REISSUE: “Power” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc.

REISSUE: “Power” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lipps Inc. Lipps Inc. is one of the last breaths of disco music done right! Producer Steven Greenberg and lead vocalist Cynthia Johnson are the stars in their first release titled “Mouth To Mouth” – of course following the release of the disco classic “Funkytown” in 1979 the rest was dance history. The first album featured four great dance cuts all in a unique studio engineering innovation and an introduction to a new disco era. “Power” has been given a ReStructure Mix with some new effects and some new drop out breaks. One of my favorite tracks of Lipps Inc. where the energy pumps and the vocals follow right along. It is a genuine dance track with a feel all of its own thanks to Greenberg’s genius. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to my sister Lolly – who I can remember seeing on a dance floor working this song with her masterful rhythm and love for disco music!

REISSUE: "My Forbidden Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tapps

REISSUE: "My Forbidden Lover" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tapps
Tapps is Allan Coelho, Barbara Doust, Candy Berthiaume and Tony DaCosta - a high energy group from the early 80s. Their big track "My Forbidden Lover" is one of the high energy preludes to the impact that dance floors would feel again during the mid and late 80s. The single was produced by Jean Zevers who also produced Ambiance I have taken the original 12" vocal and instrumental and created a new ReStructure Mix to tease the synths, vocals and beats of this classic song. It beats as a familiar 80s dance track - yet has it's own feel. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to high energy fans everywhere!

REISSUE: “High Energy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Evelyn Thomas

REISSUE: “High Energy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Evelyn Thomas
Evelyn Thomas began recording in 1976 – her first single “Doomsday” produced by Danny Leake and Ian Levine. The path of soul and funk music to disco leads her success to brighter days. Her 1984 project “High Energy” produced again by Ian Levine along with Fiachra Trench gave way to a new anthem for the 80s dance scene. This track blasted its way into club and created excitement and energy. With Evelyn’s fabulous vocal and performances this one took off like a firecracker in flames. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to create this ReStructure Mix which focuses on “High Energy” as an event more than a dance track. It pulses in and out of the fantastic instrumental and Evelyn’s classic vocal version. It was always a huge number in my book and continues to remind me of the power of music and uplifting theme! This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the lovely Ms. Evelyn Thomas – who has never left us short of emotion and energy. Thank you, Evelyn!

ReStructure Mix Update (6/5/20) “Won’t You Let Me Be The One” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael McGloiry

ReStructure Mix Update (6/5/20) “Won’t You Let Me Be The One” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael McGloiry

Michael McGloiry is a guitarist and songwriter who was a member of the bands Switch and Finished Touch. His solo career began in 1979 with his first single “Love Every Inch Of Me” which he wrote, performed and produced. It was his second single from 1980 titled “Won’t You Let Me Be The One” which generated quite a bit of club play and circulation. This track is a love song with the soul/disco touch that resonates the New York Disco feel. It is slick and very melodic and within the first few minutes the rhythm pulls in your soul and feet.

I have taken the 12” version of “Won’t You Let Me Be The One” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to pay homage to McGloiry and this nice single. More of the bass synth elements come into play here and some looping are added for new breaks.

playin' the funk - more bounce to the ounce

playin' the funk - more bounce to the ounce

"Disco 9000" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Johnnie Taylor - https://youtu.be/ehD0M2CO468

“Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers - https://youtu.be/5Q6DOn3Amro

“Tell Me Something Good” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus - https://youtu.be/fN5eEzQiHV0

“Superlove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy - https://youtu.be/kPD-bz26e48

“Jungle Fever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chakachas - https://youtu.be/JdG1US2TUB0

PLAYLIST - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo00TWCFUeeQCkFLFNo6Jvbg

REISSUE: “Jungle Fever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chakachas

REISSUE: “Jungle Fever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chakachas Chakachas is a Latin soul ensemble lead by Gaston Bogaert and Tito Madinez. Their 1970 track “Jungle Fever” is one of the well-known Afro-funk pieces which have lead into an underground disco and a fusion of tribal-like rhythm arena. It is quite sensual and erotic as the female moans and breaths keep moving with the pace of the haunting bongo riffs. It is an early take off with a lounge-esque feel of experimental dance music. I have taken the album version of “Jungle Fever” and have taken the track into a ReStructure Mix with new focus on the underground feel. Adding a new beat piece from Opium Monks and a classic by Instant Funk this new journey is more of a dub outline for the Chakachas classic.

