ReStructure Mix Update (5/27/17) “Step By Step” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Griffin

ReStructure Mix Update (5/27/17) “Step By Step” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Griffin

Peter Griffin is German singer whose disco hit from 1979 titled “Spiderman” put him on upcoming playlists into the 80s. His follow up single “Step By Step” from 1980 was a refreshing taste of high energy during a time where energy was missing from the US dance market following the disco fade. The single was released on the independent label Moby Dick Records which kept the energy of disco music alive. The song is fast moving love song of a growing affection of advice and hard hitting measures to make it last. A great piece from Peter Griffin and produced Christian Bensch.

I have taken the 12” version of “Step By Step” and recreated a ReStructure Mix adding a classic percussion riff from 1979. This new version moves just as fast and also offers some looping and rearranging of the sequencer parts to breathe some new life into this killer high energy song.

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DISCO ...BUT WERE AFRAID TO DANCE!

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DISCO
...BUT WERE AFRAID TO DANCE!

"Star Cruiser" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gregg Diamond's Star Cruiser - https://youtu.be/vh-4xeYyxI4
“Music Fever" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Michael Zager Band - https://youtu.be/he6SMeOXV3k
"Love Disco Style" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band - https://youtu.be/qHRt6uwBvF0
"Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/afl9NDJtYPk
"Le Freak" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chic - https://youtu.be/q-wwQnbPVi4

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/17) “Turn Me Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Keith Barrow

ReStructure Mix Update (5/23/17) “Turn Me Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Keith Barrow

Keith Barrow is a soul/funk singer who gave 1978 its first glimpse into the sound of The Paradise Garage and the concept of underground club music. “Turn Me Up” is from 1978 album “Physical Attraction” and pulls out the drums and keyboard edge of soul into a disco arena – and along with Barrow’s soulful falsetto this sound became the start of Larry Levan’s outline for dance unity. The track was produced and co-written by Michael Stokes who later produced tracks by Magic Lady and Shirley Caesar. This one is a classic in its own right and continues to bring the feel of what disco and house music had in common.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Turn Me Up” to work this ReStructure Mix of a new blend for this number. Adding some slap effects to emphasize the “power” and also a familiar 80s electro rap piece to pull the bones right out of that funky bassline.

ALL NIGHT, Jazz - Below Your Feet

ALL NIGHT, Jazz - Below Your Feet

"Too Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kool and The Gang - https://youtu.be/xGZ9-ndVQkY
“Give Me The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George Benson - https://youtu.be/EBat5L9Ozzk
"Kasso" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kasso - https://youtu.be/irrHwU9ROPc
“Body Language” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Patti Austin - https://youtu.be/7kP-_tjuBVA
“Blue Steel” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rinder & Lewis - https://youtu.be/RRBU3jHUkYk

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/17) “Vicious Games” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/17) “Vicious Games” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello

Yello is Boris Blank and Dieter Meier – an electronic/synth band from the late 70s whose music is known for a moody and sometimes haunting edge. The group emerged from a period where music was making innovative turns in the alternative genre. Yello is a landmark band and their work spans many themes and also productions with vocalists like Shirley Bassey. Love songs are aimed at the aftermath of heartbreak or the difficulty of coping in the usual manner. I have always loved Yello since I heard their music in 1980 and like anyone who knows the players and sound well enough have been taken on mystic trips that are almost psychedelic in the synth-pop/rock sound. “Vicious Games” comes from their 1985 album “Stella” and is a song about lovers who tease and challenge their connection out of a need to hold onto independence. A great 80s dance number and contains all of Yello’s most exciting elements and surprises.

