Friday, November 26, 2021

REISSUE: “Don’t Make Me Wait” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – N.Y.C. Peech Boys

 


N.Y.C. Peech Boys are an experimental electronic dance project from 1982 whose moves were influenced by the aura of an underground club called Paradise Garage. Along with Larry Levan this early sound began a phase of electronic house and funk using a brand of soulful chorus leading to a new vocal sound. This sound became the brand for the Paradise Garage sound in the early 80’s and eventually lead into a style called house. “Don’t Make Me Wait” is a mysteriously ominous track that begins teasingly and then leads to a crescendo of soulful male harmonies. It is one of the pieces which made the disco label West End Records the tribute record company of the dance era. It seemed that the excitement this one created was welcomed from the fallout of disco music in the late 70’s.

I have taken the vocal and the dub of the 12” of “Don’t Make Me Wait” and worked this ReStructure Mix into a whole new form. Where many of the beats are void throughout the original arrangement there is now a constant rhythm to pulse the orgasmic track. This one is a tribute to the Paradise Garage and Mr. Larry Levan. 

REISSUE: "People Come Dance" by Ednah Holt & Starluv - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera


Ednah Holt (also a member of The Ritchie Family and Holt ’45) paired up with ensemble titled Starluv in 1979 for a rousing disco track titled, “People Come Dance”. Produced by Wiley Hicks who also brought us “Come Inside My Love” by Bonnie Oliver. This West End Records classic has the energy and excitement that the crest of the disco wave made as it swept floors with its magic. “People Come Dance” is one of my favorites from their catalogue and still places itself as a disco anthem. 

I have created a Disco Video Mix using “People Come Dance” and scenes from the comedy, “Bring It On” from 2000. The film gives a cheerleading squad competition the focus of its high school characters in contest of jumps, leaps and poses. It is the perfect environment for the disco track which has the energy to complete it.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to my good friend, Felix Prince who passed a few years ago. His music and energy is missed and thanks to his comments about this disco tracks which gave me the inspiration for this Disco Video Mix pairing.

The film was directed by Peyton Reed

Featuring scenes from "Bring It On" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
 

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.
 

Thursday, November 25, 2021

ReStructure Mix Update (11/25/21) “I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Joan Orleans


Joan Orleans (Joan Schmitt-Parks) is a vocalist from the late 80’s. Her 1989 project titled “With You Or Never” was produced by Nigel Wright – who also gave us many Passion Records high energy classics from Astaire, Dolmann, and Charade. He also produced for the British dance/jazz group Shakatak. His touch on Joan’s single “I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely” are a sharp, energetic and claims the Passion Records high energy formula that he created with a touch more. This one was always a favorite as the vocals from Joan play out like a Chanteuse freeing her emotions for her lover and are heard by all. It is also a beautiful piece with many wonderful moments where the yearning and emotions are heart felt.

I have taken the 12” version of “I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely” and reaffirmed the parts of this wonderful song for a new ReStructure Mix. Some of the parts are reinserted at new timing for a new flow and a fade out is used to give it a classic stage feel.

 

DISCO UNDERGROUND ... not "behind"..."under"

 

DISCO UNDERGROUND ... not "behind"..."under"

“Megatron Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deadline - https://youtu.be/hP5NTqog0vw
“Woman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Snob - https://youtu.be/kKppK7Qf5-I
“Born To Be Alive” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Disco Connection - https://youtu.be/w9kuoN_0KTE
"Perfume of Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Scala - https://youtu.be/d_WUfSzn06A
"Sado Maso Disco" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Must - https://youtu.be/FQfRX-k7cAg


REISSUE: "Sado Maso Disco" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Must

 


Must is a disco project from Brazil which plays with the sado maso fetish and takes it onto the chic dance floor with chants and play-time for adults. This campy little track proves that you have to have a sense of humor to give into disco music or good strong cat-o-nine-tails. It is a celebratory and dance injected number and comes from Michel Gouty, Celestin Ganou and Pierre Nacabal.

I have taken the original 12” version “Sado Maso Disco” and have given it a ReStructure Mix adding another “playful” track in the 80s synth-pop genre to give it more humor to slap around. It is intended as fun and games – and not to be taken too seriously…otherwise, get a room.

REISSUE: Perfume of Love Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix Scala


Scala is an Italo-disco project from 1985 whose first single “Macchina Nera” was featured on an issue of Razormaid giving it the stamp of alternative dance. Their heavy use of pounding beats and heavy bass along with themes that follow another realm are the encompassing addiction to Italo disco. Produced by Joseph Angelli and Renzo Luchetta – this all electronic production is a fierce deep pounding 80s dance number that resonates. The sensual vocals are wonderful throughout the song even in spoken verses. I big hit for me during the high energy period and one of my favorites for those afterhours programs and a big leap for Italo-disco.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental versions to create this ReStructure Mix and accentuated those drums into their further riff. It is a longer and more use of those vocal tracks and sharp keyboard pieces are one which I also imagined.
 

