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: “In The Middle” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Unlimited Touch

 

REISSUE:  “In The Middle” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Unlimited Touch

Unlimited Touch is one of the New York Funk bands during the early 80’s from the Prelude Records label. Produced by Raymond Reid and William Anderson formerly of the group Crown Heights Affair. This ensemble is a big hit on the dance floors during the formulation and peak of this genre of dance music which focused on a soulful edge with more electro-funk elements. “In The Middle” is a single that was actually side-b of their big hit “I Hear Music In The Streets” from 1980. The lead vocal by Audrey Wheeler is the force behind this number and plays out with passion and funk. One of my favorites of the period and a lasting impression of New York Funk.

I have taken the 12” version of “In The Middle” and created a new ReStructure Mix taking the vocals into a deep dive of a dub-like environment. I have added a deep bass beat and more of the existing percussion to give this monster more juice.

REISSUE: “Never Give You Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

 

REISSUE:  “Never Give You Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sharon Redd

Sharon Redd is one of the voices in dance music which completed many arenas of funk and energy.  Her most memorable of parts is the fusion of New York funk created in the early 80s namely on the recording label Prelude Records. Sharon’s second project titled “Redd Hott” – produced by Eric Matthew and Darryl Payne is one of the magnificent pieces of dance vinyl of its time. Featuring the hit singles “Beat The Street”, “In The Name Of Love” and “Never Give You Up”. The arrangements here are easy to forget the disco era was entering a new phase of synth-pop venturing from the full production of dance music. This project claimed both the street-funk edge and the high energy anthem feel. “Never Give You Up” is an electronic funk love song that rings out loud with Sharon’s style of vocal appeal. It is one of the best of the Prelude catalogue and is still a favorite.

I have taken the promo 12” of “Never Give You Up” – using the vocal and dub to recreate a new direction for this diva’s classic track. I have given pieces of the tracks a heavy beat to bounce over what already uses the rhythm at most. It is a tribute to the Prelude sound and the producers Eric Matthew and Darryl Payne for giving the dance floor a reason to believe and keep dancing.

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Joan Orleans

 

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely" 

- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Joan Orleans

ReStructure Mix Update (11/21/21) “Lip Service (Rumor Control)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

ReStructure Mix Update (11/21/21) “Lip Service (Rumor Control)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams is a vocalist known for her energy and unique power in her vocals. Her recording career includes work with disco bands Arpeggio, French Kiss, and also a long list of her own dance floor hits. “Lip Service (Rumor Control)” is Jessica’s 1987 release produced by Man Parrish and Paul Parker. This track is a fast moving dance number with plenty of bongos taking the energy into layers of movement. The outline regarding the gossip of her beau and her reckoning with it by sticking by him no matter what. Jessica performs this one in her calm and assuring delivery with the right amount of power needed for pounding drums and percussion. 

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Lip Service (Rumor Control)” and reignited this one for a ReStructure Mix. A few new percussion effects are layered into the mix for a new foundation and Jessica’s verses played out in a new arrangement.

 

Movie Ma'am - The visual disco theme

Movie Ma'am - The visual disco theme

“She Has A Way” by Bobby ‘O – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/JKu5Q0Fwa6U

“Loose Lucy Is On The Loose” by Sabu – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/nKFQFvZsVLM

“Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video M ix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/jYpmMIxZsD0

“Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/wUyEfakf3ME

“This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/JWzeQ1M-YME

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo3Au4R4Q6e80LU-6Lw9WeLp

 

REISSUE: “This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE: “This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Dame Shirley Bassey took her 1968 hit, “This Is My Life” (original produced by Dave Pell) into the discotheques in 1979 with a full disco arrangement – this time around produced by Nick Decaro. The 12” disco single featured a remix by Mr. Rick Gianatos. This version was the toast of the town for Bassey fans or any dancer looking for drama on the dance floor.

I have taken the song and paired it with the 1958 of a convicted murderer, Barbara Graham and later facing execution to bring the drama to curtain heights. The overly played heroine by Susan Hayward seems appropriate with this rousing disco- theatrical number.

The film was directed by Robert Wise

Featuring scenes from “I Want To Live!” – RENT THE DVD!

Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

 

REISSUE: “Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE: “Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder are the sound of disco music in the transition from Philly to a more underground form in production and execution. Their music and productions brought a whole new experience to discotheques in a familiar sound but a new package. “Warriors” is their 1979 project which is the most uniform disco sounds for 1979. A cover of The Searchers 1963 song “Love Potion #9” done in the Rinder and Lewis style – blending pulsating sequencers and flowing string arrangements over a light groove. This Disco Video Mix is more of a salute to their underground influence and talent.

This Disco Video Mix takes the film “Love Potion #9” from 1992 based on the rock ‘n roll classic. It stars Tate Donovan and Sandra Bullock as scientist finding the potion for a lonely life and eventually love. The film has been reedited to suit our song and uses more of the gypsy woman played by Anne Bancroft to bring the song to life.

The film was directed by Dale Launer

Featuring scenes from “Love Potion #9” – RENT THE DVD!

Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

 

REISSUE: “Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video M ix by Glenn Rivera

 

REISSUE: “Delicate Jan” by Azoto – Disco Video M ix by Glenn Rivera

Azoto (originally called Lucrethia and The Azoto 14,008) is an Italo-disco project from 1978 from arranger, Celso Valli and producer Armando Sciascia (founder of Italian label Vedette Records). Their album “Dance Skinations” was right on target with disco rhythms and the sensuality of disco music during the formation of a stage for many waiting to free personal desires. “Delicate Jan” is a single from the album which shares a few riffs in common with Celso Valli’s big classic group Tantra’s “Hills Of Kat Mandu” which followed this production. The odd vocals and themes are interesting and definitely a disco sensation.