I have taken the US 12” of “Vicious Games” including the long, radio and instrumental to paint a play that is in the ReStructure Mix realm. I have extended the fantastic percussion breaks to suite a new arrangement where the riffs are planted in a new way. This one was always one of the big songs of the serious dance clubs and even today brings back that drum circle feel where the feeling becomes overwhelming, but so satisfying.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/19/17) “I Wanna Be Your Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Prince

ReStructure Mix Update (5/19/17) “I Wanna Be Your Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Prince

Prince brought the 80s into a funk restoration phase with style of guitar and soulful falsetto vocals. His second project from 1979 is a self-titled album with opened with the club hit, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” which gave this talented artist attention for his legacy. The track is played out in an electronic arrangement with a funky guitar accompaniment. The play lines of Prince tracks throughout the early 80s were at times a sexual play but this track stood out a one of his hard hitting love songs.

I have taken the album version of “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and edited a new ReStructure Mix reusing the fierce keyboard arrangements in their original and at times replayed. Parts of his verses and choruses are placed in new meaning as they are placed in new areas to emphasize this funk-dance classic.

D-TICKET ... SKATE INTO ANOTHER REALM

 

D-TICKET ... SKATE INTO ANOTHER REALM

“Down, Deep Inside" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/_HrOVEdYSiU
"Let's Fly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paradise Express - https://youtu.be/DVHrO9pGZaQ
"Disco Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Nightlife Unlimited - https://youtu.be/iPRDouGbMXk
“I'm A Big Freak (R U 1 2)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Patrick Adams presents Phreek - https://youtu.be/eVJD3XHStrg
“That's The Meaning" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Beautiful Bend - https://youtu.be/4jcrGjtRoVY

ReStructure Mix Update (5/17/17) “Tomorrow” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The New Company

ReStructure Mix Update (5/17/17) “Tomorrow” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The New Company

The New Company is an Italo-disco project from Giuseppe “Pino” Nicolosi and Lino Nicolosi – and featuring vocals by Dora Carofiglio (Novecento, Suzanne Meals, and Valerie Dore) and Pier Michele Bozzetti. This piece is an electronic stance into a robotic rhythmic track with a melodic anthem vocal. It is gently an experimental recording from this group to piece the beauty of those 80s love songs where this one outlines a dreamy dedication to love and harmony in a lasting relationship. It has always been one that I enjoyed programming into an early morning setting or an afterhour’s breakdown. It contains a wonderful chorus that transpires above the beat and clap drum track and jittery sequencer layer. One of my favorite arenas of dance music is a big part of this track.

I have taken the vocal and instrumental version from the original Italian 12” release and recreated an alternate ReStructure Mix which relies on rhythm and airy drum and echo pieces to give it more of that moving edge. I have added a new drum intro to give it a flowing intro and added more of the verses and chorus for a longer mesmerizing experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/17) “Born Bad” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/17) “Born Bad” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

Elton John is one of the pop-rock artists of the 70s who remained on of stars who paved his own road (“yellow brick”) to fame and a classic songbook. His disco venture is one that I welcomed with open arms. It was great to hear his rock edged vocal in a disco arrangement that is produced by Pete Bellotte. The production is similar to the slick Munich-disco sound which was developed by Pete along with Giorgio Moroder in projects by Donna Summer, Robert Kelly, Chris Bennett and Suzi Lane among others. It was a refreshing moment to have Elton’s talent in this project. The track “Born Bad” is one that I played regularly and received a great reception.

I have taken the album version of “Born Bad” recreated a story for this ReStructure Mix which holds close to the original with a few new segments added. More breaks and some extending of the shining synthesizer loops created by Bellotte in the Munich feel.

DISCOVISION - "Wow! I can feel it! As well as see it!"

DISCOVISION - "Wow! I can feel it! As well as see it!"

"Sky High" by Jigsaw - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/JGC9MBqV18E
“House Inspector” by Mac Sample – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/A3ULI5sHHJ0
"Greyhound Bus" by Gregg Diamond's Hardware - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/r7RTlXocwrQ
"Candy Man" by Mary Jane Girls - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/53btLsS_t6g
"Love Spy" by Mike Mareen - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/04nnv_Fnk7Q

SATURDAY NIGHT Flavor - Catch It, Before It Melts!

