Tuesday, October 25, 2011

"Fly Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Zell Black

"Fly Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Zell Black

Zell Black is a vocalist from the mid 70s who had a minor radio hit with a track titled "I Been Had By The Devil" on Motown Records. A year later Zell recorded again with Bob Gaudio as producer with a single "Fly Me" on Mike Curb Records.

Zell also joined the disco band Persia in 1979 and gave her vocal-ese edge to the classic, "Inch By Inch" on Casablanca Records.

The single is a rare funk-soul piece and has some of the grooviest drums and guitar pieces - and along with Zell and her unique vocal style the song is fantastic. I have ReStructured the 45 version from 2:53 to a 9:30 - adding lots of effects and capturing those cool riffs.

“Beauty and The Beast” by Love and Kisses – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Beauty and The Beast” by Love and Kisses – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Love and Kisses is a studio ensemble created and produced by disco pioneer Alec R. Costandinos (who also wrote Cerrone’s “Love In ‘C’ Minor” ). The LP “How Much, How Much, I Love You” was one of the big Euro-disco statements of 1978 – the vocals on this recording were provided by Alec, Joanne, Stephanie, Sue and Sunny.

“Beauty and The Beast” is from the album and is one of the magical symphonic pieces of disco history. From the earlier “Romeo and Juliet” and the first Love and Kisses album – this one ranks right alongside Costandinos' classics.

I have taken the 1991 Walt Disney now-classic “Beauty and The Beast” and mixed the two – even though a much of the chorus sings about the tale and the Disney cartoon focuses on Belle, the spell and the The Beast. It is a short walk using both mediums to create a disco-movement with the wonderful animation.

The film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Loulou S. from The Netherlands - the "beauty" who always shines.

Featuring scenes from Walt Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Monday, October 24, 2011

"Helpless (You Took My Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Flirts

"Helpless (You Took My Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Flirts

The Flirts are a creation from the fingers and mind of Bobby Orlando - who also gave us many sound-alike bands like Waterfront Home, One-Two-Three, Tony Caso, WOW and his own Bobby 'O' titles.

"Helpless" is from their "Made In America" album from 1984 and features a whole new line up of vocalists - Debby, Christy and Christina. It is a powerhouse 80s disco track and has a sound very much like Laura Branigan's "Self Control" - complete with manly chants. I have removed those pieces for this ReStructure Mix and focused more on the percussion and bass keyboard riffs.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Wai Lam - thank you for the request - and the opportunity to have fun with this track!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

"Baby, I'm Burnin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dolly Parton

"Baby, I'm Burnin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton joined the disco ranks in 1978 with her dance floor hit, "Baby I'm Burnin'" - from her LP "Heartbreaker". Co-produced by Gary Klein. The song crossed over from the pop-range and also made an opening number for her television variety show.

I have taken the12" version mixed by Al Garrison and Warren Schatz and gave the song a mix using more of the syn-drums and bongo loops. It is a lengthier and "disco dynamite" tribute to Ms. Dolly Parton who makes it all seem easy as heck!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

"Let This Night Go On For Days" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio & Chris

"Let This Night Go On For Days" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio & Chris

Giorgio Moroder and Chris Bennett were the late 70s duo who brought magic together on the Munich Machine LP "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" in 1978 - giving Chris another opportunity for her lovely vocals within the electronic notes of Moroder's compositions. Chris Bennett had recorded a single in 1976 titled "Disco Man" which was also produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Belotte.

"Let This Night Go On For Days" is from the LP "Love's In You, Love's In Me" and closes the project with Moroder's haunting sequencers and keyboards. It is the sound which brought on the innovation of disco throughout the late 70s.

This ReStructure Mix brings the song a lengthier version as well as a few new effects and choruses with Chris' wonderful sound.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Randy from YouTube - thank you for requesting the song and bringing to mind a whole new version.

You may also find Chris Bennett at www.chrisbennett.com - for more of her beautiful music and personality

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

“Conquest Of The Stars” by Space Project – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Conquest Of The Stars” by Space Project – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Space Project is Canadian producers, Dominic Sciscente (Black Light Orchestra, Alma Faye Brooks) and Michel Daigle (Voggue) – one of the big commercial Euro-style/symphonic disco recordings of 1978.

“Conquest Of The Stars” is the opening piece from the album which brings to mind soundtracks from the space flick movement of the late 70’s ala “Star Wars” and television shows like “Battlestar Gallactica” – and although many of this trend many have been formulated following Meco’s big disco “Star Wars” piece I believe it may have been the love for the space adventure film that kept it alive more than anything.

I have taken the1996 Tim Burton action/comedy “Mars Attacks” with an all-star cast including Jack Nicholson, Pierce Bronson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Glenn Close (with a cameo by Tom Jones) and paired the two to create an odd mix of Martians and humans defending their planet. It is quite a film that works in a satiric

The film was directed by Tim Burton

Featuring scenes from “Mars Attacks” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

"I Have A Destiny" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Denise McCann

"I Have A Destiny" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Denise McCann

Denise McCann is an vocalist who hit the disco scene with a a track called "Tattoo Man" which was originally intended as rock/pop - but after a disco over-haul became a big club hit in 1977. The next year gained her a contract with Butterfly Records - at the time one of the most promising disco labels of the late seventies.

Her 1979 LP "I Have A Destiny" was one containing more of Denise's unique vocal style. The project was produced by Guy Sobell and have several tracks that were dance floor worthy. The title track I have ReStructured, since it has always been one of my Denise McCann favorites.

It is the glitzy and glam edge of the disco era and has many riffs which make it fun to listen and dance to. i have added a few pieces to give it a new feel.

Dedicated to Ms. McCann and thank you for the emails.

