FUNKY SHINES - an eclispe of the groove

FUNKY SHINES - an eclispe of the groove

“Feelin’ Lucky Lately” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – High Fashion - https://youtu.be/NuY9zIdehJs

“Love’s Comin’ At Ya”” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Melba Moore - https://youtu.be/AOh7NdCv4KU

"Diamonds" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Robin Gibb - https://youtu.be/XMo52fu7Ji4

"Love Plane" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Skyy - https://youtu.be/3eSYxi-f9Fo

"Look At You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George Mc Crae - https://youtu.be/9PJIawRJarM

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo0_Eqw_2JXOTdzg9tYMa5ef

 

REISSUE: "Look At You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George Mc Crae

 

REISSUE: "Look At You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - George Mc Crae

George Mc Crae exploded on the early disco scene with his monster soul hit, "Rock Your Baby" in 1974 - the LP was Produced by K.C. and the Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch and under Henry Stone's classic label T.K. Records.

"Look At You" is a track from the album which has the classic Casey/Finch guitar and groove sound - quite dreamy and funky. The song has always been the second choice for deejays and audiophiles as another hit and dance floor mover. I have ReStructured the track and extended it for a not only a deeper sound but also to pull more out of the great feel of the song.

Dedicated to Wendelien from The Netherlands

REISSUE: "Love Plane" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Skyy

REISSUE: "Love Plane" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Skyy

Skyy is Anibal "Butch" Sierra, Bonny Dunning, Delores Dunning Milligan, Denise Dunning Crawford, Gerald Lebon, Larry Greenburg, Randy Muller, Solomon Roberts Jr., Tommy McConnell and Wayne Wilentz. A funk-disco band produced by Randy Muller (Brass Construction, Tamiko Jones, Funk Deluxe) and executed in the New York disco-funk style. Refreshing grooves with a touch of those swirling disco strings. Much of their music is recognizable with the raw groove and predominant vocal arrangements.

“Love Plane” comes from their 1980 album “Skyway” and was a huge hit in my club and gave the early 80s an early transition from disco beats to a new electronic-groove. The emphasis here, as most Skyy tunes are falling in love and expressing a deep affection for a lover. And so let’s fly!

This ReStructure Mix give the funky track a longer breakdown and some new beats to bring this “love plane” to its destination. One of the moments I always hoped for when I was spinning this album version – an extended trip!

 

REISSUE: "Diamonds" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Robin Gibb

 

REISSUE: "Diamonds" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Robin Gibb

Robin Gibb as a member of the family group, Bee Gees helped to make the 70s an outline for many of his compositions and productions. This music helped a generation to come alive with excitement with funky dance pieces and adoring love songs. His solo recording career began in 1970 and followed through his passing in 2012. “Secret Agent” is his 1984 album is a pop-dance excursion featuring producers Chris Barbosa and Mark Liggett – who created the 80s electro-street sound with projects from Shannon, Xena and Steve Rodway.

“Diamonds” is the flip-side to the 12” hit single, “Boys Do Fall In Love” and is one of the tracks I would love to play during evening warm up or after-hours. It has many great hooks as well and a resonating vocal by Robin. It pounds out that street sound that made the mid-80s a bit more innovative. I have taken the 12” version to create this ReStructure Mix that not only extends the adventure here – but also gives a bit of the stage to Dame Shirley Bassey – where she confirms Robin’s obsession.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the energy of Mr. Robin Gibb who left us in 2012 – thanks for your talent and heartfelt music.

REISSUE: “Love’s Comin’ At Ya”” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Melba Moore

 

REISSUE:  “Love’s Comin’ At Ya”” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Melba Moore

Melba Moore is one of the true disco artists who came at the inception of the disco era boom. Her big singles “You Stepped Into My Life” and “Pick Me I’ll Dance” are placemats for a dance floor and are now dance classics. Melba’s 1982 album “The Other Side Of The Rainbow” gave us another opportunity to hear her power in a new electronic-funk sound produced by Kashif. It was a new groove created with a morphed keyboard playing out like a Jimmy Hendrix guitar. The single “Love’s Comin’ At Ya” is one of the tracks that I would play out for packed dance floors using two copies to extend for a wanting crowd. It is also one of my favorite moments when Melba’s vocals take a song and make it more lyrical and sweet.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Love’s Comin’ At Ya” to recreate this ReStructure Mix and add a touch more of a dub and dreamy feel to the original soul. It has a longer take off and a smooth fade. It is a great feeling to hear that 80’s funk sound exploding all over again.