 

SATURDAY NIGHT Flavor - Catch It, Before It Melts!

“Action Satisfaction" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Melody Stewart - https://youtu.be/ZkTSqEfU9DQ
"Miami Heatwave" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Seventh Avenue - https://youtu.be/vlIBitpQON0
"Shake Your Groove Thing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peaches & Herb - https://youtu.be/jle3vCeoyKE
"Action '78" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Erotic Drum Band - https://youtu.be/OCOpWeAp6Hw
"Sunset People" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/x3n8q1ymVTA

ReStructure Mix Update (5/12/17) “The Fighter” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Arpeggio

ReStructure Mix Update (5/12/17) “The Fighter” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Arpeggio

Arpeggio is one of the many disco projects from producer Simon Soussan who also co-produced the first albums and club hit “Uptown Festival”. The group also features vocalist Jessica Williams, Fred Sawyers, Jerry Scott and Lamarr Stevens (Quartario). Their first album in 1978 was an outline for the fusion of electronic sounds and effects to be used heavily in disco music. “Love and Desire” is the big hit that gave this project many ears and feet the attention that would keep them as a classic disco project. “The Fighter” is the dance single released in 1985 and one of the finale known works of Soussan. The 80s brought most of the big-productions of disco music to a more simple production process where keyboards were power and desire of dance floors. “The Fighter” is a female empowerment song written by Terry Steele which fits the similar 80s movement with songs “She Works Hard For The Money” and “The Fight (For The Single Family)”. A nice pulsating bass arrangement with electronic steel-drums echoing throughout the homage to our heroine.

I have taken the 12” version of “The Fighter” using the vocal and instrumental to recreate a new ReStructure Mix bringing a bit more to the original arrangement. This has always been one of the electronic dance pieces from the mid-80s and fitting as a nice Italo-disco number also. I have taken the rolling feel of the song and sprinkled a few more breaks and rhythm movements.

DONNA SUMMER: Who Let The Animals Out?

 

DONNA SUMMER: Who Let The Animals Out?
"Thank God It's Friday" by Love and Kisses (1978) - https://youtu.be/iv684fMI3Ns

WEEKEND WORKOUT - dance reps

WEEKEND WORKOUT - dance reps
“Dancer" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Gino Soccio - https://youtu.be/57KypcJv7QE
“Bodycheck” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Three Degrees - https://youtu.be/hd-MjyCiI1g
"Love In The Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - VHF - https://youtu.be/1EEz1onCuBQ
“Another Cha Cha" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Santa Esmeralda - https://youtu.be/sozQbB-5HrY
"Hot Leather" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Passengers - https://youtu.be/xQIIYzXNXFc

ReStructure Mix Update (5/11/17) “One More Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Oh, Romeo

ReStructure Mix Update (5/11/17) “One More Shot” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Oh, Romeo

Bobby Orlando took the 80s into his concept of a full on electronic dance production and with his heavy percussion accenting his heavy beats this sound became a necessity. Oh, Romeo is one of the projects from Bobby Orlando with a wall of keyboards and upfront percussion. “One More Shot” is their single from 1985 and plays out as one of the most energetic numbers of the time as a high energy track. The vocals are always somewhat familiar and lyrics are unimportant. This music is for dancing where the only thing understood should be the bass line and drum fills.

