REISSUE: “Heartbeat” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taana Gardner

REISSUE: “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 (4/7/21) “Together” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cameron

 

ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/21) “Together” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cameron

Cameron is Rafael Cameron – a funk/disco singer from Georgetown, Guyana. His work on Salsoul Records are the relative funk fused production from Randy Mueller (Tamiko Jones, Skyy, Funk Deluxe) who moved the 70’s disco scene with his grooves worked on throughout the end of the 70’s and on to the 80’s., Cameron is a 1980 disco/funk project which plays out with more of the teasing sounds which he produced with Skyy – yet each track has its own life. “Together” is a bit of Cameron’s touch with a sensual breakdown and rolling bass line which follows. Mueller once again creates that infectious groove that achieved with Tamiko Jones’ classic “Can’t Live Without Your Love”. It is a nice piece of romance layered out with a beat. One of the tracks from the album which breaths with the sultry air that would make the early 80’s remember where dance floor owned its allegiance – the disco era.

I have taken the album version of “Together” and recreated a new arrangement for this ReStructure Mix. I have added a light touch of new drums and a few percussion elements to add to the lightly mastered original. I have kept the wind down of the original intact to only explode back into that groove for more energy.

STOMPIN' ON PRELUDE SPINNING ON THE FLOOR AND THE TURNTABLE

STOMPIN' ON PRELUDE
 SPINNING ON THE FLOOR AND THE TURNTABLE

"All My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - L.A.X. - https://youtu.be/L0-jfm7PtRc

"You Gotta Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pacific Blue - https://youtu.be/ZPBnut08u_s

"In New York" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Passion - https://youtu.be/cI3Iu2_jULo

“Playboy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli - https://youtu.be/p-CTdDAjpEg

“Memory” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diva - https://youtu.be/nlRfhpWv3Ug

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo31ZNfKnMxWWQQ-ji6cbN6k

 

REISSUE: “Memory” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diva

REISSUE: “Memory” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diva Diva Gray is a voice that is well known in dance music since the mid-70’s as she performed in many disco sessions including Change, Gregg Diamond’s Starcruiser and Bionic Boogie, Chic, Joe Thomas, Soiree, Lemon and her album Diva Gray and Oyster. Many riffs from classic vocal pieces belong to this incredible voice. Her 1983 recording of “Memory” (the theme from the Broadway Show “Cats”) takes the song to a new extreme. It is one of the great examples of the power of Ms. Gray’s vocals. The soulful and ‘diva” (pardon the pun) performance is one of my favorite 80’s pieces and the production from Jacques Morali (The Ritchie Family, Village People, Julius Brown, Eartha Kitt) is amazing. It is another mark for excellence on the Prelude Records label. I have taken 12” vocal and instrumental and created a new ReStructure Mix with more of the Broadway feel in mind. It is extended with some new drum tracks and percussion to kick up the drama.
 

REISSUE: “Playboy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli

REISSUE: “Playboy" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - France Joli France Joli is the one of the biggest gifts to disco lovers. She is the disco candy any dancer or beat-lover could ever ask for. Her 1979 album "France Joli" is one of the classic New York disco sounds to this day. Combined talents of Canada on this project include, Peter Dowse, Denis LePage, Miguel Fuentes, The Sweethearts of Sigma, and Mr. Tony Green. "Playboy" is from the "fourgy" of dance-delights on this project and is the sound of disco music in it's changing of club sounds and execution. I have taken the album version and have given the track a ReStructure Mix - looping, chopping and sprinkling some new beats, effects and vocal effects to bring this diva back to front of the stage where she belongs!
 

REISSUE: "In New York" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Passion

 

REISSUE: "In New York" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Passion Ray Martinez was perhaps the greatest conductors of the disco orchestra. His many productions included projects by Foxy, his own band Amant, Celi Bee and Sassy. Of course his most memorable being the now disco classic "If There's Love" recorded in 1978 under Amant. His project Passion on Prelude Records from 1980 was a wonderful wrap of the disco era with his signature string sections, heavy percussion and funky guitars. "In New York" is a track that followed closely behind his storybook compositions that blended from break to break. I have taken "In New York" and extracted the heavy guitar breaks and lead in chorus riffs leaving behind only the gorgeous string breaks and percussion accentuated by new beat tracks.

