Sunday, September 23, 2012

"Don't Leave Me This Way" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Jiani

"Don't Leave Me This Way" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Jiani
Carol Jiani has been giving her unique touch to dance music since the late 70s. Her vocals bring to mind a torch-like feel and powerful resonance. In 1981, her big high energy track "Hit and Run Lover" gave her name a moment in dance floor history which is referred to frequently.

"Don't Leave Me This Way" is a cover of Thelma Houston's classic - in Carol's own flavor and execution. A great variation to bring the song into a mellow and haunting feel. During the early 80s the song was covered by many artists - this being one of my favorites for it's variance.

I have taken the song from the 1984 album "Dancing In The Rain" project - produced by Joe La Greca and Louis Toteda - and had created a ReStructure Mix to give this wonderful cover another place to spotlight Carol's talent and dedication to her fans and disco music.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

"Lies" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Thompson Twins

"Lies" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Thompson Twins
Thompson Twins are an 80s synth-pop band with Alannah Currie, Joe Leeway and Tom Bailey. Their 1983 album "Quick Step and Side Kick" featured the single "Lies". This single was a huge club single and helped to bring a new sound and speed to dance floors in the early 80s.

I have taken the 12" vocal and dub to recreate a ReStructure Mix with a new edit and message for feet and the mind. This combination of percussion, synths and vocal approach were a welcomed sound to dance floors and now celebrated as a great piece of dance music history.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

"Life Is Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family

"Life Is Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family
The Ritchie Family are the fabulous divas who made disco music so luring and beautiful in the mid-70s. Created by producer Ritchie Rome (The Three Degrees, Jimmy Ruffin, Flower, African Suite) and co-produced and continued with Jacques Morali (Village People, The Lovers, Gypsy Lane, Patrick Juvet, Phylicia Allen, Dennis Parker).

The project "Life Is Music" from 1977 was headed by the title track - and anthem of the same name. I have taken the 12" version on T.K. Records and have given the ladies a new ReStructure Mix to give the song a new feel and extended celebration. It is a true anthem - pure and simple.

Dedicated to Nick and Lindsay who requested this beauty for a new sound. You boys make the dance floor in my mind to tempting and also allot more fun with the memories of the past in the current day! Thank you.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

"One Night In A Lifetime" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

"One Night In A Lifetime" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer
Donna Summer's album "Bad Girls" is one of the finale shaping moments of disco music in history. Taking Summer, Moroder and Bellotte to a new extreme of blending pop-rock and disco and created a monstrous dance floor 2 record set.

"One Night In A Lifetime" is from the B-Side medley and I have given it a new ReStructure Mix - taking pieces and parts to create a whole new experience with Donna's fabulous vocal delivery. A masterpiece and another piece of the magic double album!

Monday, September 17, 2012

“The Way We Were” by The New York Disco Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“The Way We Were” by The New York Disco Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The New York Disco Orchestra is a band produced by Clem Vicari in 1976 – the single “The Way We Were” is a disco-fied cover of the 1973 Barbra Streisand hit ballad from the film of the same title. The track feels as the disco-symphonic sound of a Barry White and his Love Unlimited Orchestra production.

I have taken the 1980 film “Fame” and blended s an audition sequence to blend in the Disco Video Mix title – and took off with a few of the energetic ballad and street dance scenes.

Directed by Alan Parker

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

"Pick Up The Pieces" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Average White Band

"Pick Up The Pieces" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Average White Band
Average White Band is one of the big r&b-soul bands from the early 70s. Their two big hits "Pick Up The Pieces" and "Cut The Cake" are the influential dance grooves of their time and helped to create a cross between funk and soul.

The band consisted of these members:Alan Gorrie, Mike Rosen, Hamish Stuart, Owen 'Ormie' McIntyre, Malcolm 'Mollie' Duncan, Roger Ball and Robbie McIntosh.

I have taken their 1974 hit "Pick Up The Pieces" and applied a ReStructure Mix attitude to the album version to lengthen and play with some of the funkiest guitars, horns and groove ever! It is a new version that is only intended to give the original another play in a new way!

“Dancing With Strangers” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dancing With Strangers” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
D.C. LaRue is one of disco music’s original artists who created a sound which became the outline of disco music and its soul. The lyrical melodies and diverse themes create the Broadway show feel which disco music is so dramatically able to relay. With producer Bob Esty on the 1978 album, “Cathedrals” a non-stop play of songs are displayed and written by D.C. himself.

