ReStructure Mix Update (10/29/18) “Underfire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debra Dejean

ReStructure Mix Update (10/29/18) “Underfire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Debra Dejean

Debra Dejean is a disco artist who released one album in 1981 produced by Bo Bohannon and Carl Marsh. The project featured a few hardcore dance tracks with a rock edge appropriate for the early 80s and a high energy cover of Smokey Robinson’s “You Really Got A Hold On Me”. This album also featured a cover of a 1979 track from an artist titled Jackie called “Underfire”. The original in synth-pop format was produced by Terry Britten. Debra’s version takes the soft original and transforms it with a kickin’ rock feel giving it a new funk-like energy. A nice vocal performance by Debra on this project leaves many of the tracks memorable as this version of “Underfire”.

I have taken the 12” version of “Underfire” and transformed the rhythm force into a new ReStructure Mix completing it with a new into and bounce induced fade. The original is cut and pasted into a new arrangement and I focused on the elements which made it most favorable to me throughout the years and during its release.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ms. Debra Dejean who passed in June 2015 – leaving behind a memorable album for those who danced in the 80s.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/28/18) “Come On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jules Tropicana

ReStructure Mix Update (10/28/18) “Come On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jules Tropicana

Jules Tropicana is a disco project from Barcelona and features Ritchie Rauet, Sergio Oca and Jules Nikoko. “Come On” is their first single from 1983 and lays out the high energy sound which would soon become a standard in the mid-80s. It was the transition to electronic music and the energy it created from start to finish on many projects as this. The smooth rolling synthesizers here and the nice calm vocal create an ominous effect. One of the big hits of my club and a wonderful marking point for the soon to become dance floor sensation of high energy music.

I have taken the vocal and instrumental version from the 12” of “Come On” to rework the energy into a new ReStructure Mix. I have used pieces of the fabulous original mix only to add to the mechanism of already existing power.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/18) “Shattered Glass” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Laura Branigan

ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/18) “Shattered Glass” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Laura Branigan

Laura Branigan is a performer who took dance floors higher with her 1982 vocal performance on “Gloria”. A rejuvenation of dance floors with just a touch of Laura’s yearning rock edged high end. “Shattered Glass” is a 1987 single from her “Touch” album and was produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman of Rick Astley, Mel and Kim, and Kylie Minogue success. Another emotional heartbreak number with the flavor of Laura’s vocals which always are effective. This one pulled dance floors into the beat and clap house fills that SAW used in many of their productions along with the rolling guitar bass for the energy. It is one of her powerful messages and a favorite of the die-hard fans of Ms. Branigan.

I have taken the 12” version of “Shattered Glass” and broke down pieces of the percussion and beat tracks to overlap some new energy to this ReStructure Mix. Once again the arrangement is completely overhauled for a new dance and heartfelt experience. A fade out again is given to echo the drama and excitement of this number.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/23/18) “Time To Get Down” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kat Mandu

ReStructure Mix Update (10/23/18) “Time To Get Down” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kat Mandu

Kat Mandu is a disco project from producers Denis Lepage (Lime) and Joe Le Greca with one of the landmark disco tracks from 1979, “The Break”. The group also featured Ritchie Rome (The Ritchie Family, African Suite) on orchestrations and arrangements as well as Cissy Houston on backing vocals. “Time To Get Down” comes from their second album titled “Get Crackin’” from 1980 – it is light groove with lots of the percussion that this ensemble is known for. Jimmy Ray performs the lead vocals as he did in the first album with a distinctive sound and delivery which is soothing and yet lay back and funky. A nice early evening piece that brings a touch of mild energy to the feet and reminds the floor what they are doing.