REISSUE: "You Gotta Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pacific Blue

REISSUE: "You Gotta Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pacific Blue Pacific Blue is a disco project from producers Michaele, Lana Sebastian and Paul Sebastian – the three responsible for albums by Madleen Kane, Theo Vaness, Claire and Leonore O’ Malley. This 1978 disco track is the flip side to the 12” “Argentina Forever” which contains a slight Euro-disco feel as their prior work with flamenco feel. Vocals emulate a Bee Gee’s feel and echo throughout this number. It has always been a favorite of mine and was fun to program during playful sets. I have taken the 12” version of “You Gotta Dance” to rework an arrangement and loop-set for the killer bass trickle and the Spanish flavor. It is a bit more airy with a few new breaks as well as a cold ending which breaks down right where it started.
 

REISSUE: "All My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - L.A.X.

REISSUE: "All My Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - L.A.X. L.A.X. are Galen Senogles ( Nite School - "Do You Speak French?") and Ralph Benatar (Black Blood, El Chicles, J.J. Band) - creating a disco/funk band whose first hit "Dancing At The Disco" in 1979 was a bit hit for dance clubs. "All My Love" is the title hit from the second LP in 1980 and features lead vocals by Geoffrey Leib. A big hit for Prelude Records during the period and also helped the transition from disco to funk. I have taken the 12" version and chopped and re-edited the track in a whole new ReStructure mix. Some great drums and guitars make this track a bouncy groove. Lead vocals keep it close to the disco sweetness along with the thin strings that melt over the funk of it. Dedicated to Rick and Dean - for being so wonderful and also the support and love. Thanks for requesting this winner, Boys!  

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Together" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cameron

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Together"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cameron

 

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/21) “I’m Leaving” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Joy

 

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/21) “I’m Leaving” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Joy

Joy is an Italo-house project from producers Corrrado Rizza, Alvaro Ugolini and Dario Raimondi. This one is a leading piece in the elements that make up the house drive at the end of the 80’s. Released in 1989 and plays out like as a heartbreak message to a lover who is being left behind. Joy vocals are sweet and a bit unthreatening yet the message is given with a sincere departure. One of the nice Italo-house projects of the time and a notable from the producers who worked this formula for dance floors at the time.

I have taken the 12” ‘disco mix’ and ‘anxious mix” into a new ReStructure Mix taking the pieces that pumps the most energy for this new arrangement. There is a new beat added to the foundation and some new percussion.

dance confetti - colors of the mix

 

dance confetti - colors of the mix

“Better Be Good To Me” by Tina Turner – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/uysx0uEmBkU

“Blind Vision” by Blancmange – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/-Kyk_RUr4Fcv

“Can’t Steal My Love” by Azure – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/gUKOyRxZQCE

“House Inspector” by Mac Sample – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/A3ULI5sHHJ0

“If There’s Love” by Amant – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/CZ1fyjpprjI

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo0ks8lB-ygQ_O6gSnOEt6nK

REISSUE:“If There’s Love” by Amant – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE:“If There’s Love” by Amant – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Amant is a studio group from producer/artist Ray Martinez from 1978 and a vital project in bringing a new brand of dance music to dance floors and a generation. The two track album featured the disco hit “If There’s Love” which was always a top 10 disco hit for me and reminds me of a beautiful Euro-disco edge brought to the Miami sound with its own flavor. I have taken the song and blended it in this Disco Video Mix with the 1982 drama “Shoot The Moon” starring Albert Finney and Diane Keaton – a story of a couple’s painful and drawn out marital problems and breakup. It lays out some dramatic images and scenes to play out to Amant’s emotional piece. This Disco Video Mix is lovingly dedicated to Mr. Ray Martinez for his wonderful talent which he has left for us to feel forever. Thank you, Ray and we all look forward to your new Amant project! The film was directed by Alan Parker Featuring scenes from “Shoot The Moon” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
 

REISSUE: “House Inspector” by Mac Sample – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE: “House Inspector” by Mac Sample – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Mac Sample is a Belgium Beat project from Joe Borremans and Marc Gouls – this was the period of New Beat music where the imagination took part in applying the uniform pieces of techno, acid house and rave to create a new dance experience. “House Inspector” is one of the cartoon/film themes which make a play will samples from the 1976 comedy, “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” – which is the concept where Austin Powers borrow its outline. I have taken pieces of which samples appear in the Mac Sample track from the film, “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” starring Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom and Lesley-Ann Down. It is a touch of silly verses alternative techno. The film was directed by Blake Edwards Featuring scenes from “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
 

REISSUE: “Can’t Steal My Love” by Azure – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

 

REISSUE: “Can’t Steal My Love” by Azure – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Azure is Steve Schani and vocalist Jennifer Matthews – a high energy team and one of the last groups on the classic Megatone Records label. “Can’t Steal My Love” is the first of Azure’s five singles and has all of the energy of a sweat soaked aerobics workout. It is the transition during the late 80s for dance music to keep ahold of an ever changing style. I have taken the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, “To Catch A Thief” from 1955 – starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Following the tale of a reformed jewel that must prove his innocence to his romantic beauty, Grace Kelly. Many of the phrases in the song express the clever tie-in. The film was directed by Alfred Hitchcock Featuring scenes from “To Catch A Thief” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: “Blind Vision” by Blancmange – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

