Walking" by Carrie Laporte) and features covers of 50s and 60s classics. "1-2-3" from their first LP was a big hit in clubs at the end of 1979 and continued on the disco energy tradition. The original was recorded by Len Barry in 1965. I have taken the original 12" version from City Records in Canada and cut and re-worked a whole new ReStructure Mix - there is a lot more vocal and the breaks are broken down the the start to the completion of the finale countdown!
REISSUE: “Summing Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Electric Mind Luciana Cirrillo and Michele Violante are the Italian group Electric Mind. Along with producer Andrea Candelora a venture to bring a New York funk edge to Italo-disco began its ringing throughout clubs. Inspired by bands like Change and Chic there is an electronic take on the funky guitars and electro vibe here. “Summing Up” from 1982 is their first release and a big long time floor packer in my club. This one has the smooth piano riffs that many tracks were incorporating and Electric Mind placed them to complete a jazz air. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a ReStructure Mix with more play and extended portions of the great streamline production. A catchy riff in the chorus and plenty of beat and groove to move onto a new era of dance without the need for change.
ReStructure Mix Update (4/24/21) “Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Snoopy
Snoopy is an Italo-disco project from Franco Finotti, Massimo Monti and Vincenzo Giuffrè from 1982 on the Il Discotto Productions label. This single is an early Italian dance track which plays out with funky rhythm guitars and deep beats. This one is an innovative approach for Italo-disco where many of the projects focused on synthesizers and keyboards to guide the groove. The break downs are infectious and give off an endless energy to this rack.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Dance” and shaved away much of the chorus and replaced it with edits of the guitars and beat elements for this ReStructure Mix. This new version is more like a dub with the best of the tracks taken apart and fused together in a new way.
REISSUE: “Celebration” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang Kool and The Gang took the dance floor in 1970 when they released their first album. Their dedication to soul music and the eventual transformation of it into many genres and style throughout the 70’s, 80’s and even today. ”Celebration” is their big 1980 hit which made an impact from its release and is now an old school classic. Co-produced by Eumir Deodato and displays his signature keyboard riffs and play. The song has made dance floors feel the excitement that is an ingredient here and in many of Kool and The Gangs soulful club records. I have taken the album version – both vocal and instrumental to recreate the peak of the “Celebration” in this ReStructure Mix. It moves into a whole new realm of execution and is most definitely a play of the songs content.
REISSUE: "Too Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kool and The Gang Kool and The Gang worked with pop/jazz producer Eumir Deodato in 1979 for their LP "Ladies Night - not only the title track became a hit - but the follow up the single, "Too Hot" also became a hit. The track uses a simplified jazz and pop arrangement with a fusion of disco sweetness to relay it's message. I have taken the song and played with it's LP mix to create a morning feel and add some heavy duty dance floor elements. It was all in a thought and it meant to bring a new breath of life to the song.
REISSUE: "Open Sesame" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kool and The Gang From the 1976 LP by the same title - "Open Sesame" is a funk fantastic track! This one was featured in the soundtrack for "Saturday Night Fever" the following year. it still strike a chord as one of the most infectious funk/soul/disco tracks of all time. Produced by K.G. Productions, Claydes Smith and Ronald Bell This ReStructure takes the track deeper into a mystical energy that enslaves any dancer to move to the genie as the run the floor with their feet!
REISSUE: "Get Down On It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang Kool and The Gang began as a jazz ensemble and then becoming a funk band when their recording career began in 1970. Known for the hardcore funk of the early 70s with sings like “Hollywood Swinging” and “Jungle Boogie” which were each statement and are now classics. The transition of funk to a disco appeal was no problem with this group which took their music to a pop-dance status during the early 80s.”Get Down On It” is a formula which follows their work with legendary artist and producer Emuir Deodato who took the disco beat and worked a new brand of funk. This one is now a standard among radio and dance music enthusiast. I have taken the 12” remix version of “Get Down On It” and directed the groove at a more dub-like and underground feel using segment and new beats in this ReStructure Mix. The transformation is completed with use of the stomping groove which Deodato works out like the disco formula keeping the funk alive.