I have taken “One More Shot” in the ReStructure Mix arena since it is one of the big movers for me of the time in my club. This replay is re-edited to give the original arrangement a touch more boom and shake. More looping of those simple sequencer tracks and a touch of dub mix to pay tribute to the high energy genre and its roots.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/9/17) “Love Eyes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ferrara

ReStructure Mix Update (5/9/17) “Love Eyes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ferrara

John Ferrara is a disco producer who worked at the peak of disco music to move into an electronic stage of dance music. Much of the album “Wuthering Heights” is an experimental recording and listed in credits percussion player with ‘traps’ – which may have been those sharp slap effects in “Shake It Baby Love”. “Love Eyes” is the last cut on side two before the reprise of the big club hit, “Love Attack”. Even today “Love Attack” remains a great piece of disco work summoning the high energy era of the early and mid-80s. The opera-like chorus in most of the album is reminiscent of a theme project from Alec R. Costandinos where a story is being told disco/Broadway style. “Love Eyes” is a simple and somewhat crowded piece in the side two medleys – yet the yearning and melodic vocals have always drawn me and others who may have been enchanted by the project. This one may have been the rough draft for later electronic disco recordings like “Shanghaied” – also from Ferrara as you can hear many new features in the production that rely on new ideas.

I have taken the short “Love Eyes” segment from the medley and created a ReStructure Mix bring out more of the sounds and effects that made this album a classic. More focused on extending the track since it contains the parts which Ferrara had researched with club disc jockeys in the late 70s to find what dance floors were reacting to.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/17) “I Know You Will” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Logg

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/17) “I Know You Will” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Logg

Logg is a project from producers Greg Carmichael and Leroy Burgess – a duo who knew the direction of disco music in the late 70s onto the 80s. A funk-edge was taking over much of the underground sound in clubs like Paradise Garage with DJs like Larry Levan at the controls. A soulful vocal and a slick rhythm arrangement brought a new excitement to dance floors that were searching for yet another curve in the music. It was progression that later became house/garage music. “I Know You Will” is one of the garage-feel songs that I latched onto early and found myself building a segment in my playlist of this new sound. Lead vocal from Leroy Burgess bring back his unforgettable performances in The Fantastic Aleems.

I have taken the album version of “I Know You Will” and played out a new ReStructure Mix that uses up the riffs that stand out in my mind. A few new breaks and play with Leroy’s fabulous vocals are also added.

WHAT CAN 'BROWN' DO FOR YOU TONIGHT? - The music of Peter Brown

WHAT CAN 'BROWN' DO FOR YOU TONIGHT? - The music of Peter Brown

“Crank It Up (Funk Town)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/sHAdR0SHW8A
"Dance With Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/iJJJz2JMgAs
“Can't Be Love - Do It To Me Anyway” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/C6Qn0NxD_tQ
"Do Ya Wanna Get Funky With Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/j1KvMpp2D8U
“They Only Come Out At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/hdKUAYOHBcY

ON YOUR MARK! GET SET! DISCO! - A race to the floor

ON YOUR MARK! GET SET! DISCO! - A race to the floor

"Quiet Village" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Ritchie Family - https://youtu.be/FFUzC1IMupE
"Brazuca" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Simbora Orchestra - https://youtu.be/jA3xiTBeCN8
"Discotique" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipstique - https://youtu.be/3H2kJm3pvHc
“Dance Yourself Dizzy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Liquid Gold - https://youtu.be/0I2hPisPzfg
"Let's Start The Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bohannon - https://youtu.be/wCS8GWwHeB4

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/17) “You Can’t Stop This Game” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tokio

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/17) “You Can’t Stop This Game” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tokio

Tokio is an Italo-disco project from producers Miguel Dega and Ricardo Gomez. Their first single titled “You Can’t Stop This Game” from 1986 is one of the electronic numbers that follow the early mood of Italian disco music with a strong connection to an early morning edge. Tracks released in this mode including tracks by Gazebo, Valerie Dore and Klaudia are moody and dream-like. “You Can’t Stop This Game” has a touch of high energy with some nice keyboard riffs that blare out energy yet the haunting vocals take over throughout the song. It is one that worked in several playlist formats during the late 80s electronic rein.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to rework a ReStructure Mix to mark this lovely piece. I have added more mystiques to the arrangement and a few new surprises along with a cameo appearance from three Motown ladies.