Monday, October 17, 2011

"Accidental Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love and Kisses

"Accidental Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love and Kisses

Love and Kisses is a group created and produced by Alec R. Costandinos. The first self-titled album gave way to two powerhouse Euro-disco hits, "I Found Love (Now That I Have Found You)" and "Accidental Lover". This was the starting line for dance floors to dance to a full orchestrated disco production and a stylish groove.

I have ReStructured "Accidental Lover" to give the side long cut a new feel using the bass breaks and striking string movements. The track is a classic which many may remember as the sound which brought discos into a new age.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

"Let's Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - David Bowie

"Let's Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - David Bowie

David Bowie began a career in rock music during the late 60s. His iconic style and image became one of the most influential through the 70s and during the early 80s. His 1983 project with disco producer Nile Rodgers was one of the most awaited albums of the time.

"Let's Dance" was a big club single which was assisted during the video era. I have taken the 12" version and created an alternate ReStructure Mix using the kick-ass beats and horns as a segue to a whole new experience.

Dedicated to Bob T. and a special thanks to him for the support and good energy

Friday, October 14, 2011

"Work Me Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry

"Work Me Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry

Disco queen Claudja Barry has also been the "sweetest dynamite" to hit dance floors and stages during the late 70s, 80s and even today. Her stance is a powerful one - as well as her unique range and vocal approach.

Her 1983 release "Work Me Over" is a open arms to high energy music - it was one of the big dance floor hits of the time. Her then husband and produced Juergen S. Korduletsch works with up-and-coming high energy producer Bobby Orlando to create is non-stop roaring disco piece.

I have taken the 12" version and have given it a whole new ReStructure Mix blending in Claudja's majestic vocals and more of the synthesizers to create new breaks and a whole new arrangement.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

"Tequila" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bo Boss

"Tequila" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bo Boss

Bo Boss is Paolo Micioni, Massimiliano Di Carlo and Roberto Masala - a production trio who also brought us "Not Love" by Trilogy and "Freedom" by Thanya. This was an innovative electronic sound for the 80s and sounds family with many Italo-disco production during this dance period.

"Tequila" is an electronic and robotic feel version of the 50s classic from The Champs. A fantastic version here with some distant chorus girls that make the song feel as though it were being funneled from another galaxy. A nice disco venture.

I have taken the 12" single "vocal" and "dub" as well as pieces from the original classic to create a whole new dance experience that should make you feel as though you have had a shot or two!

Dedicated to Alex Nikitin of Euro-Flash (www.euro-flash.net)

"Bi-Coastal" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

"Bi-Coastal" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

Peter Allen is an entertainer from Australia - his career spanned the mid-80s throughout his passing in 1992. His single "Bi-Coastal" from his 1980 LP is a wonderful piece of dance/pop that was released as a promo 12" and caught the ears and hearts of those who clamour for a mixture of stage and dance floor.

I have taken the 12" mix and created an alternative remix using a few hand-me-downs from the big stage - thanks to Paul C. from New York for requesting a new mix - it is different and still needs a little moving to! Thank you, Paul.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

“Don’t Drop Bombs” by Liza Minelli – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Don’t Drop Bombs” by Liza Minelli – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Liza Minelli plays a disco diva very well – regardless of the fabulous Pet Shop Boys production. From the 1989 project “Results” were a few big dance floor hits and innovative-diva stances. Her cover of “Love Pains” is still matched as much as a classic as “Losing My Mind” – high energy again in transformation in the late 80s. Very exciting!

“Don’t Drop Bombs” is the story of a lover who just cannot be true and although there is a leak of information, a motive is in store – which is what this diva re-assures herself. Fantastic track.

I have paired the big dance track to the 1983 film, “War Games” starring Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy and John Wood. The story centers on a young computer geek (not looking) who finds a back door into a military central computer system and is under the impression he is playing a digital game – that may lead to World War III. The drama fits well with the explosions and tie-line of course but in synching some of the actual human drama to me, it fits as well.

The film was directed by John Badham (“Saturday Night Fever”)

Featuring scenes from “War Games” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"If You Feel The Funk" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - LaToya Jackson

"If You Feel The Funk" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - LaToya Jackson

LaToya Jackson releases her first solo LP in 1980 with various production sessions - "If You Feel The Funk" from the project was produced by Ollie E. Brown and features guitars by Ray Parker Jr.

The track was a big hit in clubs thanks to the funky-flavor and LaToya's big debut. Her frail vocals work well over this track and create a nice groove. I have taken the album version and extended not only the short and difficult intro - but also added a few new breaks and a fade out that allows more time.

"Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Teri DeSario

"Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Teri DeSario

Teri DeSario released her first album in 1978 titled "Pleasure Train" which contained two dance floor classics soon remixed and released as a 12" single. "The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of' and "Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You" both become dance floors hits and now classics. I have taken "Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You" from the 12" remix and ReStructured it per the guidelines of a new effect.

The song was co-produced and written by Barry Gibb and features his backing vocals. The magic can be heard all over this recording from the strings, guitars and lyrical feel for love and harmony.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Paul O'Driscoll - thank you for the request and for listening

"Master Blaster (Jammin')" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stevie Wonder

"Master Blaster (Jammin')" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has brought soul and disco together. One of the earliest noted disco/soul projects being his 1976 album "Songs In The Key Of Life". Wonder has been active in the recording industry since 1963 and one of Motown's most celebrated talents.

His 1980 LP "Hotter Than July" brought a dance/reggae and light disco edge together to introduce a whole new period of 80s soul and dance music. I have taken the single "Master Blaster (Jammin')" into the ReStructure phase and added a few elements to subject the track to the full-disco dance floor treatment. It was always a pleasure to remix this track during the time for a new dance floor - and now it is easier to understand the completeness of it's dance appeal.

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