REISSUE: "Ladies Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang Kool and The Gang are the funk behind the disco groove. Their big hit from 1976 “Open Sesame” transformed their blaring horns and wah-wah guitars into the dance floors movement from 70s soul and funk into disco with more reasons to be on the dance floor. The band has always focused on providing an upbeat rhythmic and percussive movement in its formula throughout the funk years and the disco wave is accented by the masterful touches of jazz and funk of producer Eumir Deodato. A whole new life and groove was opened for Kool and The Gang – beginning with “Ladies Night”. A big disco funk record which was released and stamped with old school classic. The vocal layering is spread evenly and for slickness. A nice peak for funk during the disco boom. I have taken the album version of “Ladies Night” and placed it on the ReStructure Mix work bench to give this party a new door to enter. This time around the party is on with more percussion and heavy heels stomping with excitement. Thanks to Donato’s keyboards there is always that breakdown where a simple riff is like gold. This one is homage to that sound that made dance floors feel like together we move – divided, the parties over.
ReStructure Mix Update (4/23/21) “Follow Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Real Man
Real Man is Jan Vanroelen and Theo Linder – an 80’s electronic group who released three singles from 1988 – 1990. “Follow Me” from 1988 is a cover of the Amanda Lear disco classic which is created with heavy downbeats and a steel plate driven keyboard arrangement which sounds a bit Belgium Beat with a high energy twist. The vocals are also a nice take with a whispery male vocal recreating the Faust-ian tale of the dark side and a convincing lure into selling ones soul for pleasure. This take is one of the musty welcomed of the time as it not only follows closely on the original – but it also adds to it with the heavy beats and its mysterious sound.
I have taken the 12” versions of Real Man’s “Follow Me” and revisited the track with a new edit for the piece. There is a longer intro into the swirling sound of this temptation. A few new drop off section provide the new breaks.
REISSUE: “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gayle Adams Gayle Adams is an important artist from the Prelude Records roster. In the mid and late 70s Prelude was focused on bringing the new sounds of disco music to the clubs and dedicated their artists in this direction. As the close of the disco era became more of a reality the label focused their touch on the funk dance scene and in their own flavor became the New York funk sound in the early 80s with singers like Gayle and bands like Unlimited Touch and Secret Weapon. “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” gave this artist an opportunity to display the beauty of her soulful and slick sound. This anthem became quite the stir of a new and funk driven sound being produced by Willie Lester and Rodney Brown. The track has the sweetness of essence of disco with a funk infused rhythm. One of the big shifts in dance music during the early 80s. I have taken the album version of “Your Love Is A Lifesaver” and retraced the funk mix from Kiss FM into this ReStructure Mix. Making the message more of a reassurance to Gayle’s beautiful vocal there are edits and loops which are elements to pump more energy into this funk-tastic number.
REISSUE: "I Will Follow Him” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudja Barry Claudja Barry is one of the icons of the disco era. Her music has always been aimed at the dance floor and we are so grateful. A unique falsetto voice with a sensual lure is not the only asset this diva possesses – her stage presence is always powerful and dull of energy. A few of her big hits include, “Sweet Dynamite”, “Boogie Woogie Dancin’ Shoes”, “Johnny, Johnny Please Come Home”, and “Dancin’ Fever”. The 70s was truly an event thanks to Claudja and her music. In the early 80s she stood her ground for her dance fans and maintained more hits and plenty of diversity among their production and her vocal performances. “I Will Follow Him” is one of Claudja’s 1982 releases and was produced by legendary Jurgen Kordulesch (Disco Circus, Araxis, Lipstique) and is a cover of 1963 pop track from Little Peggy March. Claudja hits the spot with this 80s electro-disco version. Her vocal and the hard hitting vibe make this one a beautiful and invigorating version. I have taken the 12” version of “I Will Follow Him” and pieces of the original to recreate a new ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Claudja and Jurgen for their wonderful contributions to the dance floor and our hearts. This remix plays out with more effects and some new play with Claudja’s vocal.
