Sunday, December 23, 2012

"Hazy Shades of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant


"Hazy Shades of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Amant

Amant is a disco band from Ray Martinez - a man who is a dance music icon dedicated to the sound of disco music and the loving and admiring mood it creates. Ray worked with some of Miami's forerunners prior to disco making it's mark in the late 70s - offering his own style as the shaping tool of it's sound and popularity.

"Hazy Shades Of Love" is the second single and side to the 1978 project "Amant" released on Henry Stone's Marlin Records and as single on T.K. Disco. This has and always be one of my favorite songs. There are layers and layers of elements from grooves to percussion riffs which are what made disco music exciting and adventurous of the time.

I have taken the full album version and gave it a ReStructure Mix working in my own new and existing elements to layer in a new chapter for this fabulous song. My prime motivation is to pay homage to one the disco greats, Mr. Ray Martinez and Amant.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

"Bayou Village" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage


"Bayou Village" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage


Voyage is a disco band from France produced by Roger Tokarz featuring Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, Sauveur Mallia, Slim Pezin and Sylvia Mason-James. Their first self-titled album began a disco odyssey around the world featuring a departure theme and various instrumental and vocal tracks representing each location. the project caught on well on dance floors during 1978 and brought a second LP with a continuation of he journey.

"Bayou Village" is the spot for a visit back to old Mississippi River land and on the river where the rhythm is set to a hill billie jam session. Complete with violins and washboards. The cut was featured on the side-B of this trip and was always a fun track to bring in that square-dance moment during a fun period of disco music.

This ReStructure Mix extends the celebratory piece of music and gives me a chance to mix-up a silly number - featuring a favorite show of mine from the 60s and it's theme. I am sure Oliver and Lisa would approve!

"Green Acres" theme by Vic Mizzy

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

"Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Midnight Rhythm

"Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Midnight Rhythm

Midnight Rhythm is a disco project from Joe Long and Robby Adcock - who always gave us Hallelujah 2000, C.M. Lord, Liquid Gold, Joe Long Sound. This production is a complete orchestrated and arranged dance sensation which took dance floors to a place called "disco heaven". A sound where a crescendo builds and builds to a satisfying climax.

"Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" is from the self-titled album and is contained there as a 15 minute suite. It is one of the most extensive pieces of disco music and remains a classic. Vocals include both Joe and Robby as well as Hodges James and Smith.

I have taken the full album version and ReStructured the pieces into a new version. Dedicated to Mr. Ramon A. Sandoval - for sharing in insight and talent with myself and the world - his note is to thank Marsha Stern as production assistant on this recording as well as Patricia Hodges for her vocals and DJ Bobby Viteritti for the support.

Get to movin'!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

"He's So Shy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pointer Sisters

"He's So Shy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pointer Sisters

Pointer Sisters made the 80s a fun place to dance in with their big hits, "Jump", "Could I Be Dreaming", "We Got The Power", "I'm So Excited", "Automatic", "Baby, Come and Get It", and "Neutron Dance". Whew! Thank is allot of music which powered dance floors and dance attitudes.

Their album "Special Things" from 1980 had a radio hit - which played out in the Pointer Sisters tradition and sound - "He's So Shy". However, the album version was the only track available so unless you ran across a club with a dedicated and skillful disc jockey, you may not have been able to dance to it.

I have taken the 3:37 minute album version and have given it a ReStructure Mix with a new drum track to pound the heck out of that keyboard track. It is a lengthier and more dub-like - the genre I always love getting lost on the dance floor to!

Monday, December 17, 2012

"Heartbreak In Disguise" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pattie Brooks

"Heartbreak In Disguise" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pattie Brooks

Pattie Brooks is known for her onstage performance with lovely fans - I know her as one of the disco divas whom introduced the lush-sweet sound of disco anthems. "After Dark", "This Is The House Where Love Died", "Girl, Don't Make Me Wait" and "Party Girl" are the magic of disco which created the fantasy world that made dancers feel free.

Pattie's second album produced by Simon Soussan contained the sound which made disco mature and chic for the time period. Lots of percussion, strings and lovely songs about 'heartbreak' and 'love'. It was quite a moment in disco history.

I have taken the 12" remix of "Heartbreak In Disguise" (mixed by Bob Stone and Manny Slali) and have given it a new ReStructure Mix. Using most of the lush-strings and piano tracks I wanted to make this one not only lengthier, but also remind us of just how fabulous disco music was as it captivated hearts and feet!

Dedicated to Ms. Pattie Brooks - the lady of true disco feeling!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

"Don't You Feel My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George McCrae

"Don't You Feel My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George McCrae

George McCrae brought the Miami disco sound alive in 1974 with his big hit, "Rock Your Baby". His music has always reflected a progressive style of disco music remaining in the underground club genre.

His 1979 single "Don't You Feel My Love" is another big club dance track which uses the Afro-Cuban percussion like a cannon - blasting the beat and rhythm with energy.

