Thursday, October 3, 2019

REISSUE: “Don't You Want My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs





REISSUE: “Don't You Want My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs

"Don't You Want My Love" was the birth of a new sound for disco music in 1979. It was a new high energy that was all elements of disco throughout the early and mid seventies using technology and new outlines. The hand clap track alone was powerful enough to move any dance floor. Paul Sabu produced this incredible project which also included, "Undercover Lover" and "Hot Hot (Give It All You Got)" - it was a disco candy store. My ReStructure attempts to recreate the excitement that this track made during it's time - with a few more surprises.

REISSUE: "Keep On Rockin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hemyl





REISSUE: "Keep On Rockin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hemyl

If you have never heard this early morning classic, this is your opportunity to experience one of the most incredible Italian dance productions. A beautiful vocal and tight keyboard production will leave a mark in your mind. This 1986 single was released on Merak Music out of Italy with 2 mixes - I have taken the M.M.G. mix and extended it beyond a dance mix. This is a must hear!

REISSUE: Medley: Don't Ask To Stay Until Tomorrow / Touch Me In The Morning- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marlena Shaw





REISSUE: Medley: Don't Ask To Stay Until Tomorrow / Touch Me In The Morning- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marlena Shaw

Diana Ross' "Touch Me In The Morning" is no simple task to convert to a disco number. It's been done a few times, but not like Marlena Shaw's interpretation. Meco Menardo arranged this gem and gave it a place in disco classic's history. I took Marlena's ballad from the soundtrack "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" titled "Don't Ask To Stay Until Tomorrow" and blended the song into a medley for a whole new feel of "Touch Me In The Morning". If you know the ballad from the soundtrack, you will agree that Marlena takes another shot with such elegance to make it complete. The dialogue is playful between each song and fitting - I believe.

REISSUE: "Love Pains" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Yvonne Elliman





REISSUE: "Love Pains" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Yvonne Elliman

Who did not want a longer version of this dance floor anthem. Very close to what dance floors and emotion have in common. Yvonne brings the power of her vocal abilities alive again, as she did with "If I Can't Have You". It is very natural and suits this arena of synthetic arrangements well - bringing it alive!

REISSUE: "In The Morning" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Douglas





REISSUE: "In The Morning" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carol Douglas

From the dreamy medley "Midnight Love Affair" comes the progressive sound of disco music of it's time. The percussion and strings work this ballad-like song into a frenzy of dance potential. I have taken the outline and given it a lengthy challenge.

Thanks to DJ Joe Luciano of New York for giving me the energy for this one!

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Superlove" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - SKYY



NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Superlove"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - SKYY

BEST FRIENDS: They are Harmony & Rhythm - puppies are the best!



BEST FRIENDS: They are Harmony & Rhythm - puppies are the best!


ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/19) “On Fire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – T-Connection





ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/19) “On Fire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – T-Connection

T-Connection is Anthony "Monks" Flowers, Berkley Van Byrd, David Mackey, Kirkwood Coakley, Monty Brown and Theophilus Coakley. The 70’s funk and soul is extremely united with the disco edge with this talented group. Their first dance hit from 1977 titled “Do What You Wanna Do” is a monstrous piece which places their heavy percussion over a groove which is infectious in a way that disco music was clamoring for in the mid and late 70’s. It is an experience that sounds almost ethereal to those who know and use disco music the right way. Produced by Alex Sadkin and Cory Wade and on the classic Henry Stone label Dash Records/TK Records.

I have taken their 1977 dance floor hit “On Fire” into the ReStructure Mix realm and reworked another workout for this classic disco mover. Using more of those killer breaks as segue to the action here there are more reasons to understand the power of T-Connection.

ECHOES OF THE 80's - Synthetic work-out!



ECHOES OF THE 80's - Synthetic work-out!
"Obsession" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Animotion - https://youtu.be/GW9fj0D5lH4
"Bring Your Love Down (Didn’t I)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yazoo - https://youtu.be/J31MOkt_LBk
“Yellow Pearl” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phillip Lynott - https://youtu.be/VfcLAcsRpCQ
"Love Action (I Believe In Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Human League - https://youtu.be/NjlqJ8ug-58
“Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eurythmics - https://youtu.be/wtx_CV5rveA

REISSUE: “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eurythmics





REISSUE:  “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eurythmics

Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart are Eurythmics. Their creative minds and display of innovation in use of synthesizers and keyboards brought a new layer of sound to the 80’s. Their single “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” from 1984 is from the soundtrack for the film “1984” and displays an edge of rock and synth-pop fusion. It is one of their most memorable tracks and plays out as a masterpiece of their incredible catalogue.