REISSUE: “I Believed” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alma Faye Alma Faye is a disco artist who brought a soulful sound to discotheques with her style and delivery. Her first dance single “Stop, I Don’t Need No Sympathy” from 1977 is a classic in the early period of disco music’s formulation and creative mind. Many of the tracks from her album “Doin’ It” from 1979 are either classic productions or worthy of something memorable. This is one of those voices that I found exciting and a sound that was close to the soulful edge of Philly with more. “Don’t Fall In Love” is one of the recordings that I hold dear to my heart and all-time playlists – the production by Dominic Sciscente and Michel Daigle is one of the best using the disco formula. I have focused this issue of ReStructure Mixes to a request from Nick and Lindsay who always seem to bring out the rare and underground tracks for suggestions. “I Believed” is one of the tracks from “Doin’ It” which plays out once again with a bittersweet emotions with a lush and soulful touch. The arrangement takes on a new feel and musical satisfaction. I have taken the album version and touched up the original with more beats and effects along with a whole new length. It was great fun to take this one onto the chopping block and then assemble it again with an early morning dance floor in mind.
ReStructure Mix Update (4/22/21) “Ooh, La La” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Princess Bay
Princess Bay is disco project from Joe La Greca and M. L'Esperance with a pulsating energy dance floor “goody” released in 1985. A blend of high energy and Italo-disco with a polished and indelible result of drama and a sweeping chorus which is somewhat haunting. The uncredited vocal is one of my favorite and echoes out like a Nancy Wilson standard with rhythm. One of my all-time favorites that I always believed missed its glory and should be a classic in the vaults. The story goes that a “strange” turn in a relationship leaves out heroine in dismay and questioning her distant lover. The arrangement is fast and heated leaving the dance floor in its wake. A wonderful high energy blend with fabulous production.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to re-weave the drama here into a new ReStructure Mix for tribute to this gem. There is a much longer intro and a replacement of the chorus to give us more of a reason to feel the energy.
REISSUE: “Follow Me” by Amanda Lear – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Amanda Lear is on of disco music’s diamonds. Her music career began in 1977 and she became a voice and face which represented the chic nightlife and its pulsating and hypnotic music. “Follow Me” is from Amanda’s second album “Sweet Revenge” from 1978 and is a disco symphony in the Faust tale placing Amanda as the temptress in a beautiful twist. The track was a dance hall favorite and could always be heard at the wee hours of those dance floors that closed when the sun came up. A fantastic piece of art disco with Amanda’s unique style. I have created a Disco Video Mix with scenes from the 200 fantasy-comedy film, “Bedazzled” (a remake of a 1967 film with Dudley Moore). The new version stars Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley. The outline follows the disco track with the sexy delivery from Amanda to the sexy shots of Hurley as the dark side. The film was directed by Harold Ramis Featuring scenes from “Bedazzled” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: “Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video M ix by Glenn Rivera Azoto (originally called Lucrethia and The Azoto 14,008) is an Italo-disco project from 1978 from arranger, Celso Valli and producer Armando Sciascia (founder of Italian label Vedette Records). Their album “Dance Skinations” was right on target with disco rhythms and the sensuality of disco music during the formation of a stage for many waiting to free personal desires. “Delicate Jan” is a single from the album which shares a few riffs in common with Celso Valli’s big classic group Tantra’s “Hills Of Kat Mandu” which followed this production. The odd vocals and themes are interesting and definitely a disco sensation. I have taken the song “Delicate Jan” – which appears to be about a sexy woman who drives both the men and women mad with her blatant sexual behavior but at the same time is sweet in nature. It is edited to excerpts from Brigitte Bardot in Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Woman” – where the 18-year old orphan finds it difficult to restrain her sexuality and leads to much drama among three men. It also gives the disco track a beauty that moves quite “delicately” to the rhythm! The film was directed by Roger Vadim Featuring scenes from “And God Created Woman” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE:"Automatic Lover" by Sylvia - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Sylvia hit it big with