NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Freak Your Boom Boom"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hank Ballard And The Midnighters
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Hank Ballard And The Midnighters
Thursday, July 22, 2021
ReStructure Mix Update (7/22/21) “Premintal” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – D.A.N.
D.A.N. is an Italo-disco project from 1982 and produced by Romano Trevisani. This instrumental track uses heavy bass rhythm guitars to work a groove. It is one of the early Italo-disco pieces which once again took musicians utilizing their present skills to take part in the formulation of what this music from Italy was all about. It was the reshaping of the disco sound in a whole new way. “Premintal” is one of those pieces which may have been used for a transition mix, but the recording itself still plays out as a forerunner in a new style of music which would last throughout the 80’s.
I have taken the 12” version of “Premintal” and focused in a whole new direction for this ReStructure Mix. The new version plays out with excerpts from the 1976 version of “A Star Is Born” and features pieces of the soundtrack as a placement for this exercise.
ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT - The hands of the clock together, the feet dancing apart
ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT
- The hands of the clock together, the feet dancing apart
- The hands of the clock together, the feet dancing apart
"Midnight Rendezvous" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Linda G. Thompson - https://youtu.be/_DXegTzKfkw
“Midnight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Passengers - https://youtu.be/u92gOu5EgBk
“Midnight Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – People Like Us - https://youtu.be/Sp4OWxevlZs
“Midnight Rendezvous.” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tasha Thomas - https://youtu.be/wfzbjAtVI1g
"Working The Midnight Shift" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer - https://youtu.be/ca8-mpxUHWg
REISSUE: "Working The Midnight Shift" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer
Those of us who remember when "Once Upon A Time" was released in 1977 can remember the impact that it created. It was truly as if the "Queen" had arrived - Ms. Donna Summer.
This LP was a demonstration of pop/funk/soul and disco all rolled into a fantasy-like package - what more could this genre of music ask for at such an important phase? The choice cuts on the LP are many. Hardcore techno-disco fans that could not get enough of Giorgio Moroder and Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" achievement the year before will remember "Act 2" of the story board featuring "I Need You" and "Working The Midnight Shift" with Moroder pulsating synthesizer work pounding out the "Phantom Of The Opera-like" organ's and keyboards and Donna's soft and enticing vocals floating over them.
I have taken "Working The Midnight Shift" and created a whole new ReStructure complete with new percussion and some usage of those fantastic keyboards and sequencers.
This ReStructure is dedicated to the hardcore electronic junkies of disco.
REISSUE: “Midnight Rendezvous.” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tasha Thomas
Tasha Thomas is a singer/performer whose career includes backing recording sessions for Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens and Jim Croce. Her stage career includes the Broadway production of “The Wiz” where she played “Aunt Em” in the mid-70’s. “Midnight Rendezvous’ is her 1979 disco album produced by James R. Glazer and Peter Rugle. The title track is an oasis of sensual love set to a disco beat. One of genuine sounds of the disco era and a vocal that flows with a soulful whimsical edge.
I have taken the 12” version of “Midnight Rendezvous” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix using the mysterious horns and percussion to drive this new piece. I have added a delayed drum track to give it a new pace in segments.
REISSUE: “Midnight Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – People Like Us
People Like Us is Paul Crossley, Terry Owen and vocalist Cindy Dickinson – and together they gave the end of the 80s several high energy tracks. These discs were fittingly an appropriate closing for the end of the high energy era of the 80s. The production and outline of People Like Us were the intense homework done from dance floors during the 80’s from groups like Lime, Charade, Miquel Brown and Hazell Dean. The energy derived from the use of percussion, rolling sequencers and strong lead vocal were all set for the genre and this crew used each part to the dance floors advantage. “Midnight Lovers” is a nighttime fantasy with a desperate cry for the day to pass and a reunion of two lovers in the night becomes a reality. A high energy number for the tail end of the 80’s in the Passion Records tradition.
I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Midnight Lover” and created a new Restructure Mix with more of the percussion riffs worked and some new segues into the excitement. The vocal by Cindy Dickinson has always been the desperation and feel of the song and is maintained.