I have taken the 12” version of “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” and moved the recording into a lengthier intro and play with arrangements in this ReStructure Mix. It is the most powerful syncopated bass lines of the 80’s and works wonderfully now in a new way.

REISSUE: "Love Action (I Believe In Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Human League





REISSUE: "Love Action (I Believe In Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Human League

The Human League is Ian Burden, Ian Craig Marsh, Jo Callis, Joanne Catherall, Martyn Ware, Neil Sutton, Philip Adrian Wright, Philip Oakey and Susanne Sulley. The band is one of the major influences of 80s electronic dance music and remains one of the corner stones of electronica. The sound of their big LP “Dare” from 1981 still echoes through the hearts of those who dedicated their worlds to the sounds of dance music and the unity of a club dance floor.

“Love Action (I Believe In Love)” is one of the singles from the album which I have taken into a ReStructure Mix to give the track a new sound and execution. The new format keeps the vibrant sound of the arrangement intact – adding some new pieces to spice up the electric dish.

Dedicated to Alan Hawkins who asked for a ReStructure Mix of this giant piece of the 80s in this Special Eighties Edition Mix

REISSUE: “Yellow Pearl” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phillip Lynott





REISSUE:  “Yellow Pearl” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phillip Lynott

Phillip Lynott is a bass player whose career with rock band Thin Lizzy in the 70s helped to launch a solo career in 1980 with his project “Solo In Soho”. The single “Yellow Pearl” is co-written and remixed by Midge Ure of Ultravox another big innovative project from the 80s. The heavy synth layers on this big 80s dance track dominate it well and play out over the heavy drum patterns pounding at the foundation. It is one of my favorite crossover dance tracks from 1980 also give an opportunity for Lynott to crossover into 80s synth-pop pool. The track I also featured as a theme to the 80s dance show “Top Of The Pops” at the time.

I have taken the 12” import version of “Yellow Pearl” and recreated a ReStructure Mix to extended and make play on those heavy drum beats. The heavy bass synthesizers are accentuated for a more durable energy. This one has always been a weapon of mine for afterhour’s playlists and always worked well for me at 3 am.

REISSUE: "Bring Your Love Down (Didn’t I)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yazoo





REISSUE:  "Bring Your Love Down (Didn’t I)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yazoo

Yazoo is Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet – a duo who brought change to both 80s dance music and electronic recordings. The powerhouse duo were both experts in their areas where Clarke supplied the keyboards and mood and Moyet performed some of the most incredible emotions over synthetic sounds up to date. “Bring Your Love Down” is from their first album “Upstairs At Eric’s” from 1982. A song which rings over and over in the mind as well as the start of their combined genius. A simple troubled love song that creates another start for a band which now remains a classic for its own museum.

I have taken the album version of “Bring Your Love Down (Didn’t I)” and recreated a ReStructure Mix for the 80s Edition – yielding at not to the fantastic keyboard riffs and the amazing sound of Moyet. This is not only an extension of the song but also an opportunity to place my open mind to a creative and fun moment.

REISSUE: "Obsession" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Animotion





REISSUE:  "Obsession" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Animotion

Animotion is an 80s synth-pop band who made playlists all over with their 1984 hit “Obsession” – a twist of nu-wave and the electronic 80s intro. Astrid Plane and Bill Wadhams are the lead vocalists who reveal a secret desire with some strange analogies which seem a bit tame today. The song soared up the charts on alternative radio stations as one a cult band then soon became one of the pop sensations of the 80s. Later releasing hits “Let Him Go” and “I Engineer”. Original production is from John Ryan and displays the band feel of the 80s and the 12” dance release features a touch of club from Mark Kamins.