I have taken the 12" version on Sunshine Sound Disco Records and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to give the song a new stage and added a few new light touches to give it a new arrangement and opportunity to funk-you!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

"Inside You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Isley Brothers

"Inside You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers are Chris Jasper, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley and Rudolph Isley - the group has been recording since 1959 - their big classic "Shout" among the most memorable. The group lasted throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s.

"Inside You" is a single from their album by the same name from 1981and is one of the most endearing dance singles of that year - and one of my favorites. The fabulous vocal is a yearning and love which I always was brought to tears or a hypnotic trance. Always reminded me of the best of a Marvin Gaye feel.

I have taken the 12" and have given it a ReStructure Mix - making it even dreamier than ever with those echo-driven guitars and swooning vocals. Some new production to bring it out a bit more into the dub arena. Ahhh!

Friday, December 14, 2012

"I Don't Wanna Lose You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lime

"I Don't Wanna Lose You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lime

Lime is Denis and Denise Lepage - a duo who took dance floors in the early and mid 80s to a new extreme. High energy is the sound which took over the disco legacy and made dancers find more moves between beats than ever.

"I Don't Wanna Lose You" is from their 1984 album "Sensual Sensation" and is one of the project from Lime which is progressive in the state of electronic dance music and a new group of songs which play out in their style once again, very well.

I have taken the album version of "I Don't Wanna Lose You" and have given it a new ReStructure Mix - playing on the synth loops and kick drums. Also, adding a few new words from a couple of dance classics.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Gillian C. from Facebook - thank you Gillian for always being so uplifting!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

"Boogie Boo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie

"Boogie Boo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie

Bionic Boogie is a disco group from Gregg Diamond who at the time was better know for his production of Andrea True Connection's classic "More More More". The band is one of the most respected as cutting-edge disco/funk and soul. Thanks to the participating talents of Cissy Houston, Gwen Guthrie, Luther Vandross on vocals - Brad Baker arranging and Jimmy Maelen on percussion.

I have taken the track "Boogie Boo" from this project and stretched out that "funky-ass" guitar into full fledged disco-funk piece. Adding a few samples of one of Diamond's later tracks from Starcuiser and a special guest who makes the boogie go "boo"!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

"Queen Of Fools" by Jessica Williams -- The Video

"Queen Of Fools" by Jessica Williams -- The Video
Directed by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

WATCH ON YOUTUBE


The classic disco track, "Queen Of Fools" by Jessica Williams from 1979 -- produced by Simon Soussan (Arpeggio, French Kiss, Pattie Brooks, Charisma) is now a video. I have wanted to add Jessica's fabulous anthem to my list of Disco Video Mixes. With the help of Jessica and her wonderful husband, John B. Williams the video is live.

Special thanks to incredible partner and "love of my life" Mr. Ken Emmons for all of his help with the production and his insight on the flow of the edit. I had a great time shooting the footage with Jessica -- thanks to Herman and Jordan for their patience and John for his cameo.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

"I Love My Radio" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Taffy

"I Love My Radio" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Taffy

Taffy is Katherine Quaye and producers Claudio Cecchetto (Sandy Marton, Tracy Spencer, Sabrina) - both created an Italo-disco classic from 1985 which took clubs by storm and had dancers bouncy joyfully. It is one of the well-known dance tracks from the mid-80s and even today brings back wonderful memories to many - as the lyrics suggest!

I have taken the 12" version from Flarenasch Records (Italy) and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to give praise to one of the happiest and wonderful moods of disco music. I have added a few surprises and new breakdowns to enhance the experience!

Whoa-whoa-whoa" - dance on!

Monday, December 10, 2012

"Theme from Disco '77" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sassy

"Theme from Disco '77" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sassy

Sassy is a disco group produced by Mr. Ray Martinez - who also brought us Amant, Passion, Ray Martinez and Friends, a few productions by Foxy, George McCrae, Celi Bee, Seven Seas and the disco label Paris International which featured artists Evelyn Thomas and Jill.

Ray's track "Theme from Disco '77" was the theme from the disco-dance television show which featured many popular and upcoming disco artists. This track is one of my all-time favorites and one big hit for me during my mobile disc jockey years.

I have taken the 12" single from TK Disco and have given it a ReStructure Mix - for a revisit to the days when dancing was made for couples and disco music was for falling in love. It has the classic Ray Martinez stamp which for me always excited and had me swaying.

Dedicated to "the man" himself - Mr. Ray Martinez. Thank you, Ray - over and over your music brings so much joy and love to many. This is for you!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

“I Rock and Roll (Part One)” by Kryptonite – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“I Rock and Roll (Part One)” by Kryptonite – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Kryptonite is a disco group from the early 80s created by Joe La Greca and John McDiamoid. The Canadian trio released four 12” singles which detailed the sound of changing disco music from the late 70s to the 80s high energy scenes.