REISSUE: “Born To Be Alive” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Disco Connection

 


Disco Connection is Eddie De Gucht – producer of electronic covers of disco classics. His work from the early 80’s was exciting to disco audiophiles like myself who found a new version of a disco standard refreshing. At the end of the disco era much of the hardcore dance music was produced and released in the UK, Germany and Italy. Many of the contenders were new fusions of dance music which centered on the fact the world had not finished dancing yet. Disco Connection takes the 1979 Patrick Hernandez disco classic into the reprise mode with a full on electronic stripped down arrangement. The melody plays the identifier and only the rolling sequencers formulating the energy. Another release by this studio project emerged including a cover of George McCrae’s “Rock Your Baby”. The classic disco sound was being electrified and kept alive for those who could not get enough.

I have taken the 12” versions of Disco Connection’s “Born To Be Alive” and used the segments that make up the original tribute and some of the new interludes for this ReStructure Mix. This plays out more like an addition to the original with a few chorus pieces and new added percussion and beats.

REISSUE: “Woman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Snob


Snob is a disco project from Philip Walter, Patrick Barbero and Philippe Renaux – formerly titled Black Sun. Their 1979 project titled “Are Women Snobs?” is one of the disco variations on the Italo-disco craze taking over in the late 70s and early 80s. “Women” is a single from the album which is known by hardcore disco connoisseurs as a slice of that disco pie. The number uses heavy synthesizers and guitar riffs in the pure disco sound and weaves a hypnotic foundation for the light and elf-like chorus singing of those ladies in the club that drive onlookers to question just where they come from. The theme alone follows the Italo-disco exploration of alternative and unique compositions. The drum tracks are the main force here and they never leave short a space where a break can benefit.

I have taken the 12” version of “Women” on the Canadian disco label P.B.I. Records and took those grooves which formulate that hardcore disco edge in a ReStructure Mix. More of the winding pieces which make this song an underground sensation. It also signifies the movement of disco music which even today continues to influence artists and dancers everywhere.
 

REISSUE: “Megatron Man” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Deadline


Deadline is a disco project from producer Phillipe Renaux – a man whose innovative touch during the late 70’s was a big part of what is now known as “space disco” – with projects Chris Craft, Soft Energy and Toni Van Duyne. It is this project Deadline that he pays homage to another master of the aural sounds of the outer universe, Mr. Patrick Cowley. “Megatron Man” is a track which Cowley released in 1981 which helped to keep disco music alive in a new edge of electronic and psychedelic like moods. It was the early signs of disco morphing again into another style called high energy. Phillipe’s project Deadline is a more downbeat feel yet contributes a proper cover of the Cowley classic. Is an alternative play for those who follow Cowley’s work as a cult sound and also another great moment in 80’s dance history all together.

I have taken the 12” version of Deadline’s “Megatron Man” and changed the mood once again in this ReStructure Mix. More emphasis on the abstract keyboards and the mystical mood of the theme of this San Francisco disco classic.

 

COMING SOON! (EPISODE 11/25/21): "If You Wanna Get Back Your Lady” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pointer Sisters


COMING SOON! (EPISODE 11/25/21): "If You Wanna Get Back Your Lady”
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Pointer Sisters

 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

the dance ANTHEM - Those "Run To The Dance Floor" Tracks

the dance ANTHEM - Those "Run To The Dance Floor" Tracks

“Seclusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shawn Benson - https://youtu.be/gZqkpSqRNwU
"I'm Alive (Let's Move On)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - American Fade - https://youtu.be/MTJlfcCB66E
"Holiday" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madonna - https://youtu.be/FQv3wu7dZAw
"Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Midnight Rhythm - https://youtu.be/xaDP2aK_fag
"So Many Men, So Little Time" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Miquel Brown - https://youtu.be/d-y70bv2WIk


 

REISSUE: "So Many Men, So Little Time" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Miquel Brown


"So Many Men, So Little Time" was the noticed arrival of high energy music in the early 80's - it signified the proof that people were not done dancing to disco music.

The track was one of the most popular of the time and lasting throughout time - even today. Miquel Brown had a mild disco hit with "Symphony Of Love" in 1978 - her return in 1983 with her LP "Manpower" guaranteed a lasting stance on dance floors.

This ReStructure Mix chops and rearranges every element from the "oh-so-familiar" mix and creates a whole new hedonism moment for all to dance and celebrate.
 

REISSUE: "Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Midnight Rhythm


Midnight Rhythm is a disco project from Joe Long and Robby Adcock - who always gave us Hallelujah 2000, C.M. Lord, Liquid Gold, Joe Long Sound. This production is a complete orchestrated and arranged dance sensation which took dance floors to a place called "disco heaven". A sound where a crescendo builds and builds to a satisfying climax.

"Climb/Rushin' To Meet You" is from the self-titled album and is contained there as a 15 minute suite. It is one of the most extensive pieces of disco music and remains a classic. Vocals include both Joe and Robby as well as Hodges James and Smith.