I have taken the US 12” vocal and dub version to piece together this ReStructure Mix which attempts to take the track a bit deeper into a dub-like fantasy. The nu-wave-ish feel is presented with more effects place on the original synthesizers, sequencers and confessions. This one was always a great way to start the evening and now it can be a better way to end the morning.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

WILD CALLING ... deep disco and drums



WILD CALLING ... deep disco and drums

"Jungle Drums" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Wild Fantasy - https://youtu.be/8LhYGJleeHI
“Jungle DJ” by Kikrokos – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/MTRQp6TLKXg
"Goddess Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phyllis Hyman - https://youtu.be/YlZ2wC_P10c
“Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/tM7vM5ZReEo
"Hot Jungle Drums and Voo Doo Rhythm" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. LaRue - https://youtu.be/QPvKSwrR0cs


REISSUE: "Hot Jungle Drums and Voo Doo Rhythm" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. LaRue





REISSUE: "Hot Jungle Drums and Voo Doo Rhythm" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. LaRue

Great vocoder effect create a great outline for this hypnotic dance number. D.C. Blare ("Cathedrals", "Let The Dance", "Do You Want The Real Thing") floats above the tribal pounding of this disco cut. This ReStructure loops the chorus to create a trance-like feel. Produced by Bob Esty this production outlines more of the late seventies production values and moves along with a driving energy. Don't fall down from spinning at the chorus!

REISSUE: “Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera





REISSUE: “Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Larry Page Orchestra is a disco project from Larry Page who a former pop singer and record producer from England of the late 50s and 60s who made the transition to disco in the late seventies “Erotic Soul” is the album from 1977 and along with Chris Blackwell (Max Berlin, Tschai Prender)created a lounge-feel disco sound. I have always admired the beautiful strings in the title track, “Erotic Soul” as well as the pounding drums and percussion.

I have created a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1954 adventure film, “Elephant Walk” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Dana Andrews. The story of a herd of angry elephants who wreak havoc on a tea plantation in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for blocking their migrating path. The beauty of Elizabeth Taylor is the main force here along with the care and respect for all animals on this planet.

“Erotic Soul” works as a new disco theme replacing the classic, “Baby Elephant Walk” by Henry Mancini.

The film was film was directed by William Dieterie

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

REISSUE: "Goddess Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phyllis Hyman





REISSUE:  "Goddess Of Love” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman is one of the promising voices of soul, disco, jazz and r&b during the mid-70s onto the 90s. Her vocal is recognizable unlike many today where the emotion is immediate and deeply moving. This style brought her success not only in the disco years of her career, but also the jazz and r&b movement with her years of the great Philadelphia International label along with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. “Goddess Of Love” is a project from 1983 and is produced by Narada Michael Walden – who was turning many vocalists into dance floor sensations during the early 80s including Aretha Franklin, Sister Sledge and Stacy Latttisaw. The title track follows the theme of Phyllis taking her enchantment into a mythical jungle chanteuse – The Goddess of Love. The song works with her strong vocal play and the help of Narada’s creative production abilities. It is one that I would love to break in with an early evening set and always proved to start the dance floor moving to a new rhythm.

I have taken the album version of “Goddess Of Love” and edited and reworked a whole new adventure with several acts and breakdowns. It was early to leave Phyllis’ fabulous vocal intact and add a few new elements to give this tribal feel beat a new reason to hail this great lady of song. A percussion riff from a high energy track by the same name (not the same song) is added for the mystique of those who are familiar and are ready to move to the next level.

REISSUE:“Jungle DJ” by Kikrokos – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera





REISSUE:“Jungle DJ” by Kikrokos – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Euro-disco was the crowning glory for disco music in the late seventies. Artists like Cerrone, Alec R. Costandinos, Boris Midney and Alan Hackshaw brought much of their talent and dedicated their focus on large disco ensembles performing as orchestras.

Kikrokos is a studio conglomeration of musicians produced by Andre Allet, Michel Elmosnino and Patrick Sesti included Slim Pezin (Voyage). The project was recorded at Studio Des Dames in Paris. Very similar to Cerrone’s standards and an even bet that his earlier projects were a big influence.

“Jungle DJ And Dirty Kate” is the LP and the title cut “Jungle DJ” is blended thoroughly with Walt Disney’s 1997 film, “George Of The Jungle” starring Brendan Fraser and Leslie Mann. The film based on 1967 animated television series by the same name.

The track “Jungle DJ” is a beautiful disco number – this being the 12” disco single wonderfully remixed by Jim Burgess. It works very well with “George Of The Jungle” since the premise is similar.

Featuring scenes from “George Of The Jungle” - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Jungle Drums" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Wild Fantasy





REISSUE: "Jungle Drums" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Wild Fantasy

Wild Fantasy is a studio concept band produced by Tony Hiller - the theme is a sensual drum fantasy with a touch of disco power. The big cuts from the LP are "Jungle Drums" and "Africa".

I have taken the cut "Jungle Drums" and have given it a ReStructure Mix make-over adding a surprise cameo appearance from the fabulous Abbe Lane - ringing in a tribal standard!

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