I have taken the album version of “Time To Get Down” and revamped a new version for this ReStructure Mix. Taking the deep bass guitar riff and building around it and the heavy drums and percussion. It has much of the extended elements and editing to break the song up from its original layout.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/21/18) “People Say It’s In The Air” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herrey’s

ReStructure Mix Update (10/21/18) “People Say It’s In The Air” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herrey’s

Herrey’s are a trio of three brothers: Louis, Per and Richard Herrey who were a pop recording group during the mid-80s throughout the mid-90s. “People Say It’s In The Air” is a single released in 1985 and produced by Anders Engberg and caught the attention of the dance clubs and music enthusiasts whom were taken by anthem songs. This one was a big mover for hardcore dance clubs which takes on a new meaning with big tracks which reach more than the feet as this one does. It is a beautiful and melodic love song with a chorus of hope and celebration. The Herrey’s are one of the parts of this anthem category for this number and many who danced all night to songs like “Hang On To My Love” by Jimmy Ruffin and “No Regrets” by Quartzlock know this mood well.

I have taken the 12” ‘Red, White and Blue Remix’ – vocal and instrumental and reworked a ReStructure Mix which adds more to the celebration with a longer intro and a fading chorus. I have added a far off percussion riff to give this one a haunting edge and keep the mystery of this genre of dance music rare and energetic.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/20/18) “Down To The Wire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob McGilpin

ReStructure Mix Update (10/20/18) “Down To The Wire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob McGilpin

Bob McGilpin is a musician and artist who are best known in the club walls for his big inspirational hit “Superstar” from 1978. One of the only disco singles of the time to feature 2 remixes since its rein was on top as a Top 10 disco hit. Bob also brought to disco music a unique sound of funk and his nice vocal presence. “Down To The Wire” is from Bob’s 1980 album on Casablanca Records and is produced once again by Norman B. Ratner – who also produced Lou Rawls, Lola Falana and Gene Page projects. This 1980 release is a wonderful dance track which features the lush strings of the 70s disco sound and another uplifting proposition from Bob. One of the favorites of the time when Bob’s refreshing sound gave dancing the freedom it needed.

I have taken the album version of “Down To The Wire” and focused on the same formula which made “Superstar” one of my favorites. Adding some new rhythm elements to bring out the groove and the beauty of the disco arrangement. More of Bob is brought to the surface and the rolling bass hidden in the original recording.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/18) “For Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Discotheque

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/18) “For Your Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Discotheque

Discotheque is a project from Bart Van De Laar (Night Force) and François Weyer formed in 1979. Their single “For Your Love” is a high energy cover of 1965 The Yardbirds rock classic. This version follows the disco formula stripped down and raw. Bass and rhythm guitars are the formula behind the groove of this disco track. It follows the last of the big disco productions which were built into the sound of the late 70s. Most clubs who found this version memorable are the big afterhours dance palaces who began to shift more to a progressive 80s dance format. The vocals are echoes of the male 60s bands with a touch what the song calls for.

I have taken the 12” version of “For Your Love” and created this ReStructure Mix adding more percussion to give it the shake down which it deserves. A new arrangement focusing around the main content is expressed here and of course it is tailored to the original afterhours feel.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/17/18) “I’m A Dancer” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – V.I.S.A.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/17/18) “I’m A Dancer” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – V.I.S.A.

V.I.S.A. is an Italo-disco project from 1979 produced by Angelo Piccarreta and arranged by Celso Valli. This four cut album is the blend of Italo-disco changing the landscape of disco music which we knew from the late 70s. The energy became more of the focus and electronics were the solution for the sound of this continuum. “I’m A Dancer” is from the album titled “San Francisco” and it is one of the perfect club records of its time. It takes the dance floors on a trip back to the underground feel of disco music where the beat was only there for the chorus and remained light and almost unnoticed though the story of a man so in love with losing himself on the dance floor he compares it to his romance. One of the great works of arranged/producer Celso Valli as he relies on horns, rolling bass and disco syndrum effects to cast an almost moody and dark energy. A favorite project of mine and one which took me back into the basics of disco once again.

