ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/17) “White and Black” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taffy

ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/17) “White and Black” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taffy

Taffy is an Italo-disco project with British vocalist Katherine Quayle as lead vocalist. The group is best known for their big 1985 hit “I Love My Radio (Midnight Radio)” which gave the colorful sound of Italian disco productions another deserved spot to influence dance music. “White and Black” is a single from Taffy released in 1982 and produced by Pellegrino and Rossi. The number seems to play out an odd sounding Harlequin type vocal that expresses a proud stance as a multi-cultural person. It is the early 80s brought to life in the creative arena when Italo-disco was being added to many charts and club playlists along with the electronic funk of the early 80s.

I have taken the Italian 12” of “White and Black” which is a remix of the original version. I have given as much of the reach for something new by taking samples of a well-known hip-hop track and reworked the experience in a whole new arrangement. It is stretched out into a longer delivery and dance experience. Much of the electronic sequencers and play are left to give the rhythm more movement and another odd layer on top of the strange performance.

DISCO HEARTS MATINEE - aisle of rhythm and love

DISCO HEARTS MATINEE - aisle of rhythm and love
“Love Story” by Andy Williams – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/XdAlieJPdc8
“I’m Caught Up” by Inner Life - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera -https://youtu.be/paN7YoU1QVw
"Just Another Broken Heart" by Dorothy Moore - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/vEuZCjh_kus
"To Sir, With Love" by Vicki Sue Robinson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/7KmC3qCogbI
“Satellites” by Ellie Warren – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/UFfJR4g3ppg

ReStructure Mix Update (4/28/17) “Abracadabra” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Steve Miller Band

ReStructure Mix Update (4/28/17) “Abracadabra” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Steve Miller Band

Steve Miller Band joined the 80s dance bandstand with the 1982 single “Abracadabra”. It was the sound of the bands rock edge with past hits like “The Joker” , “Fly Like An Eagle” and “Rock ‘N’ Me” from the top of the rock charts. This fusion of simply mixing the track down in the dance floor format is the simplest and most effective. The 70s rock keyboards stand out most of all – besides the catchy chorus riffs. “Abracadabra” was on my playlist quite a while since the pop/radio crowd was out in full form. It was also fun to see a classic rock group reach into the dance scope and imagine.

I have taken the 12” version of “Abracadabra” and created a ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to the 80s dance scene. This rock syncopated dance number gets a touch of the underground in several areas and also some new percussion. It is a pure touch of a crossover hit.

MIDNIGHT SHINE ... The glare is from the music

MIDNIGHT SHINE ... The glare is from the music

"You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - David Joseph - https://youtu.be/01jfFzDyxs8
"Holiday" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madonna - http://www.shadesofseventies.com/madonna_holiday.html
"If You Can Dance You Can Do It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Slimline - https://youtu.be/dRYu5ReYHxk
“Time Bomb" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jeanie Tracy - https://youtu.be/zekY5lBInas
“Light A Light" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peppermint - https://youtu.be/Rn2_bkvOs6U

ReStructure Mix Update (4/25/17) “Love Explosion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chris Mills

ReStructure Mix Update (4/25/17) “Love Explosion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chris Mills

Chris Mills is one of the great moments of the 80s transition from electronic dance to high energy. Produced by Joe La Greca – the Canadian producer who brought us projects by Hydro, Lime, Nancy Martinez, Diva, Kryptonite, Kat Mandu and MTL Express. Keyboards and arrangements are incredibly laid out by Denis Le Page of Lime who seems to have begun his own following and style with his unique bass and percussion sound. “Love Explosion” is the single which I can remember having to play over and over during its release a few patrons swore it was Michael Jackson. Chris Mills has a soulful and stylish sound that falls into a nice disco pop category as well as defining a funk edge to La Greca and Le Page’s sound. A big one which always brought me to a nice trance light energy.

I have taken the album version of “Love Explosion” and ignited a new ReStructure Mix to bring those sirens and love chants into the millennium. A few new drum beats are placed below the surface to kick your feet higher. A longer distance with Le Page’s fabulous horns and keyboards are infused.

SUPPORT YOUR DANCE FLOOR - Stand Up, Get Down!

 

SUPPORT YOUR DANCE FLOOR - Stand Up, Get Down!