REISSUE: “Feelin’ Lucky Lately” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – High Fashion

 

REISSUE:  “Feelin’ Lucky Lately” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – High Fashion

High Fashion is an electronic-funk band produced by Jacques Fred Petrus whose past projects included solidifying the energy of disco music with Peter Jacques Band and the beginnings of a New York funk sound with Change. Along with arranger and conductor Mauro Malavasi and musician Davide Romani the music of High Fashion once again brought the sound of New York alive as with Petrus’ past B.B. and Q Band and The Ritchie Family in the early 80s. “Feelin’ Lucky Lately” is once again a positive and uplifting force of dance music to embrace the dance floor. Along with vocals including Diva Gray, Gordon Grody, Philip Balou, Fonzi Thornton and Melissa Morgan this masterpiece is complete.

I have taken the 12” version of “Feelin’ Lucky Lately” and reworked a ReStructure Mix using segments of those sharp keyboards and funky beats. I have added a few new pieces to enhance the new mix and also a fade out to make the feeling last longer.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Erik De Hodge – thanks for the kind words and the request.

FUNKY after party - goin' on and-an on and on!

FUNKY after party - goin' on and-an on and on!

"Get Down On It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang - https://youtu.be/vDX9c39u9Vg

“Don’t You Want To (Feel It For Yourself)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stacy Lattisaw - https://youtu.be/Au9TicPxa5Y

"Enjoy Yourself" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Jacksons - https://youtu.be/Fv7md6BWm1I

“Let's Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bombers - https://youtu.be/3VYgXGFMtEU

“Love Is All You Need" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - High Inergy - https://youtu.be/DDvHrPrnJWQ

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo00sZbQworH036iX0sBv-si

 

REISSUE: “Love Is All You Need" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - High Inergy

REISSUE: “Love Is All You Need" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - High Inergy

High Inergy is a soul group discovered by Berry Gordy’s sister and then signed to Motown’s label Gordy Records in 1977. Their first album titled “Turnin’ On” brought back the girl group excitement with the soul flair. The single “You Can’t Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On)” was an immediate hit and only revealed a clue of the tracks from the album which made these voices irresistible. “Love Is All You Need” is the opening song of the project and gives a funky-soul spot for High Inergy to harmonize and express their talent in a young, new experience. It was a turning point for soul music to enter a disco realm.

I have taken the album version of “Love Is All You Need” and created a ReStructure Mix to add some new drum fills and breaks to the beautiful shout out for love. An extended intro and some new breaks are added to extend and add a new feel. Some new beats are pulled from the base of this groovy rhythmic production.

 

REISSUE: “Let's Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bombers

REISSUE: “Let's Dance" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bombers

Bombers are a disco studio group produced by George Lagios and Pat Deserio (Kebekelektrik, Rational Youth) and introduced a new space-age theme to the growing sound and vision of disco. Their first project from 1978 titled “Bombers” introduced the band as a deeper underground disco sound. “Bombers II” from 1979 gave the band a full open dance floor welcome with the hit “(Everybody) Get Dancing” – which is one of the big disco releases to assist in the music’s mainline success.

“Let’s Dance” is one of the five winning tracks from the “II” project and one which finds hustle dancers and mainstream disco followers the edge it is looking for. I have taken the album version and created this ReStructure Mix to give it a new vibrancy and also call attention to its shining elements. It =has always been a winner with me and continues to spark the sound of disco music which lingers on and on throughout time.

 

REISSUE: "Enjoy Yourself" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Jacksons

 

REISSUE: "Enjoy Yourself" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Jacksons

The Jacksons continued their dropping the “Five” from their title and finding themselves in 1976 under the production of Philadelphia International – Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. It was a hardcore venture into the new dance arena. Even with the built up talents of this blockbuster entourage their own style and sound became the overall result. “Enjoy Yourself” is one of the first breakout singles which created that funky-disco essence of what we can all remember the mid-70s exuding.