 

REISSUE: “Blind Vision” by Blancmange – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Blancmange is a British pop-duo formed in London in 1979. Their big dance hit from 1983 “Blind Vision” is one of the tracks that topped my clubs Top 10 for several months. It is from their album “Mange Tout” and features Jocelyn Brown on backing vocals. Although the group produced an alternative synth sound – it was closest to the high energy/disco pop of the 80s and created quite a stir on these dance floors. I have taken the single and blended it with the 1962 biographical film “The Miracle Worker” – based on the 1902 autobiography of Helen Keller – the film’s stars Anne Bancroft (Academy Award for Best Actress 1962) and Patty Duke (Best Actress Award) – the film deals with Helen Keller who is born blind and deaf and the battle to teach her to communicate with sign language. The scenes are quite sensitive and although the song bears only words that connect it are intended to support human hope and knowledge to make us better. The film was directed by Arthur Penn Featuring scenes from “The Miracle Worker” – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: “Better Be Good To Me” by Tina Turner – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE: “Better Be Good To Me” by Tina Turner – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Tina Turner is The Queen of Rock n’ Roll – her recording career began in 1961 with Ike Turner with the album “The Soul of Ike & Tina Turner”. An amazing career and life throughout the 60s, 70s and a sensational solo comeback in 1984 with her album “Private Dancer”. “Better Be Good To Me” is from the project and was produced by Rupert Hine. I have taken the 12” single and blended it with the 1993 film based on Tina’s career and her courage to break free from an abusive husband. The film stars Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne – it was directed by Brain Gibson. Featuring scenes from “What’s Love Got To Do With It’ – RENT THE DVD! Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera Produced by Ken Emmons
 

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I'm Leaving" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Joy

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I'm Leaving"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Joy

 

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/21) “Takin’ It Straight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cori Josais

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/21) “Takin’ It Straight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cori Josais

Cori Josias is an artist who created a stir on dance floors with her 1983 single “Takin’ it Straight” – produced by Colin Green, Steve Barnacle and Cori. This is a blend of an electronic arrangement which sounds like the Italo-disco feel of the period and yet contains its own balance. Along with Cori giving heartache no sympathy with her stance on dealing with an unfaithful lover with defiance and a nice rippling groove. This one surprised many DJs with its sound and found itself on many playlists as an underground number. I have always remembered the dance floor becoming alive at the touch of this bass driven sequencer taking on the floor.

I have used the 12’ vocal and instrumental of “Takin’ it Straight” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Cori Josias and her dance classic. There are parts of the original mix used in new ways to give the track a new life.

 

DON'T TAKE YOUR BEAT AWAY - mending a broken beat

DON'T TAKE YOUR BEAT AWAY - mending a broken beat

"I Can't Dance Without You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Theo Vaness - https://youtu.be/XNeK2gDjGEY

"Looking For Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Candi Staton - https://youtu.be/uWliuPRDXZY

“Why” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carly Simon - https://youtu.be/YaNAn4ONUok

"Can't Get To Sleep At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/zw2tTKJAcM8

“Vicious Games” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello - https://youtu.be/g2mTlMZgrTU

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo3jb1T6oGsa5XzCEMvK8rAc

 

REISSUE: “Vicious Games” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello

 

REISSUE: “Vicious Games” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yello Yello is Boris Blank and Dieter Meier – an electronic/synth band from the late 70s whose music is known for a moody and sometimes haunting edge. The group emerged from a period where music was making innovative turns in the alternative genre. Yello is a landmark band and their work spans many themes and also productions with vocalists like Shirley Bassey. Love songs are aimed at the aftermath of heartbreak or the difficulty of coping in the usual manner. I have always loved Yello since I heard their music in 1980 and like anyone who knows the players and sound well enough have been taken on mystic trips that are almost psychedelic in the synth-pop/rock sound. “Vicious Games” comes from their 1985 album “Stella” and is a song about lovers who tease and challenge their connection out of a need to hold onto independence. A great 80s dance number and contains all of Yello’s most exciting elements and surprises. I have taken the US 12” of “Vicious Games” including the long, radio and instrumental to paint a play that is in the ReStructure Mix realm. I have extended the fantastic percussion breaks to suite a new arrangement where the riffs are planted in a new way. This one was always one of the big songs of the serious dance clubs and even today brings back that drum circle feel where the feeling becomes overwhelming, but so satisfying.