"La Cage Aux Folles" by Le Jeté - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/43Nqmis0M6Y
"Baby, I'm Burnin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dolly Parton - https://youtu.be/SxAYCjZlVQg
"Singin' In The Rain" by Sheila and B. Devotion - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/…/sheilaandbdevotion_singinint…
"New York City Rhythm" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Barry Manilow - https://youtu.be/DludVA05yWY
“Music” by Montreal Sound – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/HZZR2qPsA8M

ReStructure Mix Update (4/21/17) “Disco Fantasy Medley” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thomas “Coke” Escovedo

ReStructure Mix Update (4/21/17) “Disco Fantasy Medley” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thomas “Coke” Escovedo

Thomas “Coke” Escovedo is a performer who painted disco, soul, funk and Latin experiences. His influence was passed onto his niece, Ms. Sheila E. and her dedication to keep percussion alive and where it belongs – dance music. “Disco Fantasy” is the 1977 project from Escovedo and hits the disco bell with a hard mallet. A production with soul and funk fused loosely as an underground disco sound was being formed. This one always reminded me of the Van McCoy style with a touch more of Latin percussion in this musician’s style. A big disco sound with the funky underground flavor.

I have taken tracks from this project and worked them into a medley – “Disco Fantasy Medley”. Lots of the funky-ass chorus ladies are what make this one feel real. A new intro brings the curtains to a rise into the great feel of the mid-70s and a time when dance floors and those private dance floors were creating a new nightlife for those who wanted something new. 

FUNK GALAXY ... yes, it really takes you there!

FUNK GALAXY ... yes, it really takes you there!
"Must Be The Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Secret Weapon - https://youtu.be/MddAKZ5Rwas
"Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vaughan Mason And Crew - https://youtu.be/tP4h7Zvm8qw
“Dancing In My Sleep” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Secret Ties - https://youtu.be/hsupGIWEykw
"Lovin' You Madly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Narada Michael Walden - https://youtu.be/5888bLcOHOk
"Love Starts After Dark" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gene Page - https://youtu.be/6RL6nNpnbXA

Funky Hopscotch - Jump To It!

Funky Hopscotch - Jump To It!

"Feel My Love Tonight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stacy Lattisaw - https://youtu.be/Z-SzgUAxiss
"Come Give Your Love To Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Janet Jackson - https://youtu.be/83OcYW6CkZ0
"All American Girls" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Sister Sledge - https://youtu.be/BQ7lZMMezUc
"Two Of Hearts" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stacey Q - https://youtu.be/elaU6OugqOA
"Do You Wanna Get Away" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Shannon - https://youtu.be/TIgR9obsdaI

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/17) “Body Language” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti Austin

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/17) “Body Language” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti Austin

Patti Austin is a jazz vocalist whose venture into dance/disco music in the early 80s brought new life to a new period of music. “Body Language” is Patti’s 1980 project produced by legendary jazz producer Creed Taylor. This album gave a new spirit to this vocalists sound. The title cut is a nice jazz/sleaze track that is sensual and teasing appropriately with Patti purring on and on about romantic physics. It has always been one of my favorites and a surprise number that I used many times in early morning sets for years. A great vocal piece from Patti and a great full arrangement as this album is laid out.

I have taken the album version of “Body Language” and relayed a new message here for a ReStructure Mix realm – focusing more on the sleaze edge of this great number. I spread the vocals out in a new arrangement and place some breaks and light crescendos here and there. It plays out nice as a low bpm teaser for the jazz intention and even sweeter now with a played out early morning feel.

http://www.glennrivera.com/multiply/pattiaustin_bodylanguage_restructuremix.jpg

a DOSE of Disco Love - The Boogie Doctor

a DOSE of Disco Love - The Boogie Doctor

"Give Me Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cerrone - https://youtu.be/jdVTTfQoX4s
“As Long As It's Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Theo Vaness - https://youtu.be/a04J-5uba0Q
"And Love Goes On" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Earth Wind & Fire - https://youtu.be/gWAe-5Ag8MU
"Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Firefly - https://youtu.be/9usf4SAFOLk
"Love Exciter" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - El Coco - https://youtu.be/i7fYuXUH-J4

ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/17) “The Sun Goes Down On Milky Way” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gazebo

ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/17) “The Sun Goes Down On Milky Way” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gazebo

Gazebo is Paul Mazzolini on an Italo-disco stage. The early 80s shift in dance music was saved for those who continued to clamor the melodic sounds of disco in an electronic format – it was Italo-disco. Tracks like “Masterpiece” by Gazebo in 1982 brought a splash of the adventure of disco music with the new production consisting of a keyboard mainframe. Throughout the 80s this venture of creative and various faucets of styles made dance floors move all over again. Gazebo’s “The Sun Goes Down On Milky Way” from 1986 is another one of the poetic love songs put to the electro vibe of Italo-disco. A great piece that I always loved to add to a tea dance playlist or a set of beautiful dance music.