I have taken the album version of “Enjoy Yourself” and worked a new ReStructure Mix to give the track some new beats and pulsating deep-dub effects. The rhythm guitars are the layer of promise from start to finish and again, the Jackson’s create a layer of chorus satisfaction. A great song which always made me feel the power of music and talent - the wonderful Jacksons.

REISSUE: “Don’t You Want To (Feel It For Yourself)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stacy Lattisaw

 

REISSUE:  “Don’t You Want To (Feel It For Yourself)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Stacy Lattisaw

Stacy Lattisaw is the answer to 80’s retro funk! Her music in the early 80’s sound was the will of producer Narada Michael Walden (“I Don’t Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)”, “Tonight I’m Alright”) along with Stacy’s sweet child-like vocal are irresistible.  “Don’t You Want To Feel It (For Yourself)” is a track from the 1980 album “Let Me Be Your Angel” and has some fantastic hooks and vocals from Lattisaw and Narada. It was one of the pieces I would play as an alternative to the huge hits “Dynamite” and “Jump To The Beat” from the same project.

I have taken the album version of “Don’t You Want To Feel It (For Yourself)” and worked a new ReStructure Mix for an old-school homage which amended the disco legacy in the early 80s.

REISSUE: "Get Down On It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang

REISSUE:  "Get Down On It” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kool and The Gang

Kool and The Gang began as a jazz ensemble and then becoming a funk band when their recording career began in 1970. Known for the hardcore funk of the early 70s with sings like “Hollywood Swinging” and “Jungle Boogie” which were each statement and are now classics. The transition of funk to a disco appeal was no problem with this group which took their music to a pop-dance status during the early 80s.”Get Down On It” is a formula which follows their work with legendary artist and producer Emuir Deodato who took the disco beat and worked a new brand of funk. This one is now a standard among radio and dance music enthusiast. 

I have taken the 12” remix version of “Get Down On It” and directed the groove at a more dub-like and underground feel using segment and new beats in this ReStructure Mix. The transformation is completed with use of the stomping groove which Deodato works out like the disco formula keeping the funk alive.

 

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Burnin' Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Jackson

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Burnin' Hot"
 Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jermaine Jackson

 

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/21) “Freak Your Boom Boom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hank Ballard and The Midnighters

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/21) “Freak Your Boom Boom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hank Ballard and The Midnighters

Hank Ballard and The Midnighters is a vocal ensemble whose recording career began in 1958. The group went through several member changes – Hank Ballard, Henry Booth, Charles Sutton and Sonny Woods are the members who recorded their 1979 disco single, “Freak Your Boom Boom” – which was produced by Hank Ballard (also writer) and Luther Dixon. This track takes the soulful road with vocals that express that deep groove which plays out with a bass guitar and a lite drum beat. One of the great pieces which was lost in the many releases of that year. “Freak Your Boom Boom” is the outline that disco music was built on where the dance floor follows along and works out to the record. A nice return to the retro disco sound of the era.

I have taken the 12” version of “Freak Your Boom Boom” and resurfaced the song for this ReStructure Mix. There is a new heavy drum beat added along with some percussion to bring this one back to the floor for more.

 

FIFTY SHADES OF FUNK - LOSE CONTROL

FIFTY SHADES OF FUNK - LOSE CONTROL

"Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grey and Hanks - https://youtu.be/FoY1CRew5oM

"Lovin' You Madly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Narada Michael Walden - https://youtu.be/5888bLcOHOk

"The Groove Line" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Heatwave - https://youtu.be/Aa4uiatNztQ

"Right In The Socket" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Shalamar - https://youtu.be/QTwCuXG2NKg

"Livin’ In The Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Isley Brothers - https://youtu.be/Ii-56oFLuOw

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo2bW3oKt1EenCCgtmwpEUC4

 

REISSUE: "Livin’ In The Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Isley Brothers

 

REISSUE: "Livin’ In The Life" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers are an R&B/soul group whose recording career began in 1959 throughout 2015. Their music throughout the years has always maintained the sound of period and their own style. Many of their biggest achievements are during the funk movement of the early and mid-70s where a touch of the hardcore mixed with their sweet ballads made their stage unique. “Livin’ In The Life” is a powerful funk piece from their 1977 album “Go For Your Guns”. This one has a life of its own. A number questioning social circumstances and giving one the benefit of the doubt is the outline for this slam dunk funk track. This stands at the opening of disco music and its connection between soul and funk music.

