Tuesday, September 8, 2020
REISSUE: “Love Is An Island” by Claudja Barry – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
REISSUE: “Love Is An Island” by Claudja Barry – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Claudja Barry is one of the divas of disco with an unforgettable presence and vocal. Her hits range from 1976 (“Sweet Dynamite”) through 1978 (“Boogie Woogie Dancin’ Shoes”) and onto 2006 with her techno-dance track “I Will Stand”. This is a lady that is difficult to shine around – especially when she hits the stage. Her 1991 track “Love Is An Island” produced by Jurgen Korduletsch and Nicolai Vorkapich is one of my favorite techno-dance tracks of that period. I have taken scenes from the 1964 – 1966 television comedy “Gilligan’s Island” to paint this image for a Disco Video Mix – and although most of the theme here focuses on Ms. Grant and the sexuality she spread throughout this island there is a shipwreck and other castaways to remind you of the fun and silly antics. Featuring scenes from “Gilligan’s Island” – RENT THE DVDs! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
REISSUE: "Tahiti, Tahiti..." - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage
REISSUE: "Tahiti, Tahiti..." - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Voyage Voyage is a French disco group with Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, Sauveur Mallia, Slim Pezin and Sylvia Mason-James "Fly Away" is the second album/journey from 1978 - produced with Claudette Tokarz and Roger Tokarz - the second half of a disco odyssey using music from various regions of the world. Along with a few anthems which are uplifting and Euro-disco gems. I have taken "Tahiti, Tahiti..." from the side one medley and extended it into a whole new realm - it does help that my brother was a Polynesian dancer and a few songs I was accustomed to - where I use "Vini Vini" the disco version from Two Man Sound in segments. Aloha!
Monday, September 7, 2020
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Let's Make It" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vallerie Allington
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Let's Make It"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Vallerie Allington
ReStructure Mix Update (9/7/20) “I Wanna Groove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Arlene Duncan
ReStructure Mix Update (9/7/20) “I Wanna Groove” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Arlene Duncan
Arlene Duncan is a Canadian singer who also records under the name of Kairene. Her single “I Wanna Groove” from 1982 was produced by Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison who are better known as THP Orchestra. This duo also produced The Duncan Sisters (no relation to these ladies), Sticky Fingers, Southern Comfort and The Grand Tour. THP move into the 80’s was a daring time since music was morphing from a full scale disco production which these two men helped to create, into am 80’s synth-pop sound. This track has a heavy jamming beat which outlines the disco feel but the keyboards and arrangements we simple I assume to test the waters of the dance floors at the time. The track has a moving energy that maintains THP’s reputation and is brought here again to remind us of the 70’s to 8’s conversion of dance music.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “I Wanna Groove” and reworked a new ReStructure Mix for a new experience. I have played with the existing keyboards and bass to add more breaks and segues to the groove.
FRIGGIN' 80'S TRIP - Move Your Peter To It!
FRIGGIN' 80'S TRIP - Move Your Peter To It!
"Rapture” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blondie - https://youtu.be/hEQAwH1tTMU
“Young Guns (Go For It)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wham! - https://youtu.be/f8_Zg2jqeZA
“Hookey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvi Foster - https://youtu.be/s1wCDtwS54c
“Puttin’ On The Ritz” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taco - https://youtu.be/kc9UBcw15ks
“I’m So Excited” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pointer Sisters - https://youtu.be/hyVv6eq3nmc\
REISSUE: “I’m So Excited” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pointer Sisters
REISSUE: “I’m So Excited” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pointer Sisters Pointer Sisters are Anita Pointer, June Pointer and Ruth Pointer – a trio who set the 80’s on fire with their music and exciting stage presence. It was a festive 80’s which brought tracks like “I’m So Excited” alive from their 1982 album by the same name. Produced by Richard Perry and delivered with their soulful and motivated vocals. I have taken the 12” version of “I’m So Excited” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to bring back the colorful 80’s and the uplifting feel of the music.
REISSUE: “Puttin’ On The Ritz” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taco
REISSUE: “Puttin’ On The Ritz” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taco Taco (Taco Ockerse) is a Dutch singer who introduced himself in 1982 with an electronic rendition of the Irving Berlin song from 1927 – “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and is known to be one of the first songs in a film ever performed by an interracial ensemble. Taco treats this classic as a unique vehicle for his showmanship and delivers this number in a synth-pop deep zone with heavy beats and bass to waver in and out of the tapping and classic debonair. The track was produced by David Parker and became one of the spotted dance tracks from the early 80’s to bring a new style and air to the floor. I have taken the album version and instrumental of “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and created a new stage ensemble for this dance classic. More of the tap dance effects and beats are pumped up to give more attitudes to this performance. This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Lee Bryant – thanks for the request Lee and good energy to you.