I have taken the album version of “I’m A Dancer” and choreographed a new phase for this song. It has more of the top layer of percussion with claps and high end to give it more power. The vocals are left intact as they are the message that the 80s brought from Italo-disco as many still yearned to express themselves as a ‘dancer’.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/18) “Nighttime Heaven” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Technos

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/18) “Nighttime Heaven” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Technos

The Technos are Bev Sage and Steve Fairnie – originally titled The Techno Twins on their first releases. The duo created a synth-pop dance sound which used a touch of the nu-wave edge to give their music a 80s feel. Their 1984 single “Nighttime Heaven” is one of their most memorable of the club scene and was produced by Phil Harding. It is a beat pounding rhythm with a challenge from our lead vocalist to create the celebration that their music weaved. It was a huge hit for me during its release and always brings to mind the power of electronic dance music and the fusion it was discovering during the early and mid-80s.

I have taken the 12” version of “Nighttime Heaven” and did some sharp cutting to recreate this ReStructure Mix. It is more of an arrangement which focuses on the heavy parts of the rhythm and chorus pieces of the song. It is another tribute to the electronic and synth-pop influence on disco music during a new era.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/12/18) “Discomania” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Lovers

ReStructure Mix Update (10/12/18) “Discomania” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Lovers

The Lovers is a studio project from disco producer, Jacques Morali who began the success of the disco medley. His production of The Ritchie Family’s “The Best Disco In Town” from 1976 was a take on the mid-70s disco influence and where it was headed. The success of the medley both in clubs and radio brought the following of the mash up of hits tracks in the disco medley form. “Discomania” by The Lovers is another similar piece using the big dance floor movers of the time. Jacques Morali also produced The Ritchie Family’s big disco era hits as well as Village People, Patrick Juvet, Phylicia Allen, Eartha Kitt and Julius Brown. “Discomania” is a time piece and reflects the excitement that this genre of music brought to the world.

I have taken the vocal medley and instrumental versions from the 12” of “Discomania” and created a new ReStructure Mix which takes the pieces of the medley into a new arrangement. The chorus has been amended to fit into a more ambient and current dub feel and the bass is still pumpin’!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/9/18) “Can You Do It Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Virgin

ReStructure Mix Update (10/9/18) “Can You Do It Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Virgin

Virgin is an Italo-disco project featuring vocalist Emanuela Gubinelli on “Can You Do It Forever” from 1992. The production by Giacomo Maiolini was the turning point in Italo-disco and the once again influenced by the high energy movement. “Can You Do It Forever” is a beautiful and melodic love song with a punch thanks to the sweet yet lovely harmonies created by Emanuela. Almost haunting at times when the sweeping keyboard movements slide into a new verse or chorus. One of the big high energy hits for my dance floor on weekends and another need to build up to that momentum that fast paced dance records would mold in a set.

I have taken the 12” extended, accapella, instrumental and ‘last version” from the Time Records release and rearranged the song with a longer intro to ready your senses for the rolling bass sequencers and added high end percussion.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/8/18) “Shinin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gregg Diamond’s Hardware

ReStructure Mix Update (10/8/18) “Shinin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gregg Diamond’s Hardware

Gregg Diamond is a pioneer of disco music. His productions combined the funky sound of pop-rock and a fusion of disco. Much of his work including projects by Bionic Boogie, Starcruiser, Andrea True Connection and Gloria Gaynor have always been considered classic and the best always. Hardware is a disco ensemble from 1979 for Mercury Records where he creates the disco edge with more of a rock feel. The pounding of the disco beat still moves his rhythms and his chorus includes Zach Sanders, Diva Gray, Gordon Grody and Jocelyn Brown. “Shinin’” is another great example how Diamond takes a phrase and creates many innuendos with both music and his presentation. An attribute which always made his music unique.