her 1973 track, "Pillow Talk" -- her return to dance floors was thanks to her cover of the Dee Dee Jackson hit, "Automatic Lover" in 1978. Produced by Ralph Deliz, Sylvia Robinson and Vinnie Cass -- this track utilized a sequencer loop similar to Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" and was every bit as effective. The vocoder track repeating, "I am your automatic lover" was enough to leave the song embedded in your mind after hearing it echo throughout a club. I have taken scenes from the 1981 science fiction film by Michael Crichton, "Looker" and embedded the feel of a computer generated female -- made for satisfaction. The film's plot is a bit different but when segued along with Sylvia's "Automatic Lover" it forces you to imagine any different. Scenes from "Looker" -- RENT THE DVD! Video Edit by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: "Always Something There To Remind Me" by Viola Wills - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Viola Wills contribution to disco music is majestic. Several of her cover versions of rock and pop songs are embedded on dance floors all over the world. "If You Could Read My Mind" from 1980 being one of the most memorable. In 1981 she released a cover of "Always Something There To Remind Me" - a beautiful ballad written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David - covered again by Naked Eyes in 1982. Viola's production was by Jerry McCabe and Nick Straker. I have taken the track and paired it up with the 1990 film, "Ghost" starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore - the story of a soul unable to leave his love as he protects and reminds her of a very special love. The concept is perfect with the mood of the song and the angle of the mix. The film was directed by Jerry Zucker Featuring scenes from "Ghost" - RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons This Disc Video Mix is dedicated lovingly to the memory of Viola Mae Wilkerson (1939 - 2009) - thank you Viola - your memory will always live on!
ReStructure Mix Update (4/21/21) “Can’t Believe” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nancy Martin
Nancy Martin (Nancy Catherine Julian Martinez) is a Canadian singer who brought a large list of dance classics to the dance floors in the 80s. Her initial talents were known in the 1982 project Jade – “I’m Gonna Get Your Love” – produced by Marc Racine and Danny Tallon. Her 1983 album “Lay It Down is one project that I was driven to with the great high energy pieces that were accompanied by Nancy’s beautiful voice. “Can’t believe” is a single released in 1982 – produced by Dominic Sciullo and follows the electronic dance explosion of the period with a hypnotic low pulse rhythm and Nancy giving it a new feel with her unique style. This one was one of my favorites and may have been played out in a matter of weeks in my club. It has many nice hooks and of course mystiques feel that I always admired.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Can’t Believe” and re-wired the energy into a new ReStructure Mix. I have added my own mystique with a touch of “Oz” magic and a few new breaks using the bass synths in pieces and new arrangements.
ReStructure Mix Update (4/20/21) “Three Steps From True Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Reynolds
Margaret Reynolds is a soul/disco singer who began her recording career in 1974 and throughout the late 80’s continued to bring dance floors into her wonderful performances. “Three Steps From True Love” is her 1985 single produced by Joe Gibbs and a cover of the 1975 classic by The Reflections. The conversion from the original soulful male lead by Margaret is a nice turn. The electronic dance arrangement gives the new 80’s version the same shine that the original had with more of a crescendo for Margaret’s range and soul adlibs. One of the big dance floor hits for me and in memory is one of those tracks that once you hear in a club t sticks with you for a while.
I have taken the 12” vocal and dub versions into the ReStructure Mix arena and re-lifted the song with some new segments added. There is more of the break pieces used in this new version and Margaret stays right on top where she belongs.
REISSUE: "Happy Radio" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Edwin Starr Long after his classic soul recordings of the 60's, Edwin Starr made a complete home for himself in disco music beginning with his first big hit, "Contact". "Happy Radio" was a non-stop boogie down hit in 1979 - produced by Mr. Starr himself - he worked this sucker to the roof. Enough percussion and energy to make dance floor welcome it any night of the week. I have ReStructured "Happy Radio" with the same energy in mind - yet added a few more breakdowns and worked the percussion like a whirlwind on the dance floor. Dedicated to Hank from Miami, FL - Happy Birthday Hank and thank you for all you do - you are special and a great inspiration.