Tuesday, December 3, 2019

REISSUE: “Dance Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gaucho





REISSUE: “Dance Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gaucho Gaucho is an Italo-disco project from Bruno Bergonzi, and two of the boys from the group Kano – Luciano Ninzatti and Stefano Pulga. “Dance Forever” was released in 1983 on System Music Records in Italy and became one of the exciting electronic dance pieces of the year. A touch of Calypso flair in the keyboards and percussion give this track a lift to an uplifting celebration. This one lasted for quite a while and was known for the electronic steel drum play and those fantastic breaks. It is one of the great examples of Italo-disco in the early 80s and the innovative twists and turns the musicians and productions were not shy of. I have taken the 12” version along with the “DJ version” drum side and created a ReStructure Mix which takes a few Calypso tracks into the excitement. This playful remix is for those who just can’t get enough of that Italo-disco flavor or that Calypso or Carnival excitement.

REISSUE: “Give Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Range





REISSUE: “Give Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Range Range is an Italo-disco project from Paul Mazzolini – a producer also known as Gazebo, Paul Micioni who produced projects by Easy Going, Gary Low, Amii Stewart and Twilight and Natasha King who is also the vocalist on the track “AM/FM” under Natasha. “Give Me” is the only 12” single released by this ensemble in 1981 yet the single lays out Italo-disco in its most creative and influential time period. The magic keyboards from Mazzolini are a galactic swirl that sounds as if they could have existed in an early work from Boris Midney. The song has a sweet taste of the Italian disco chorus which extends a delivery that is harmony at a falsetto range in a whisper. One of the memorable moments in disco history where the artists play the majestic elements of dance music with flair and a funky bass under tone. I have taken the 12” of “Give Me” and created a ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to both Mazzolini and Micioni and their wonderful contributions to dance music. This slick piece is one where you can hear the talent and creative sense play. It has always been a favorite of mine from the echoes of that keyboard riff in a dance hall. This reworking is a touch of tribal drums meet outer space.

REISSUE: "Feel The Drive" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Doctor's Cat





REISSUE: "Feel The Drive" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Doctor's Cat Doctor's Cat is Aldo Martinelli, Fabrizio Gatto and Simona Zanini - an Italian studio concept band with the sound of early 80s Italo-disco fever. It was 1983 when the music began to emerge as a solid formula which consisted of a full electronic sound with heavily paved percussion. Much of Italo-disco did not make much sense in a relative fashion - it was more about the energy and experimentation - much like the funk of the early and mid-70s took a play on themes and words. I have taken "Feel The Drive" from Doctor's Cat and played with it to create an alternate ReStructure Mix using the heavy synthesizers and percussion as a start for a new mix. Adding some new effects and beats to enhance this favorite of mine.

REISSUE: "Take A Chance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bizzy & Co





REISSUE: "Take A Chance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bizzy & Co
Bizzy & Co is Fabrizio Gatto - an Italian producer who also gave us Italo-disco classics by Doctor's Cat, Martinelli, Cat Gang, Topo & Roby and Raggio Di Luna. His synthesizer sound in the early 80s is an excellent blend of high energy and a hypnotic dance sound. "Take A Chance" is a single released in 1982 and along with writer/musician/producer Tony Carrasco (Klein and MBO) make this upbeat and fun tag-along track allot of fun to move and celebrate to. I have ReStructured the Import 12" on DeeJay Records to give it a "spacious" mix and accentuate on some of the percussive drums and effects.

REISSUE: “Crazy Family” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jock Hattle





REISSUE: “Crazy Family” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jock Hattle Jock Hattle is a disco project from producer and singer Alberto Carpani (also known as A.C. One and Albert One) – his work helped to bring Italo-disco to the front lines in the early 80s. Jock Hattle is a studio band which he performed in 1983 along with producers Miki Chieregato, Roberto Turatti and Giuseppe Mincioni. “Crazy Family” is their first single – an electronic and fierce disco track. It pours out a factory of rolling keyboards and makes its way into one of the most memorable of the time period for Italo-disco. The odd vocal and number-chants are unique and quite interesting as silly as they may sound. I have taken the 12” of “Crazy Family” – using the “Yes No Family” side which is the roaring instrumental to create this new ReStructure Mix. I have edited the pieces of the solid synth tracks and added a new arrangement and feel to the fantastic dance number. Another salute to the Italo-disco 80s movement and the power it created.

Monday, December 2, 2019

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Crazy Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain and Destiny



NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Crazy Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain and Destiny


BABY GLENN: Who Needs A Rattle When You Can Play A 12" Disco Single?



BABY GLENN: Who Needs A Rattle
When You Can Play A 12" Disco Single?

ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/19) “Midnight Rendezvous.” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tasha Thomas





ReStructure Mix Update (12/1/19) “Midnight Rendezvous.” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tasha Thomas

Tasha Thomas is a singer/performer whose career includes backing recording sessions for Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens and Jim Croce. Her stage career includes the Broadway production of “The Wiz” where she played “Aunt Em” in the mid-70’s. “Midnight Rendezvous’ is her 1979 disco album produced by James R. Glazer and Peter Rugle. The title track is an oasis of sensual love set to a disco beat. One of genuine sounds of the disco era and a vocal that flows with a soulful whimsical edge.

I have taken the 12” version of “Midnight Rendezvous” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix using the mysterious horns and percussion to drive this new piece. I have added a delayed drum track to give it a new pace in segments.

For Your Ears Only - An Audible Love of Grooves



For Your Ears Only - An Audible Love of Grooves

"Can't Live Without Your Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q - https://youtu.be/iXrhmJoHF3s
“I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rena - https://youtu.be/7GZuH7pXNEY
"Hold Me Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc. - https://youtu.be/IbCD1BzRrck
"Deliverance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - People Like Us - https://youtu.be/jz5Z0xHkzcU
"Give Me Just A Little More Time" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Angela Clemmons - https://youtu.be/KcuWrQrQHZE

REISSUE: "Give Me Just A Little More Time" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Angela Clemmons





REISSUE: "Give Me Just A Little More Time" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Angela Clemmons Angela Clemmons had a bit dance floor hit in 1982 with "Give Me Just A Little More Time" - produced by Paul Leka (Gloria Gaynor, Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra, Steam). This track took dance floors by surprise - a cover of the Chairman Of The Board soul classic was perfect for pumping discotheques when disco was in transition. It kept the energy and flow which disco music was known for. Ms. Clemmons had been working on backing choruses for artists like Kashif, and Cyndi Lauper - this hit gave her a chance to step out in front for a bit. And well worth it. This ReStructure gives more essence to the beat and also a touching fade out for those who have hearts that melt easily.

REISSUE: "Deliverance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - People Like Us





REISSUE: "Deliverance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - People Like Us Paul Crossley and Terry Owen created People Like Us - a South African high energy band who featured Cindy Dickinson on a luscious dance track titled, "Deliverance". This blasting dance number has always been a favorite and is fully ReStructured here with a new intro, breaks, image and feeling. This mix is dedicated to Ian S. - thank you for all of your kind words and support.

REISSUE: "Hold Me Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc.





REISSUE: "Hold Me Down" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lipps Inc.
Lipps Inc. is a disco icon band with their "Funkytown" hit! Producer Steven Greenberg worked his special brand of synthesizers and funky guitars along with the fabulous vocals of Cynthia Johnson - on the first three albums. "Hold Me Down" is from the "Designer Music" project which was one of the singles which gained allot of play in clubs. I have taken the synthesized and moog track into a new ReStructure Mix using the album version. There is more play in my mix focusing on the drums loops and some added effects.

REISSUE: “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rena





REISSUE: “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rena Rena Feeney is a disco artist working under the production of Billy Nichols (“Give Your Body Up To The Music”) and the sound of New York Disco of the late 70s. The progression of disco music during the night life explosion of the mid and late 70s was the reshaping of funk and soul. A touch of more of percussion and the lush strings along with some lighter melodies and sensual breath. “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” is one of those swinging disco tracks with a horn segment which brings a 40s feel alive. It is one of those sexy disco tracks where breathy vocals make perfect sense. This release from 1980 is one of the finales of the underground disco era. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “I Love Your Beat (Play It Again Sam)” to create a new ReStructure Mix to bring back that mirror ball trance of the 70s. There is a new intro and arrangement using the sexy feel of Rena’s vocal as the opening and closing of this sexy number.

REISSUE: "Can't Live Without Your Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q





REISSUE: "Can't Live Without Your Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Suzy Q Whats started as a studio project for disco producer Jerry Cucuzzella and diva, Carol Jiani and the single "Get On Up And Do It Again" later became one of Canada's big disco artists. Suzy Q was officially an artists in 1981 with the release of the first featuring the funky-sleaze title single "Get On Up And Do It Again" - but minus the 12" singles vocals by Carol Jiani - the project credits Michelle Mills with vocals. There are many singles following this period and a second LP. It was during 1986 when high energy was solid in clubs and the single "Can't Live Without Your Love" was released in Canada under 'Suzy Q' and in USA as 'Suzy'. I have taken the original import 12" single 'extended version' and transformed it into a bits-and-pieces ReStructure Mix using the fabulous dreamy vocals and the strong percussion base. It has been a favorite of mine and I know of many crowded dance floors! This re-visit to the energy and beauty of it's flow was a pleasure to resolve.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