REISSUE: “Hookey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvi Foster
REISSUE: “Hookey” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvi Foster Sylvi Foster is Domenico Ricchini and is also known as Joe Yellow (“Lover To Lover”) during the early 80’s when Italo-disco began to take over dance floors. “Hookey” is his second single released in 1982 on Discomagic Records and one of the well-known progressive tracks of the time utilizing heavy synth keyboards and a unique vocal style. It was an expression of electronic bands like Yaz a few years earlier from Vince Clarke where his experimental work began a new era of dance music. The song as Sylvi plays out a strange love sonnet for a romance with a “cat call” for her affection. One of the big Italo-disco pieces that many progressive DJs were able to program and make use of it’s originally. I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Hookey” and reworked the keyboards over and over to create this ReStructure Mix. There are a few samples from Yaz and a techno hit from the 90’s titled “Dildo” to savor the keyboards.
REISSUE: “Young Guns (Go For It)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wham!
REISSUE: “Young Guns (Go For It)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wham! Wham! is one of the pop-groups of the 80s consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. Their influence on the new dance movement of the 80s took the NY funk and gave it a lighter edge. “Young Guns (Go For It)” is from their 1983 album “Fantastic” – produced by Steve Brown and fits into a breaking of best friends as time moves on. It is one of the sounds of the 80s pop dance scene which explores a whole new audience and message. Pieces of a familiar Prelude classic add to its unique edge. I have taken the 12” version of “Young Guns (Go For It)” and created a deeper rolling bass piece to give this ReStructure Mix a different feel and arrangement. It is flares out in the same way but at different times. It is another Special Edition to celebrate the continuance of what disco music created in the seventies and also pay homage to the talent and recent passing of Mr. George Michael.
REISSUE: "Rapture” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blondie
REISSUE: "Rapture” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Blondie
Blondie is a band from the early 70s who took over in 1979 with their album “Parallel Lines” which featured their first disco single “Heart Of Glass”. “Rapture” is from their 1980 album “AutoAmerican” produced by Mike Chapman. This classic features a rap which is one of the first to hit airwaves from a female and in a pop track. The dreamy song is a lure for Deborah Harry’s sensual vocals and also a persona of street sense. The crossover pop tracks from Blondie always relayed the edge which the band created and works very well again in “Rapture” I have taken the 12” remix of “Rapture” and re-funked and ReStructured a more rap based version with a surprise from the Sugarhill rap ensemble The Sequence. It is a mild rap attack and flows with the nice flow of bells and guitars. Special thanks to YouTube user ‘User B’ for requesting a Restructure Mix of this great dance tune.
Sunday, September 6, 2020
FLIP THE FLOOR - Turn The Beat Around
FLIP THE FLOOR - Turn The Beat Around
“High Energy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Evelyn Thomas - https://youtu.be/nJgqBuUKdN8
"Burnin’ With Fire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tapps - https://youtu.be/HQPomynzS8s
“All Day, All Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Reynolds - https://youtu.be/1gO9ZapdMak
“Can You Do It Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Virgin - https://youtu.be/JLMfKHkXysA
“Three Time Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bardeux - https://youtu.be/bJ_Ij0htiMs
REISSUE: “Three Time Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bardeux
REISSUE: “Three Time Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bardeux Bardeux is Acacia Smith and Melanie Taylor – a 80s duo sweetly displaying the disco production of Jon St. James who also gave the familiar sound of Stacy Q (“Two Of Hearts”). This was the rebirth of the high energy sound in a stripped down West Coast sound that echoes a touch of the gentle female vocal exuding a sensual and pulsating dance momentum. The mid-80s gave way to another side of the dance floor where a light cowbell filled the thumping beat for a new period. “Three Time Lover” from 1987 is close cousin of “Two Of Hearts” with an attraction which dominated the late period of the 80s. I have taken the 12” “Circus” and “European” mixes and reworked a slippery and pulsating new ReStructure Mix with more of those warm bass synth patterns re-edited and reworked. A few samples from The Partridge Family give a flavor that repays the call to love here. This is one that used to drive my dance floor into a frenzy on a peak hour-Saturday night and this homage to the high energy force is a welcomed.
REISSUE: “Can You Do It Forever” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Virgin
REISSUE: “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.