I have taken the album version of “Shinin’” and worked it into frenzy in this ReStructure Mix. It blends out several parts into a main focal groove of segments in this new mix. A new intro and fade are plays for a method that always seems adequate for a classic groove as this.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/18) “Space Ranger” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Araxis

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/18) “Space Ranger” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Araxis

Araxis is a disco project from producer Jurgen Korduletsch – a progressive producer, arranger, writer and musician who also gave us Claudja Barry, Disco Circus, Lipstique, Ronnie Jones and Gaz. His 1982 single “Space Ranger” is a memorizing dance track which echoes the 70s galactic theme with the electronic work that was being formulated with his 1979 band Disco Circus. This one sounds like a theme from a television show with a Star Wars theme and a hardcore club percussion layer that literally ‘taps’ into the soul. Another piece that follows the experimental and imaginative projects which were being released by Giorgio Moroder during the same period. This 12” single was one of the singles which found its way into many afterhours dance playlists during that lingering dance hall experience. It is one of my underground favorites and always brings me back to the mature disco sound of electronics with a simple outline.

I have taken the 12” single version of “Space Ranger” and recreated a new exploration of this imaginative piece. There are some new raging elements put into place to bring out more of the drama which is light yet effective in this rolling number. A few breaks are added to continue the space journey of this hero.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/5/18) “Heartbeat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taana Gardner

ReStructure Mix Update (10/5/18) “Heartbeat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taana Gardner

Taana Gardner is the one of the disco artists that brought the deeper side of funk out within disco music. Her first album released in 1979 included the big Paradise Garage hit “Work That Body” and also the follow up “When You Touch Me” both iconic for both Taana’s sound and also the underground dance sound soon to become house music as disco music evolved. “Heartbeat” is a single released in 1981 and is another production by Kenton Nix with an exploration of the electro-funk edge in dance music during the early 80s. The track was a huge hit and gave hope to a new era of dancing in clubs and radio program that specialized in bringing the new edge disco to the airwaves.

I have taken the 12” version of “Heartbeat” and reworked the ‘heartbeats’ and funky rhythm tracks into a new ReStructure Mix. More of the underground is injected into this mix with more breaks aimed at striping away at the motion. Taana is again here to let us know how a heart can feel when under a new sensation with love and a funky groove.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/3/18) “Born To Be Alive” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kelly Marie

ReStructure Mix Update (10/3/18) “Born To Be Alive” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kelly Marie

Kelly Marie is one of the voices of dance/disco music whose power is always felt. Her achievements have been her versatile approach to each song. Her big hit “Feels Like I’m In Love” from 1979 is one of the tracks which became not only a landmark on the dance floor but also helped to give the end of the disco era a great send off.  Kelly released a tribute to one of the great disco tracks from the golden age of disco – 1978 and the classic, “Born To Be Alice” by Patrick Hernandez. This cover is exciting as Kelly’s enticing vocals create the sensation of freedom all over again. Produced by John Davies and Nigel Stock of the Passion Records high energy machine. This rolling version is a great vehicle for Ms. Marie and she surely takes advantage of the stage once again.

I have taken the 12” vocal of “Born To Be Alive” and transformed the key elements into a new ReStructure Mix which beefs up the energy like a hoe-down at the disco corral. I have reworked the original with the emphasis of an all-night party breaking loose and Kelly is right there…once again!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/18) “Perfume of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Scala

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/18) “Perfume of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Scala

Scala is an Italo-disco project from 1985 whose first single “Macchina Nera” was featured on an issue of Razormaid giving it the stamp of alternative dance. Their heavy use of pounding beats and heavy bass along with themes that follow another realm are the encompassing addiction to Italo disco. Produced by Joseph Angelli and Renzo Luchetta – this all electronic production is a fierce deep pounding 80s dance number that resonates. The sensual vocals are wonderful throughout the song even in spoken verses. I big hit for me during the high energy period and one of my favorites for those afterhours programs and a big leap for Italo-disco.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions to create this ReStructure Mix and accentuated those drums into their further riff. It is a longer and more use of those vocal tracks and sharp keyboard pieces are one which I also imagined.

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