“Dancing With Stanger’s” is the beautiful dance track which brings to mind the lovely atmosphere disco music is meant to create – and these two geniuses make it work over-and-over.

I have taken the 1953 musical comedy, “The Band Wagon” starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse – the fabulous dance sequences bring the disco number back to life and create a nice aura of disco magic all over again.

The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli

Featuring scenes from “The Band Wagon” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Saturday, September 15, 2012

"The Scratch" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Surface Noise

"The Scratch" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Surface Noise
Surface Noise is a British disco/jazz ensemble created by Chris Palmer in the early 80s. Their dance hit in 1980 "The Scratch" is reminiscent of the jazz piece as Rodney Franklin's "The Groove" - but with more the disco flair intact.

I have taken the 12" single and have given the jazz-jam a ReStructure Mix creating a mixable intro and an extended mix of the session. It is quite the groovy jazz dance gem and becomes a bit infectious as a few plays.

Friday, September 14, 2012

“Love Rush” by Ann Margret – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Rush” by Ann Margret – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Ann Margret hit the disco scene in 1980 with her disco project produced by the gifted producer and musician, Paul Sabu. This was a moment in disco history which was the biggest gift under the tree. Following Sabu’s productions with Debbie Jacobs (“Don’ You Want My Love”, “High On Your Love"), Sister Power, his solo effort, “We’re Gonna Rock” – his style of dance music had already become contagious.

“Love Rush” is the big single and is a stage for Margret to give the disco performance of her lifetime – complete with the sexy-kitten edge a la-disco. It is one of my favorite camp treats and a big club hit on the dance floor for me.

I have taken Ann Margret’s 1963 musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie” and created a Disco Video Mix utilizing the dance sequences and Ann’s on screen sex appeal. The film is based on the phenomenon of singer, Elvis Presley in the 50s and his being drafted in the United States Army in 1957.

The film was directed by George Sidney

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

"Disco Express" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise

"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!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

“The Love Stealers” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“The Love Stealers” by Saint Tropez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Saint Tropez are one of the big disco femme-ensembles from the late 70s and also a creation of Laurin Rinder and W. Michael Lewis who also brought us El Coco, In Search of Orchestra, Tuxedo Junction, Eloise Whitaker, and Sweet Potato Pie. The group’s third album from 1982 is titled “Femmes Fatales” and marked another transition of disco group to dance band during the early 80s.

“The Love Stealers” is the big single from the project and brought joy to many die-hard disco fans in the early 80s – as a return to the female disco ensemble in full-force.

I have taken the album version of the song and blended it with the 1984 film, “Thief Of Hearts” starring Barbara Williams and Steven Bauer – a mystery-romance of a woman in a troubled marriage whose home is burglarized and diaries stolen only to find the hunter being captured by the game.

The film was directed by Douglas Day Stewart

Featuring scenes from “The Love Stealers” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"High On Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claire

"High On Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claire
Claire is a disco artist from France with a single titled "High On Love" from 1978 produced by Thomas Davidson Noton - who also produced "Solitaire" (the original French version) by Clementine and French artist, Renaud.

This track is the French edge of disco music in the late 70s - very similar to the sound of artists like Michelle and Madleen Kane. This session was arranged by Raymond Taras Knehnetsky who also worked on Alec R. Costandinos' Paris Connection and Trocadero Suite albums, Regine and a few notable disco projects.

I have taken the US 12" on Prelude (mixed by Francios Kevorkian) and created a ReStructure Mix - focusing on the lush strings sections, drums and keyboards. This is the elegant sound of disco music and is always a nice representation of the impact and direction disco moved in the late 70s.

NOTE: Written by Jack Robinson who wrote "I Love To Dance" for Tina Charles and also James Bolden (David Christie) who also wrote "Do Or Die" and "Saved" for Grace Jones, "All Night Man" for Loose Change, the Frantique LP, and of course "Saddle Up".

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

"Sugar Frosted Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Flakes

"Sugar Frosted Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Flakes
Flakes is D'Lanie McQuaig, Darryl K. Roberts, Harry Kim, Marilyn McLeod, Mel Bolton and Perry Peyton - a disco/funk band whom had a dance floor hit in 1980, "Sugar Frosted Lover". The 12" track was remixed by Jim Simpson and given a nice bounce with Jimmy's touch.