REISSUE: “Superlove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

REISSUE: “Superlove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy Skyy is Anibal "Butch" Sierra, Bonny Dunning, Delores Dunning Milligan, Denise Dunning Crawford, Gerald Lebon, Larry Greenburg, Solomon Roberts Jr., Tommy McConnell, Wayne Wilentz and producer Randy Muller of Brass Construction. This band is one of Salsoul Records’ early New York Disco/Funk bands of the late 70’s. Many bands followed in this genre on the Prelude Records label and a new brand of dance music with the flair of the New York disco sound. Randy Mueller who gave us Funk Deluxe, the classic by Tamiko Jones (“Can’t Live Without Your Love”) and his work with Brass Construction continues his journey of inspirational funk sounds here and on with all future Skyy-work. I have taken the 12” version of “Superlove” –which has one of those contagious riffs that make the soul “worm” and reworked a ReStructure Mix adding more sugar to the mix. There is an intro to introduce this groove and more breaks to make it “super”-licious!

REISSUE: “Tell Me Something Good” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus

REISSUE: “Tell Me Something Good” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rufus

Rufus is a funk band who is best known for their lead vocal Ms. Chaka Khan and their brand of soul music with a funky edge. Music in the early 70’s became funky and a touch of those wah-wah guitars gave it a psychedelic feel. “Tell Me Something Good” comes from their 1974 project “Rags To Rufas” – written by Stevie Wonder and produced by Bob Monaco. It is one of the downright ‘funk-asized’ numbers of the time and one of the fabulous drawn vocals from our funk chanteuses, Ms. Chaka Khan. If you listen closely to her vocal here you will understand how her voice led her into the Queen of Funk. I have taken the album version of “Tell Me Something Good” and revived it for this ReStructure Mix. It is given a longer lead in to the funky riffs and breaks added. A tribute to the funk which lead to the grooves that later became disco.

REISSUE: “Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers

REISSUE: “Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers Soul Searchers began their recording career in 1972 and expressed the funk in an early description of guitars and horns. Their shift in 1979 as Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers became one of the biggest moves to disco-funk in the early 80s. Their big hit “Bustin’ Loose” was an early path for funk following the close of pop-disco during the late 70s. This funky excursion into a realm of freedom of moving ones assets to the groove became one of the soul anthems of the time. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Bustin’ Loose” and re-vamped a funk-fest using the bass lines which echo into the bongo breaks for more of disco-funk edge. The chorus is still intact as it calls out the first dancers to break out of their molds and get loose. This is a tribute to the funk and its part in dance music history.

REISSUE: "Disco 9000" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Johnnie Taylor

REISSUE: "Disco 9000" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Johnnie Taylor Johnnie Taylor is one of R&B/soul musics treasures. His 1976 soul hit "Disco Lady" became the movement into a whole new icon for soul to merge into a new sound in the late 70s. In 1977 he released "Disco 9000" - a soundtrack to a black exploitation film by the same name - the film was later titled "Fass Black". The title track is one of the soulful pieces merging the band sound into the growing club scene - but maintained Taylor's flavor of horns, bass guitars and his landmark vocal sound. I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix to bring back the funky sound of early soul/disco. It has plenty of new elements to update segments - but also Johnnie's great sound to make us realize what a loss it was when he passed in 2000. Johnnie, this ReStructure honors your talent and the gifts you have left behind! This ReStructure Mix was requested from Rick S. - who I thank for reminding me this song needed an update and longer mix.

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Won't You Let Me Be The One" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Michael McGloiry

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Won't You Let Me Be The One"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Michael McGloiry

ReStructure Mix Update (6/4/20) “Nasty” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (6/4/20) “Nasty” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis created a move on the dance floor which is a memorable one for the mid-80s. The project titled “Control” was a boost for Janet to stage a new persona and also a number of dance floor hits. “Nasty” is the track that blends a street beat fare along with Janet’s new domination. This one bangs over and over with Jam and Lewis’ play with beats and a street-sound which not only borrowed from the early 80’s rap scene but also perfected it. The beats play t like an orchestra of bass drums and a few percussion riffs. A nice take for the mid-80s and another path for the dance scene.

I have taken the 12” vocal, instrumental and accapella to recreate a new venture for this ReStructure Mix. I break down pieces of the original and then outline it with a whole new edge. The chorus is a new experience and gives this one a rebirth.