I have taken the album version of “Livin’ In The Life” along with the brief instrumental part “Go For Your Guns” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to pay homage to this great ensemble. This one extends the “mean” groove into a funk fest of d claps that seem to surface below the groove itself. A favorite of mine always and a trip into the concept of ReStructure Mix was gladly given.

REISSUE: "Right In The Socket" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Shalamar

 

REISSUE: "Right In The Socket" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Shalamar

Shalamar in 1976 was Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniels and Gerald Brown and later in 1979 Howard Hewett replaced Gerald Brown. This was originally a studio project produced by Simon Soussan with their first successful LP "Uptown Festival" - their third LP "Big Fun" followed "Disco Gardens". The big hits were endless for this trio. "The Second Time Around" had already ran it's fever across dance floors when "Right In The Socket" was released from the LP.

This cut was made for the dance floor with it's clever lyrics and fantastic array of percussion tracks. Produced by Leon Sylvers and Dick Griffey from Solar Records.

I have ReStructured the cut to give the breaks more standing and the track a bit more length. I dedicate this track to "Misha" who never ran short of energy back in the day and still goes strong with inspiration and love.

REISSUE: "The Groove Line" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Heatwave

 

REISSUE: "The Groove Line" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Heatwave

Heatwave is Billy Jones, Calvin Duke, Derek Bramble, Eric Johns, Ernest Berger, J.D. Nicholas, Johnnie Wilder Jr., Keith Harrison, Keith Wilder, Mario Mantese, Rod Temperton, Roy Carter and William Jones

With hits like "Boogie Nights" and "The Groove Line" it is no wonder they were the forerunners in disco music from 1976. Their music emphasized a growth in pop culture.

From their 1977 LP "Central Heating" I have taken "The Groove Line" and worked with the extended 12" version to create a whole new ReStructure Mix - much more action and energy going on here with looping and new intro and fade out.

Dedicated to my wonderful partner, Ken

REISSUE: "Lovin' You Madly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Narada Michael Walden

 

REISSUE: "Lovin' You Madly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Narada Michael Walden

The musical career of producer, songwriter and singer Narada Michael Walden is one which can be heard in many projects throughout three decades. His solo recordings began in 1976 and lasted throughout the mid-90s. His productions were the essential pop-dance-funk of the 80s and include Stacy Lattisaw, Sister Sledge, Amii Stewart, Angela Bofill, and Carl Carlton. His work has always given dance floors the groove to keep the energy and excitement alive.

“Lovin’ You Madly” is a single from his 1979 album “The Dance Of Life” and made disc jockey playlists from a nice project with many dance tracks to work from. It is one of the simple funk-productions which rely on a funky guitar and Narada’s undying love for that special one. At times it is “fierce” but always on the level.

I have created this ReStructure Mix of “Lovin’ You Madly” using the album version recreating a new rhythm part to break the funk into a house-like feel. It has the remapping of verses and choruses intended to bring a new slickness to an already hard-edge funk piece.

REISSUE: "Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grey and Hanks

REISSUE: "Dancin'" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grey and Hanks

Zane Grey and Len Ron Hanks released their LP "You Fooled Me" in 1978 - "Dancin'" is the first single from this project. The soulful and funky track added a new layer to disco music at the time. It was the extreme dance formula that became the pop end of radio and clubs.

I have ReStructured "Dancin'" to bring the song back in to the light with a new thumping intro and also adding a few more vocal elements out. It is a get boogie number and taking parts to reassemble into a new mix was fun.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Michael R. of San Diego - being one of his favorite disco tunes and for being a friend