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.

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

ReStructure Mix Update (9/27/18) “Hold Me Touch Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carolyne Bernier

ReStructure Mix Update (9/27/18) “Hold Me Touch Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carolyne Bernier

Carolyne Bernier is a Canadian disco artist who made the mid-70s dance floors a beautiful place to be. Her first single “Hold Me, Touch Me” is one of the loveliest dance tracks from 1977 and brings the early signs of disco music’s new direction for the time. Produced by Tony Green who also gave us France Joli, U.N., Freddie James, Geraldine Hunt and Goldie Alexander. This production is the essence of the touch disco period. It is one of Carolyn’s memorable tracks and gives a European flare an easy play for those who admire the lush sound of disco music.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Hold Me, Touch Me” and reworked the elements of both versions into this new ReStructure Mix. There is a longer intro and fade out to allow the dreamy and sexy sound another opportunity to make its way back into the heart.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/26/18) “Dr. Sex” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pleasure and The Beast

ReStructure Mix Update (9/26/18) “Dr. Sex” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pleasure and The Beast Pleasure and The Beat is one of the bands from the early 80s which played a role in shifting the synth-pop/alternative dance sound into high energy. Their 1983 single “Dr. Sex” is one of the alluring pieces of electronic music. An alternative edge with backing from many radio stations dedicated to the 80s nu-wave dance market. Produced by Jimmie O’ Neill and played out in a mystical arena with a female vocal which embodies the Siouxsie and The Banshees mood. A heavy layer of make vocals give it a sleaze feel with a touch of punk. One of the memorable pieces of the 80s and the open creative field for producers and artists. I have taken the 12” version of “Dr. Sex” and layered those pumping bass key notes into a new ReStructure Mix. Focusing on the spell that the lead vocals seem to work and making every turn a new one.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/24/18) “Here Comes The Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Beach Boys

ReStructure Mix Update (9/24/18) “Here Comes The Night” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are one of the iconic sounds in music history. Their music brought on the reflection of a time and place. As disco mirrored balls and dance floors were brought to life by disco, The Beach Boys sound gave an outline of the Southern California surfer scene on the shore. Their harmonies were the immediate lure of their music along with the smooth rockin sound of their guitars. In 1979, as most artists and bands did The Beach Boys release a disco single titled “Here Comes The Night”. It was brought to life with the magic of disco producer Bob Esty who took the song and gave it the feel of what disco music and dance floors were feeling. I can remember the excitement of this single when it was released and the cornerstone of disco music it represented. A great bouncy number with the vocals which make The Beach Boys just how they are remembered.

I have taken Bob Esty’s 12” marvel using both the vocal and instrumental to recreate the “night” once again in this ReStructure Mix. It is laid out with more of Bob’s electronic outline and focuses on the wonderful past of this band’s music.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/19/18) “I Need You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudia Hart

ReStructure Mix Update (9/19/18) “I Need You” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudia Hart

Claudia Hart is the vocalist on “I Need You” – a track produced by Mix Up (Biagio Farina, G. Gioia and J.P. De Blasio). This release from the Canadian dance label Uniwave Records from 1979 is a hint of the changing face of disco music as it moved into a full electronic production. The music here sounds like early Italo-disco and our lead vocalist Claudia Hart performs this love song in the same vein. A sexy and yearning number for a lover who needs to know how much desire is involved. Heavy on the percussion and bass synthesizers for one of those 80s disco moments. One of the sweetest 12” singles with the Canadian dance movement intact.

I have taken the 12” disco and rock versions to recreate a new ReStructure Mix which smooths out the arrangement with more of the pumping bass and keyboards between our delicate vocal. I have also attempted to take the BPM of this song under control and a new bongo pattern is overlaid throughout this new version.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/18/18) “Gimme Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Harry Chalkitis

ReStructure Mix Update (9/18/18) “Gimme Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Harry Chalkitis

Harry Chalkitis is best known for his work with the disco group Queen Samantha. His production along with Charles Ibgui made the single “Take A Chance” a disco classic along with Chalkitis’ arranging and conducting. The sound he creates is that European pop disco flavor and also with tracks like “Take A Chance” an eerie underground feel. Harry Chalkitis released his first solo album in 1975 titled “Marita” and in 1981 a follow up project titled “So Long” – “Gimme Love” is from this album and is that sound which Chalkitis weaves very well. A bit more on the pop edge yet this style is still as satisfying as the hardcore dance numbers of the time.