A DISCO ODYSSEY - An Adventure To The Music of "Space"



A DISCO ODYSSEY - An Adventure To The Music of "Space"

"Save Your Love For Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space - https://youtu.be/2Ze7WoWcQYE
"Tango In Space" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space - https://youtu.be/yc_jTVWkpuE
 “Robbots” by Space – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/QgaZFchs9dA
"My Love Is Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space - https://youtu.be/tFYNHOGvhbU
"Carry On, Turn Me On" by Space - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/LYB1FgylUWw

REISSUE: "Carry On, Turn Me On" by Space - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera





REISSUE: "Carry On, Turn Me On" by Space - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Didier Marouani and Roland Romanelli is the French band, Space. Their 1977 disco hit, "Carry On, Turn Me On" was a deep trance-like song with a sensual feel. Vocals perfumed by Madeline Bell enhance their composition with ecstasy and a climatic build. It is now an underground classic. Taking the 1984 Ken Russell film, "Crimes Of Passion" and patching the eroticism of "Carry On, Turn Me On" was a concept introduced by Ken Emmons. The idea was immediately taken and placed in a Disco Video Mix. The film stars Kathleen Turner, Anthony Perkins and John Laughlin - it is a story of a woman who explores her sexual fantasies in an underground world of fantasies that soon become quite terrifying. Featuring scenes from "Crimes Of Passion" - RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "My Love Is Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space





REISSUE: "My Love Is Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space Space was Didier Marouani and Roland Romanelli - their second LP "Just Blue" was released in 1978. It was a period of music when keyboards began to construct the sound and mood of music becoming a New Age sound. Space became disco's answer to a more futuristic and ambient feel which sometimes included a live band accompaniment with instruments embellishing their music's excitement. "My Love Is Music" is the first dance hit off of the LP which featured Madeline Bell, again as lead vocal - creating a wall of energy with this track. It was later recorded by Gloria Gaynor in the early 80's and was a hit all over again. This has always been one of my favorite tracks with a statement about disco music that an audiophile could identify with. I have used the pumping bass lines and piano tracks to create a more spacious mix and take advantage again of Madeline's fantastic vocal. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Madleine Bell.

REISSUE: “Robbots” by Space – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera





REISSUE: “Robbots” by Space – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Space is a French disco group created with Didier Marouani and Roland Romanelli. Their impact on the history of disco music introduced a new age feel with the electronic wave taking an orchestral curve. Many compositions from their various projects are beautiful pieces which fall into a category of their own. Their single “Robbots” was a B-side to “Tender Force” – it was the sound of Space with the thumping bass painting a 70s drama in their wonderful and recognizable formula. I have created a Disco Video Mix with “Robbots” using scenes from the 2008 computer animated sci-fi comedy film, “WALL-E” – from Pixar Animation Studios. Our robot named WALL-E and his journey from a deserted waste covered Earth to outer space is fitting for the Space disco track. The film was directed by Andrew Stanton Featuring scenes from “WALL-E” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: "Tango In Space" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space





REISSUE: "Tango In Space" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space Space is Didier Marouani, Jannick Top, Janny Loseth, Joe Hammer, Madeline Bell, Patrice Tison, Roland Romanelli, Roy Robinson and Yann Benoist - a French group created by Didier Marouani (aka Ecama) and Roland Romanelli Their 1977 LP titled "Magic Fly" contained not only the title disco classic - but also the instrumental "Tango In Space" which the band is very well known for - a space symphony of sound. I have taken the track "Tango In Space" from the 12" release and played with it to create a ReStructure Mix which is an alternative mix including a vocal piece from Boris Midney's "Festival" project.

REISSUE: "Save Your Love For Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space





REISSUE: "Save Your Love For Me" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Space
Produced by Jean Philippe Iliesco and Composed by Didier Marouani this album was the third project by Space. The first LP displayed a futuristic outline of dance music in the formation of a new age keyboard in it's early stages. Dance floors welcomed this sound with open arms. "Save Your Love For Me" was a fast track from the LP clocking in around 140 BPM - originally if you heard this song in a club it was rolling out an imaginary road to techno music for dancers. The vocal by Madeline Bell (backup for Donna Summer's early LP) is one of the most haunting - she created this feel over and over for these projects beginning with "Carry On, Turn Me On". I have taken the original LP track to ReStructure rather than use the 12" remix to keep the track in it's original state. I dedicate this ReStructure to DJ Peter Calandra of Seattle who reminded me that this track can still be played today and create such wonder over it's beauty.

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