I have taken the full album version and ReStructured the pieces into a new version. Dedicated to Mr. Ramon A. Sandoval - for sharing in insight and talent with myself and the world - his note is to thank Marsha Stern as production assistant on this recording as well as Patricia Hodges for her vocals and DJ Bobby Viteritti for the support.

Get to movin'!
 

REISSUE: "Holiday" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madonna

 


Madonna brought the 80s an exciting new way to look at dance music and bring change to the music industry and place an artist in the driver’s seat. Her first 12” release titled “Everybody” was a promise of more to come – and the album had that proof: “Holiday” is the track that brought a full circle to the first of many which Madonna achieved. Produced by John “Jellybean” Benitez – a club DJ who brought dance floors many of it’s own requests from his own experience behind the spinning vinyl.

I have taken the album version of “Holiday” and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to lay out a new day for celebration for all – as the meaning of disco resembles – all. The bass, guitars and beats as chopped and rearranged along with a few samples from a few past “holidays”.

REISSUE: "I'm Alive (Let's Move On)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - American Fade

 


Early 80's was a transition of disco to high energy opening a whole new arena for producers and artists. America Fade is a studio band produced by Willi Morrison and Ian Guenther - THP Productions ("Too Hot For Love") and Southern Exposure. Their knowledge of disco arrangements and electronics gave them the upper hand on dance floor know how.

"I'm Alive (Let's Move On)" is a tale of a girl who falls in love and finally realizes what she has been missing - an uplifting track with allot of effects and drums pounding throughout the dance mix. I have taken pieces of the original mix and re-edited a new outline and added a new drum intro. It is a bit extreme but intends to give the track a "tweaked" new feel.

REISSUE: “Seclusion” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shawn Benson

 


 Shawn Benson is one of the artist of the mid 80s high energy scene with a hit dance track titled “Seclusion” – produced by Barry (Beam) Blum and Johnny Hedges. This one is a fast moving piece of soulful vocals and an electric arrangement that jumps out in every direction. It was one of my favorites and holds that place in high energy history that makes us all glad we were a part of it.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Seclusion” and reworked this ReStructure Mix to give this high energy winner another opportunity to win your heart with the great vocals and sliding rhythms. It always worked for me in many programs and was one of those numbers which always reminds me of a great disco party to start the night out.

Monday, November 22, 2021

SPINNING PRELUDE - Dance On Their Floor


SPINNING PRELUDE - Dance On Their Floor

“Never Give You Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd - https://youtu.be/8gbnAWLRtlE
“In The Middle” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Unlimited Touch - https://youtu.be/oct1P41kREA
“Memory” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diva - https://youtu.be/nlRfhpWv3Ug
"High On Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claire - https://youtu.be/x11W2i6YEjE
"Disco Circus” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Martin Circus - https://youtu.be/OLBSYxRVAJI


 

REISSUE: "Disco Circus” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Martin Circus

 


Martin Circus is a French disco act that began recording in 1970 with productions which blended sophisticated arrangements with a rock edge. Their projects soon began to fuse the disco sound and created one of the unique sounds of the disco era. “Disco Circus” is their 1976 project created for a soundtrack to a French film – the US release on Prelude Records in 1979 repackaged the title track and made it an underground classic. The album is produced by Sydney Bechet along with Martin Circus and uses drums, percussion, synthesizers and wild chanting to work a new disco funk into its creation. A hardcore piece that many may recognize even elements of the song as it has been sampled and also used as transition in mixes.

I have taken the US album version and reedited a ReStructure Mix adding yet another twist to the stomping beats and chants. Using samples of Joan Crawford in the 1967 British horror-thriller film, “Berserk!” as the new ring-master. Many of the parts of “Disco Circus” are used to display the wonderful aura of this disco-fantasy. More looping and added breaks give it more of an after-hours feel.

REISSUE: "High On Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claire

 


Claire is a disco artist from France with a single titled "High On Love" from 1978 produced by Thomas Davidson Noton - who also produced "Solitaire" (the original French version) by Clementine and French artist, Renaud.

This track is the French edge of disco music in the late 70s - very similar to the sound of artists like Michelle and Madleen Kane. This session was arranged by Raymond Taras Knehnetsky who also worked on Alec R. Costandinos' Paris Connection and Trocadero Suite albums, Regine and a few notable disco projects.

I have taken the US 12" on Prelude (mixed by Francios Kevorkian) and created a ReStructure Mix - focusing on the lush strings sections, drums and keyboards. This is the elegant sound of disco music and is always a nice representation of the impact and direction disco moved in the late 70s.

NOTE: Written by Jack Robinson who wrote "I Love To Dance" for Tina Charles and also James Bolden (David Christie) who also wrote "Do Or Die" and "Saved" for Grace Jones, "All Night Man" for Loose Change, the Frantique LP, and of course "Saddle Up". 

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