REISSUE: “Midnight” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Passengers
Passengers are an Italo-disco group who is best known for their big dance floor hit “Hot Leather” from 1979. The group consists of Chuck Rolando, Elwanda Contreras, Gesualdo Arena and Kathleen Flynn on vocals and arrangements by Celso Valli (Tantra, Lama, V.I.S.A., and Nuggets). “Midnight” is a single released in 1981 and is pure Italo-disco laid out – produced by Angelo and Felix Piccarreda. This one is more of an early morning sound with the synths rolling in a hypnotic arrangement and keyboards sparkling the sound of magic throughout. A different edge than more of their high energy pieces but more of a deeper feel for their uplifting vocals.
I have taken the 12” single of “Midnight” and reworked parts of the song to make this ReStructure Mix which uses more percussion to pump the energy up. It remains as the original as far as vocal arrangements and just a few effects and loops added to the instrumental arrangement to make it last longer.
REISSUE: "Midnight Rendezvous" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Linda G. Thompson
Linda G. Thompson is a German vocalist with a long run supporting disco music. Her talent is also spread among several groups including Silver Convention, Love Generation, The Hornettes and Me and You. Her solo recording career in 1975 began with her single, “Ooh What A Night” – also produced by Silver Convention’s Michael Kunze. “Midnight Rendezvous” comes from the B-side Linda’s 1980 single “Flight To Fantasy” – which was a huge hit on my dance floor at the time and also a personal favorite. “Midnight Rendezvous” is a funky hard-hitting disco track with the early 80s transition in mind. It was always one I would love to play during T-dances and early morning programs – it had that hardcore groove.
I have taken the 12” version of “Midnight Rendezvous” and did something I have always wanted to do – extend it and play with these mean beats! This ReStructure Mix pulls in a bass line which should be very familiar to fans of Linda and disco history. It is a high for me to create some fun with this one.
This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to a hard working friend who has kept the ladies of disco alive for years and continues to – Mr. Hans R. de Vries. Thank you, Hans for always being so kind and supportive of these so very talented artists. I am sure they appreciate your love very much – I know I do.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Premintal" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.A.N.
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Premintal"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.A.N.
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.A.N.
ReStructure Mix Update (7/21/21) “Catch Me (I’m Falling In Love)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Marsha Raven
Marsha Raven is a high energy vocalist from the U.K. whose first single titled “Catch Me (I’m Falling In Love)” began a whole new era of dance music called ‘high energy’. Produced by Ian Anthony Stephens in 1983 this powerhouse spectacle brings together the electronic age of disco arrangements with drums and soaring strings. The track itself has a built that takes on several movements and with Marsha Raven at the helm of vocals this one makes the return of the “disco dolly” inevitable for the 80’s. The song is one of the big moments dance floors again shifted into a “high” gear literally and also made dance labels aware that people were not quite finished with disco yet, again.
I have taken the 12” version of “Catch Me (I’m Falling In Love)” and rewired the energy into a ReStructure Mix which extends once again the energy and excitement. There is a cameo from Fontella Bass to clear the air and more breakdowns than ever thought possible for this classic.
BEAT - CLAP ... the sound of disco
BEAT - CLAP ... the sound of disco
“Can't Fake The Feeling" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Geraldine Hunt - https://youtu.be/4HZzJJazXN8
“A Lover's Holiday" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change - https://youtu.be/BSGesIvSupI
"Straight From The Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Loose Change - https://youtu.be/er-q4xZVFAY
"It Must Be Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain and Destiny - https://youtu.be/IL7NMrPZKFE
"I Can Tell" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chanson - https://youtu.be/8PaR-4zBLGE
REISSUE: "I Can Tell" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chanson
A band comprised of some powerful musicians of the 80's - Jeff Porcaro and David Paich. James Jamerson Jr. and David Williams produced this LP along with Linda Evans on vocals. A song that builds and builds and the orchestra follows. Wonderful strings and percussion. I have ReStructured the song to break a few times and played on the big drum sound. A hit worth trying out.