I have taken their disco cover of Gary Glitter’s “I Rock and Roll” and blended it with scenes and images from the 1975 film by Ken Russell, “Tommy” – starring Roger Daltrey, Ann Margret and Oliver Reed. The film is based on The Who’s rock opera by the same name – the story of a psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind boy becomes a master pinball player and the object of a religious cult.

The film was directed by Ken Russell

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

Thursday, December 6, 2012

"Below The Belt" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Jones

"Below The Belt" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Jones

Grace Jones is the "avant-garde" diva of disco. Her years of performing, recording and giving to the clamouring audience throughout her continual re-creation of her style. Even today, her recent release proves that Grace does not have to do more than be Grace to win. Not many artists have that drive or acceptance.

"Below The Belt" comes from her 1978 album "Fame" - produced by the man who taught us how to dance to the beat, Mr. Tom Moulton. The track is similar to the drama and disco-opera which Grace entered the limelight. It was all about her attitude and poise.

I have ReStructured "Below The Belt" using the album version and enhancing it with a new intro break and "punch"! It is one of those songs which grows on you...on and on.

Special thanks to my cinema and disco friend, Paul C. from New York for requesting this Grace-anthem and also for being just who he is! This is for you, Paul!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

"Rock It To The Top" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mantus

"Rock It To The Top" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mantus

Mantus is a hardcore disco band from 1979 - their first monster project "Midnight Energy" contained their big debut single "(Dance It) Freestyle Rhythm" and "Rock It To The Top" - along with two stomping disco tracks which also received clkub play. This was the disco sound in complete form as if they were the rock-n-roll of disco.

I have taken the album version of "Rock It To The Top" along with a few pieces from the 12" remix and created a ReStructure Mix to once again "rock you body"! A hot piece of dance music and a reason to pull the furniture out of the way.

Mantus is Billy Amendola, Frank DeCrescenzo, Jimmy Maer and Kenny Bee

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

"I'm Always Ready" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ava Cherry

"I'm Always Ready" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ava Cherry

Ava Cherry is a hot diva! Not only did her club hit, "Where There's Smoke There's Fire" start dance floors jumping all over again but it gave us a new voice to adore. In 1980 her LP "Ripe!" brought productions by Bobby Eli and Gil Askey on the right side of introducing continuing and hardcore disco fanatics.

"I'm Always Ready" is a single from this project which I always admired with Ava's silky and hard-edged vocal. It was a real tease and even more alluring with The Sweethearts of Sigma backing the track.

I have taken the album version and have given it a new ReStructure Mix along with song pieces of a Garage classic to ask the question - before Ava answers.

Dedicated to Ms. Ava Cherry and her continuing talent. Thank you, Ava for igniting a new sound which was meant to last!

Monday, December 3, 2012

"Burn" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Melba Moore

"Burn" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Melba Moore

Melba Moore is a singer and actress from New York who took the disco world by storm with her 1978 album "Melba" and her two big dance floor hits, "Pick Me I'll Dance" and "You Stepped Into My Life". Melba is still performing today keeping the fire alive with her energy, soul and fabulous vocals.

"Burn" is a wicked track from the 1979 by the same name - and also produced by Pete Bellotte (Donna Summer, Munich Machine, Trax). This is one song that had my dance floor jumping and screaming on Saturday nights. It is also one of my favorite disco tracks from Melba as it shows a versatile and workin' side of Melba's voice.

I have taken the album version and ReStructured the song to give it a new lift and also salute Ms. Moore for all she has and continues to give!
Burn, Melba!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

"Can't Get To Sleep At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

"Can't Get To Sleep At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

Donna Summer released her second double-record set project in 1979 - and the album was one of the most satisfying releases of that year. Through disco/dance and ballads the album had it all and each segue to the next was a good as the last. Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte.

The cut "Can't Get To Sleep At Night" was penned by Donna's husband, Bruce Sudano and percussionist Bob Conti. A nice synth-driven love song which is placed well within an early morning set or a nice long drive.

I have taken the album version of "Can't Get To Sleep At Night" and have given it a ReStructure Mix with a few new surprises and effects to give Summer fans an alternative version to dream to.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated top Bob T. - and a thanks to Bob for always being kind and dedicating another Donna Summer song which should not be hidden away. Thank you, Bob

Saturday, December 1, 2012

"Oh, La La La" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love & Kisses

"Oh, La La La" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love & Kisses

Love & Kisses is a disco band created by Alec R. Costandinos in 1977 - with their first Euro-disco album "Love & Kisses" ("I Found Love (Now That I Have Found You)").

The Euro-disco sound became one of the foremost movers of the disco boom occurring in the mid and eventually the late 70s. It was a full orchestrated production which gave disco a whole arena and sound. The last album from Love & Kisses in 1979 was "You Must Be Love" - I have taken a track from the album titled "Ooh, La La La" and have given it the ReStructure Mix edge to give the lyrical song a place once again to remind us of the disco history which continues to ignite excitement and dancing all over the world.

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