I have taken the 12” version “The Sun Goes Down On Milky Way” a laid out a new feel for this ReStructure Mix. I focused more on the afterhours beauty elements. I lifted the mystic rolling of the intro for a smooth transition into the kick beats and eventually Gazebo’s beautiful and melodic vocal.

disco 'G" gadgetry - pulse beat

disco 'G" gadgetry - pulse beat

"In My Wildest Dreams" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio - https://youtu.be/zjDmq07-PG0
“From Here To Eternity" by Giorgio - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/oDTqJfjh_Vg
"In The Middle Of The Knight" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio - https://youtu.be/PXbHYnJ1RMw
"Utopia-Me Giorgio" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Giorgio - https://youtu.be/rjJ1reHOVgw
“Knights In White Satin” by Giorgio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/videos/giorgio_knightsinwhitesatin.html

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/17) “Oo-La-La Too Soon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sarah Dash

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/17) “Oo-La-La Too Soon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sarah Dash 

 

Sarah Dash is known for her role in the trio LaBelle (previously known as Patti LaBelle and The Bluebells) – a futuristic funk ensemble along with Pattie LaBelle and Nona Hendryx. Each of these ladies proclaiming a style of soul and funk fitting for the lineup and also solo careers. Sarah is known for her soulful delivery which hits levels of Patti’s power and demand for center stage. “Sinner Man” is her big disco hit from 1978 and mixed by Mr. Tom Moulton and produced by Gary Knight, Gene Allan, Jay Siegel and Wally Gold – also featured on Don Kirshner's subsidiary label Kirshner Records of CBS. The track is a gem of a disco recording and is now a classic piece to hold onto its resonating production and Sarah’s fabulous vocal performance. “Oo-La-La Too Soon” is from Sarah’s second follow up album which unfortunately trailed behind the disco movement into 1980 – and although the title single has the flawless disco production it received less attention. It uses the tie line from a well-known Sassoon Jeans commercial with the disco flavor or the time, Sarah’s take is struggle to maintain control over a powerful urge.

I have taken the short 3:07 minute album version of “Oo-La-La Too Soon” and worked an extended mix playing with segments to finish a definite and noticeable arrangement. A new riff is placed below the melody and Sarah is visited by an old flame again. It is a toy on my end where I could never get enough of Sarah’s vocal in the short 3 minute play.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/17) “Nobody But You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Theo Vaness

ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/17) “Nobody But You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Theo Vaness
Theo Vaness (Theo van Es) is a Dutch singer who is also known for his vocal with the band The Shoes from the late 60s and early 70s. His appearance as a disco artist in 1978 with his project “Back To Music” – produced by Boona Music (Michaéle, Lana and Paul Sebastian). Theo’s unique sound brought a new distinction to the Euro-disco sound which began a new wave of club music and helping to ignite the disco fusion of the mid and late 70s. “Nobody But You” is a single from the “Back To Music” album and is one of his most beautiful love songs. The production follows the strip down disco format which soon became the norm for dance music.

I have taken the album version of “Nobody But You” and re-edited elements to create a new ReStructure Mix adding a few new percussion parts to enhance the smooth track. It was always a heartfelt song for me and also has many great vocal riffs from Theo which made him an artist that dance floors recognized immediately with each new dance release.

DISCO HEART BEATS - Fonder of the floor

DISCO HEART BEATS - Fonder of the floor

"Feels Like Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Louise Thomas - https://youtu.be/aWGwT2kykeg
"Take Me To Paradise" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kelly Marie - https://youtu.be/TluQn_pjMx0
"Magic Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Michele - https://youtu.be/7Al4hOgj3qw
"Tonight You and Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Phyllis Hyman - https://youtu.be/OpFT_xCrZtY
"I Like You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Phyllis Nelson - https://youtu.be/FbPxWmTb3Pw

ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/17) “It’s Alright” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

ReStructure Mix Update (3/31/17) “It’s Alright” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio
Gino Soccio is one of the creative forces who brought a heavy influence on disco music as it matured in the late 70s. His credits include many session groups including Witch Queen, Gotham Flasher, Lafleur and artists Karen Silver and Busta Jones. His keyboards and synthesizer work is a new age touch to the electronic edge of disco. “Outline” was his first solo album from 1979 where the single “Dancer” became one of the innovative recording sessions of its time. Later Gino proved his creative edge brought together a slick techno-new age feel that would set a presence during the early and late 80s.

“It’s Alight” is from his 1982 project “Face To Face” and featured vocalist Erma Shaw – this synth-dance classic is ReStructured using the album version. More of the looping riffs are accentuated here along with a breakdown among several areas where the rhythm is contagious. One of the great classics from Soccio and his genius which even today is fresh and influential.