I have taken the 12" vocal and instrumental to create a new ReStructure Mix with more bounce and beat-clap to create a new treat. A few samples of a familiar voice accent the disco mix and give your morning a new rejuvenating feel!

Dedicated to funk-disco lovers everywhere! Pour it on!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

"Relight My Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dan Hartman

"Relight My Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dan Hartman
Dan Hartman began his disco career with a bang - "Instant Replay" was a huge hit on dance floors in 1978 and ignited a high energy sound in clubs that began a new era of dance music. His second album "Relight My Fire" in 1979 was the time period for the height of disco madness. The title cut is now a classic along side the instrumental piece "Vertigo".

I have taken "Relight My Fire" and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to place a new emphasis on the feel and importance of Dan's music both at the tail end of the 70s and during the early 80s. This mix works on the excitement of the strings, pianos and Dan's fabulous composition and theme.

Sadly, Dan Hartman passed in 1994 - but his music lives on in the energy of disco and the hearts of many who experienced it. The music always gives way to new life and is here to create new memories for those willing to free their souls and feet.

For you, lovingly, Mr. Hartman

Monday, September 10, 2012

"Eurovision" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Telex

"Eurovision" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Telex
Telex is Dan Lacksman, Marc Moulin and Michel Moers - an electronic disco/pop dance band formed in 1978. Their nu-wave-ish take on disco music in the late 70s gave them the stamp of tongue-in-cheek type humor and odd themes. Much of their music is formulated as bands like Kraftwerk were influenced by electronic geniuses like Giorgio Moroder of the disco era.

"Eurovision" is from the 1980 album titled "Neurovision" and is the percolating sounds of robotic-disco during the changing 9of sounds and ideas of disco and dance music in the early 80s. The short near-3 minute version is extended here using ReStructure techniques - striping away layers and uncovering some wonderful synths elements which I have played with to create a near 10 minute track.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

"Mother Africa" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tantra

"Mother Africa" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tantra
Tantra is a disco project from the late70s created by Italian composer and producer, Celso Valli - he also created Azoto, Passengers, Adal-Scandy Super Band, Nuggets, Silence, and The Green Future Orchestra. His work has always been the forerunner of disco music - combining electronics, the heavy disco band sound and orchestrations.

Tantra is one of Valli classic sounds - taking over where big disco producers like, Alec R. Costandinos, Cerrone and Boris Midney left off in the late 70s. It was a step deeper into a new realm of sound and themes.

"Mother Africa" is from an album originally released with "Hills of Kat Mandu" and was later packaged in the US as "The Double Album" - containing most of the work Celso Valli created under the groups sessions.

I have taken the album version of "Mother Africa" and extended in adding a few more percussion elements to stomp out the ominous breaks. I have also mixed and edited some of the vocal pieces to create a non-stop rhythmic feel.

Dedicated to Mr. Celso Valli and his wonderful contributions to the imagination and energy of the dance floor.

Monday, September 3, 2012

"Sex" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester

"Sex" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sylvester
Sylvester’s 1984 album titled “M-105” is one of his most electric club projects from the 80s. Utilizing the high energy feel to it’s extreme on many of the dance tracks. “Sex” is the second single from the project and was produced by Tim Wirrick.
I have take the album version of “Sex” and reworked the energy to a new ReStructure Mix . It has a bit more of the ricochet edits and the ominous build of the dark and sensual feel of the song.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

"Wonder Woman" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Wonderland Band

"Wonder Woman" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Wonderland Band
The Wonderland Band is a studio disco group from producer Morrie Brown - who also worked with Evelyn King, Melba Moore, Al Wilson and Howard Johnson. This ensemble includes the full disco arrangement with stings, lots of percussion, and keyboards outlining the tracks. In the chorus are Clydene Jackson, Deedee Dennard, Julie Waters and Maxine Waters.

The album was centered around the comic character "Wonder Woman" and of course the television show with Lynda Carter may have given allot of inspiration. Many other cuts are fantasy-filled with themes of Superman and exotic places described with the disco touch.

I have taken the 12" European Remix and have created a new ReStructure adventure - keeping the sensual vocal of our disco-Wonder Woman - and worked a new edit with breaks and the funky chorus riffs.

Blog Archive