REISSUE: “All Day, All Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Reynolds
REISSUE: “All Day, All Night” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Reynolds Margaret Reynolds is one of the voices of disco music which brings soul and a dance palace aura to feet and mind. Her music from 1979 throughout the 80s is a direct hit with many of the themes using nightlife as the center stage for love, heartbreak and romance. “All Day, All Night” is from her 1982 album “Keep On Holdin’ On” and was produced by Beverly Champion and Horus Jack Tolson – with the album remixed by the legendary Bill Motley of Boys Town Gang. This track is one of the echoes of the club sound with a hardcore feel. One of my favorites that even today gives me the understanding of how love can make us or break us. I have taken the 12” version of “All Day, All Night” and worked this ReStructure Mix to bring out the wonderful and sweet soulful and disco filled arrangement. It is a hustle rhythm with the soul infused with the heartache and understanding of its theme. I had a wonderful time taking apart for a reassembly for a new version.
REISSUE: "Burnin’ With Fire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tapps
REISSUE: "Burnin’ With Fire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tapps Tapps is a high energy group started by club DJ, Allan Coleho – using his experience to help create a new style of dance music for the 80s and continuing the disco feel. “My Forbidden Lover” from 1983 is their first single that along with songs like “Your Love” by Lime helped to pave a new road for clubs who desired more of the rolling disco bass and more percussion than ever. “Burnin’ With Fire” is their second 12” release from the same year and features Candy Berthiaume on lead vocals. Her voice creates the same mode as Barbara Doust on their first single but more of a haunting refrain. It plays out with a sparkling energy that is fast and furious and has always been one of the high energy babies that I always admired from this band. I have taken the 12” version of “Burnin’ With Fire” and remapped the sensation with more of the original pumping energy assisted with a sample from a rock classic by AC/DC to give the underground feel a layer more. The arrangement is a bit more spread out and gives more time to get lost in the arpeggios which flow like a “hurricane”.
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!
Friday, September 4, 2020
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Wanna Groove" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Arlene Duncan
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Wanna Groove"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Arlene Duncan
ReStructure Mix Update (9/4/20) “Pick Me Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Marz
ReStructure Mix Update (9/4/20) “Pick Me Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Marz
Marz is an Italo-disco project from 1984 with Bill Pettaway, Dwayne Herndon, Gerard Mackell, Gregory Mackell, Keith Rowel, and Marvin Ennis. Their big track “Pick Me Up” is an unforgettable song that echoes out a touch of sophisticated funk along with the innovative feel of Italian disco which became its own brand of funk during the early 80s with bands like Change and Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens Band. “Pick Me Up” is a beautiful New York funk stylized piece and has many qualities and riffs that stand out to give a bravo at the closing.
I have taken the 12” on Italian label F1 Team label and reworked the electronic funk to a new ReStructure Mix. This arrangement allows for more of the pumping energy that comes along with the song and gives more of the piano interlude attention for a new intro and fades.
SOUNIN' GOOD FEELIN' FOXY! The music of Ish Ledeshma and Foxy
SOUNIN' GOOD FEELIN' FOXY! The music of Ish Ledeshma and Foxy
“Party Boys" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy - https://youtu.be/0tbDNhSzmZw
“Get Off” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Foxy - https://youtu.be/OvqsMMCCakA
“Get Off Your Aahh! And Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy - https://youtu.be/oo-66rICbcM
"Hot Number" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy - https://youtu.be/zMqTs-Pw5lg
"Don’t Stop" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ish - https://youtu.be/ihZ_75smtZ0
REISSUE: "Don’t Stop" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ish
REISSUE: "Don’t Stop" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ish
Ish Ledesma is one of the talents of the 70s in all areas of music creation. Some of his well-known projects include the 70s funk band Foxy and 80s groups Blue Moderne, Company B, Laura Miller, Tiger Moon, Promise Circle and Apollonia’s “Since I Fell For You”. His solo effort in 1979 included the album “Ish” which included the fierce single, “Don’t Stop”. The single made a mark in clubs with the sensual and beat enhanced arrangement along with his breathy and appealing vocal. The original arrangement is a slope of rhythm that takes control of the senses. It is one of the lasting pieces from the T.K. Records 12” collection that is a must. I have taken the original 12” version of “Don’t Stop” and reworked a ReStructure Mix which gives way to the sounds that make this track dynamite. Adding a few pieces of percussion and using the big break in several spots to “stop” and go along this sexy ride. It is a tribute to the talent of Mr. Ledesma who I am sure we have not heard the last of quite yet.
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