BLACK FUNK MATTERS - The Lives of Those Talented "Souls"

BLACK FUNK MATTERS - The Lives of Those Talented "Souls"

"Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vaughan Mason And Crew - https://youtu.be/tP4h7Zvm8qw

"Good Times" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chic - https://youtu.be/YdVejwhWIks

"Give It To Me Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James - https://youtu.be/TkFjltZLmzg

"Power and Reason" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine - https://youtu.be/o5M23NBS1TY

“Burn This Disco Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael Jackson - https://youtu.be/6MlGhTa9bDQ

PLAYLIST - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo3jPawI6OhTlB1RIRJwdy4v

REISSUE: “Burn This Disco Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael Jackson

REISSUE: “Burn This Disco Out” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael Jackson Michael Jackson’s project “Off The Wall” from 1979 is one of the unforgettable moments in music history. The production by Quincy Jones created a sound for Jackson which placed him in another incredible stage for a career that was endless, even today. The track “Burn This Disco Out” from the album is one of the pieces which define Michael’s control over a groove and the emphasis he plays to the “boogie”. A nice smooth arrangement by Rod Temperton makes this one again a piece of Jackson’s legacy that will always be looked at with tribute. I have taken the album version which times out at a little over three minutes and worked a ReStructure Mix to lay out another place for the horns and rhythm to play on. A new intro gives more fade in to the energy and excitement. Some new breaks and effects have been pieced in to create a finale mood that should make Jackson fans happier to attempt that “moon walk” number.

REISSUE: "Power and Reason" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

REISSUE: "Power and Reason" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine Machine is a disco band formed by August Darnell - who was a part of the group Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band (“Cherchez La Femme”) in the mid 70s. The big disco hit for Machine in 1979 was an innovative song titled, “There But For The Grace Of God Go I” - which took dance floors layers above the then present time with it’s energy and motivation. I have taken the 12” single “Power and Reason” from their second album titled “Movin’ On” - which is a powerful and funk-driven song and recreated a ReStructure Mix to outline the song again with the statement and energy it brings. A wonderful production which always reminded me of a Norman Whitfield masterpiece with its funky moog synths and funky-kickin beats.

REISSUE: "Give It To Me Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James

REISSUE: "Give It To Me Baby” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James
Rick James began a recording career in 1978 with his group Stone City Band and soon became the new face and sound of funk. A hard hitting style of dance music which incorporated a touch of the deep percussion of disco and his “punk funk” edged guitars and grooves. His 1981 album “Street Songs” was his sixth release and one of his more memorable with two dance tracks, “Super Freak” and “Give It To Me Baby” which played out on dance floors as a return to the sound which James is known for. “Give It To Me” is a bass driven dance track which emulates a riff from Kleeer’s “Keep Your Body Workin’” – but with some new elements which make it its own. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Give It To Me Baby” and created a new ReStructure Mix with a psychedelic disco wah-wah guitar leading the mix. The extension of all that is great in this song are the focus and some play on words and of course Rick James’ genius.

REISSUE: "Good Times" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chic

REISSUE: "Good Times" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chic The bass line that lasted for a era and the group that made disco funky. This #1 disco hit is one of the best produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards with the arrangement that was "chic" during the time. A ReStructure revisits the track and place a new emphasis on just how lasting a great song always stays fresh. Dedicated to Orlando Pontier for the request.

REISSUE: "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vaughan Mason And Crew

REISSUE: "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vaughan Mason And Crew Vaughn Mason and Crew are a funk-disco project from the early 80s when the shift from dancing feet to skating feet hit the mirror ball reflections. This electronic funk take off of Chic’s “Good Times” reaves up a new chapter in dance music where early pieces of rap and funk make disco music a bit more delicious. I have taken the 12” single – both Part 1 and Part 2 into this ReStructure Mix along with a few samples from some funk from here and there. It is another reason to bounce – you don’t even have to pay by the ounce. It is the funk!

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Nasty" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Janet Jackson

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Nasty" 

- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Janet Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (6/2/20) “Voices In The Dark” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mike Cannon

ReStructure Mix Update (6/2/20) “Voices In The Dark” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Mike Cannon

Mike Cannon is Giorgio Spagna – an Italian producer in the Italo-disco genre. “Voices In The Dark” is his 1983 single which is one of the memorable pieces released on the Italian disco label Memory Records. It contains some great keyboard riffs that are reminiscent of Bobby Orlando work and also some nice hooks. The lead on this one is the eerie subject matter which most likely is the confidence speaking within our storyteller giving him the power to succeed, It is laid out quite well and the electro-feel gives it the unique dance sound the 80’s was clamoring for.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Voices In The Dark” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix. I broke some of the pumping bass into pieces and uses parts of the breakdown as a new foundation for the remix.