REISSUE: "It Must Be Love" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain and Destiny
Alton McClain and Destony (D'Marie Warren and Robyrda Stiger) are girl group responsible for the 1978 dance floor hit "It Must Be Love" - produced by John Footman and Frank Wilson.
The song became an instant radio hit and it's response on dance floors was equally positive. The song is a funk/soul recipe with a fantastic vocal performance by the trio. It is reminiscent of great Motown productions with the alluring girl group sound.
I have ReStructured the track since it is an all-time favorite and have given it a new intro and stretched a few segments out as well as rearrange the flow. It is still one of those classics that bring to mind the disco edge with lots of soul.
REISSUE: "Straight From The Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Loose Change
Loose Change is Leah Banks, Donna Beene and Rebecca Anderson - under the production of Mr. Tom Moulton in 1979 the impact of disco and it's power is displayed.
"Straight From The Heart" is from their self-titled album which features John Davis, Thor Baldursson, Larry Washington and Don Renaldo's Strings and Horns - it is complete and honest disco music.
I have taken the 12" version of "Straight From The Heart" and have given it a ReStructure Mix to give it a new feel and to continue on the disco sound which makes the disco lover proud to dance and claim the legacy.
Dedicated to Mr. Tom Moulton - the man who made the 70s such a great place to live in and continue the memories with heart and soul!
REISSUE: “ A Lover's Holiday" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Change
Big impact in early 1980 with this powerhouse LP - project was produced by Jacques Fred Petrus and featured the talents of David Romani, Paolo Gianolio and Mauro Malavasi behind the scenes. Vocals flow over the great keyboard and bass arrangements of this album. Jocelyn Shaw and Luther Vandross spread their magical notes throughout these songs and leave you wanting more. "A Lover's Holiday" is ReStructured for another trip with this funky and soulful sound emanating a groove over and over.
REISSUE: “Can't Fake The Feeling" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Geraldine Hunt
Saving the early eighties in a funk from the disco backlash were hits like "Can't Fake The Feeling" by Geraldine Hunt. It was indeed a funky little song but had enough style and disco bass to place it as big chart buster. Released on the New York label Prism Records. Ms. Hunt made this hit a classic with her fantastic vocal style. ReStructured for a more instrumental feel but plenty of Geraldine's vocals to complete it.
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Catch Me (I'm Falling In Love)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marsha Raven
NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Catch Me (I'm Falling In Love)"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marsha Raven
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Marsha Raven
ReStructure Mix Update (7/20/21) “Love and Desire” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gina Desire
Gina Desire is an electronic disco project from Bobby Orlando. One of the big moments again for Orlando as he gained his momentum with projects and releases – where this single “Love and Desire” paints a similar edge to his past work yet plays out fresh. This single is a simple statement however the rolling bass synthesizers are the magic once again. It is as hypnotic as his earlier work at the start of the 80’s yet this one gives us the camp-side of high energy disco/dance music in a form that works. The vocals are provided by a studio vocalist in a sexy and vigorous performance.
I have taken the 12” version of “love and Desire” and re-lit the fire for this burning love song in this ReStructure Mix. The new power comes in loops and edits which outline the percussion and some of those heavy bass drops.
DISCO INVADES HOLLYWOOD - LIGHTS! ACTION! DANCE!
DISCO INVADES HOLLYWOOD - LIGHTS! ACTION! DANCE!
"Theme from Dynasty" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kat Mandu - https://youtu.be/NktYZ94MlTc
"Suffer" by Grace Jones - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/0KOHUhk3cww
“In Hollywood (Everybody Is A Star)” by Village People – Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/2vqIGPp0tM4
“Sunset People” by Donna Summer - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/nNQj1qSnF6A
REISSUE: DALE SWITZER as Ethel Merman - "There's No Business Like Show Business" - https://youtu.be/zW_gpvkxko0
REISSUE: DALE SWITZER as Ethel Merman - "There's No Business Like Show Business"
PUT A DIVA IN YOUR TANK!
"There's No Business Like Show Business"
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons
Hat Man...Charles Grisier
Support and Dresser...Lou Marotta
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