REISSUE: “Gloria” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Santa Esmeralda

REISSUE:   “Gloria” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Santa Esmeralda

Santa Esmeralda is one of disco music’s most incredible ensembles during the late 70’s. This band formulated and produced by Jean-Manuel de Scarano and Nicolas Skorsky began its rein by covering the 1964 song “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (a cover of Nina Simone’s original) where it became a notable hit. Santa Esmeralda’s version in 1977 is a finale mark for the song where the injection of disco music’s elements creates a smooth transition for the already very popular track. I can remember working in record shops during the late 70’s and having hardcore rock fans asking for the disco album recording and telling me that they favored it over the original. The studio recording of Santa Esmeralda’s also features disco produced/artist Don Ray (“Got To Have Loving”) on string and horn arrangements. The production here is the outstanding and throughout a 16 minute sonata only peaks which is the ultimate disco formula. “Gloria” is another cover for Santa Esmeralda on the same album and takes from the Van Morrison composition and originally recorded by his band titled Them. Again, Santa Esmeralda plays out this cover with the same flair and disco personality with damaging the song.

I have taken the album version of “Gloria” and excitably recreated a ReStructure Mix to take this piece apart and reassemble it into a new feat. I have added a drum track to settle the flamenco guitars onto and also added a breakdown from another wonderful recoding by Santa Esmeralda in their style and themed recordings.