I have taken the album version of “Gimme Love” and transformed the short radio version into an extended ReStructure Mix. A few new elements have been added to insure the beats make ever second worth it and some breaks to mesmerize this great dance number.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/17/18) “Follow The Brightest Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Voyage

ReStructure Mix Update (9/17/18) “Follow The Brightest Star” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Voyage

Voyage is a band from France whose dance music shaped disco music for the finale of anthems. Their big hits “From East To West” and “Souvenirs” are perhaps the most uplifting and memorable dance floor classics of the late seventies. The finale album from Voyage in 1982 titled “One Step Higher” contained a wonderful closing to their odyssey of dance music celebrating our world – “Follow The Brightest Star”. This one plays out like a 70s Euro-disco track with a beautiful resonance. It defines their sound in its entirety with the beautiful lyrics, sweet chorus and uplifting rhythms. One of the most wonderful sounds for the end of the disco era.

I have taken the 12” of “Follow The Brightest Star” and reworked another journey to a great place in this ReStructure Mix. The intro and chorus parts are dissected to give more of what this song brings alive. More of the song is better and a fade out with the chorus is the curtain call you may have been waiting for.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/15/18) “Whatcha’ Gonna Do” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stephanie Wells

ReStructure Mix Update (9/15/18) “Whatcha’ Gonna Do” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stephanie Wells

Stephanie Wells is a Canadian disco artists from producers Gino D’ Orazio and Tony Bentivegna (Nightlife Unlimited) and released one album titled “Fools In Love”. A big stamp on the Canadian disco import label Tojo Records in 1983 where much of the electronic dance tracks were creating a stir again on dance floors. This was the dawning of high energy music which was given its name since the electronic sound produced a nonstop rolling edge. “Whatcha’ Gonna Do” is that disco vein where the beautiful vocal is the top of level of the track and the swirling sounds created with keyboards and sequencers are the orchestral foundation. It is the return to the underground feel of disco music where the rhythm was the true essence.

I have taken the 12” version of “Whatcha’ Gonna Do” and worked a new ReStructure Mix not only extending the beauty of its lyrical verses but adding a new intro and breaks. The keyboard synth is extended the way I hear it in my head and the chorus still shines. A great track that helped to save the dance floors again in the early 80s with a return to the disco passion that had not yet ended.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/18) “Sex Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lisa

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/18) “Sex Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lisa

Lisa R. Fredenthal-Lee is a disco singer who brought the early 80s alive once again with her single “Jump Shout” – produced by Barry Blum and John Hedges. The song was one of the 12” releases that helped make San Francisco’s disco based label Moby Dick Records a standard. Lisa released her debut album titled “Lisa” which featured more electronic dance tracks displaying more of this artists colors in an 80s flair. “Sex Dance” is the third release on the second 12” from the project. This one is aimed at a somewhat suggestive idea that moving to dance music brings on the need for intimacy and release. A bit more could only enhance the feeling that we have all been experiencing for years. It is one of the sleepers from the project yet it still presents that sound which Lisa brought alive in the early 80s.

I have taken the album version and 12” of “Sex Dance” and recreated a new lesson for this ReStructure Mix. It holds more breaks and surprises where my aim was to go deeper into the moves as it promises more.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/12/18) “Street Talk” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

ReStructure Mix Update (9/12/18) “Street Talk” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

Gino Soccio made the end of the disco era a need for an ambient and abstract sound which was only beginning on his first project, “Outline”. The early 80s were the movement towards an electronic dance sound which Soccio embraced in his own creative mind. “Street Talk” is from his 1981 album titled “Closer” and follows a synthesized metal sound with a touch of the nu-wave lightly sprinkled with distorted sounds joining a funky vocal from Erma Shaw. The track is a notable one since it gives his percolating and ambient feel a full on effect. One of the hidden gems from his many genius productions.

I have taken the album version of “Street Talk” and revamped the outline with a new arrangement and accenting the ticking percussion which keeps the rap here moving. The dreaminess is embraced with a few drop out breaks and some phasing. One of my favorite styles of Soccio in a new package.