I have taken the song “Delicate Jan” – which appears to be about a sexy woman who drives both the men and women mad with her blatant sexual behavior but at the same time is sweet in nature. It is edited to excerpts from Brigitte Bardot in Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Woman” – where the 18-year old orphan finds it difficult to restrain her sexuality and leads to much drama among three men. It also gives the disco track a beauty that moves quite “delicately” to the rhythm!

The film was directed by Roger Vadim

Featuring scenes from “And God Created Woman” – RENT THE DVD!

Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

REISSUE: “Loose Lucy Is On The Loose” by Sabu – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

REISSUE: “Loose Lucy Is On The Loose” by Sabu – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Paul Sabu has played a major role in dance music history. From his productions of Debbie Jacobs, Sister Power, Gwen Jonae and our own Ann Margret’s disco stage he has brought an orchestration of sophisticated, yet funky disco. A favorite producer and artist of mine. His efforts include a single from 1974 titled “Out In The Country” – a glam-rock style single. In 1980 his album titled “Sabu” added a new flavor to a dance floor with its exploding syndrums over disco strings and throbbing synthesizers. A rock disco fantasy.

I have taken the track “Loose Lucy Is On The Loose” from the album and created a Disco Video Mix using pieces of the classic television icon “I Love Lucy”. Since several scenes give us a somewhat sexy-Lucy it was perfect.

Featuring scenes from “I Love Lucy” – RENT THE DVDs!

Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Mr. Paul Sabu for creating a magic on the dance floor that will last as long as the mirror ball shines! Thank you, Paul!

 

REISSUE: “She Has A Way” by Bobby ‘O – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

 

REISSUE: “She Has A Way” by Bobby ‘O – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Bobby ‘O is a disco/high-energy producer from the late 70s and on to the 80s. His work includes Roni Griffith, The Flirts, Oh Romeo, Waterfront Home, Divine, One-Two-Three and many other studio projects. His work is heavy on the disco synthesizer and deep-sometimes tribal percussion.

His 1982 solo track “She Has A Way” is one of the better known sounds and songs of that year. His work was a definite move for disco back to the underground stage.

I have taken the 1950 drama “Harriet Craig” into this Disco Video Mix – combining the play on the disco song title and Joan Crawford’s domineering character. It works great fun and a new way to dance to both Joan and Bobby ‘O on one floor!

The film was directed by Vincent Sherman

Featuring scenes from “Harriet Craig” – RENT THE DVD!

Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Lip Service (Rumor Control)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jessica Williams

 

NEXT ReSTRUCTURE MIX: "Lip Service (Rumor Control)"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jessica Williams

ReStructure Mix Update (11/20/21) “Danger” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Flirts

ReStructure Mix Update (11/20/21) “Danger” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Flirts

The Flirts are a session group created by producer Bobby Orlando. The success of the trio is due to the changing sound of dance music in the early 80’s to a full electronic sound and also a touch of nu-wave fusion. Their big 80’s dance floor hit “Passion” was one of the pinnacle moments for Orlando where his sound became a reality for dance floors to clamor for. “Danger” comes from their 1983 project titled “Born To Flirt”. It is one of the master outlines for the gals who seem to capture the essence of sensual high energy in more than one way.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental; of “Danger” and re-signaled a new ReStructure Mix for this high energy classic. There are a few drop outs for the new intro to give way to the pulsating energy that is on its way.

 

DISCO MOTION - with D.J. Nicole

DISCO MOTION - with D.J. Nicole

"Love Attack" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ferrara - https://youtu.be/aQ3aClcOGsw

"Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band - https://youtu.be/uzMxMN8lU5Q

“It’s The Way” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008 - https://youtu.be/SISwznZAo8I

“Disco Squeeze” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Extensive Care - https://youtu.be/Zdn3NJ9H1Ps

"Work Me Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry - https://youtu.be/O2aiv_gY9P4

PLAYLIST - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZf_Di4CnGo29SglTmVMrcNrJVIuIiGTs

 

REISSUE: "Work Me Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry

 

REISSUE: "Work Me Over" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Claudja Barry

Disco queen Claudja Barry has also been the "sweetest dynamite" to hit dance floors and stages during the late 70s, 80s and even today. Her stance is a powerful one - as well as her unique range and vocal approach.

Her 1983 release "Work Me Over" is a open arms to high energy music - it was one of the big dance floor hits of the time. Her then husband and produced Juergen S. Korduletsch works with up-and-coming high energy producer Bobby Orlando to create is non-stop roaring disco piece.

I have taken the 12" version and have given it a whole new ReStructure Mix blending in Claudja's majestic vocals and more of the synthesizers to create new breaks and a whole new arrangement.

REISSUE: “Disco Squeeze” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Extensive Care

REISSUE: “Disco Squeeze” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Extensive Care

Extensive Care is a disco ensemble from producer Peter Di Milo – the master who brought us early underground club disco from Erotic Drum Band and also pieces from Ann Joy and The Pussycats.  Extensive Care is one of his early 80’s releases and makes disco music as exciting as it was during the mid-70’s. The fast rolling energy of this piece titled, “Disco Squeeze” is a workout for the feet and again gives Di Milo his creative freedom to give the disco chorus more than a place for fantasy. This one is from start to finish the high energy sound which became the crescendo of the disco era. 

I have taken the album version of “Disco Squeeze” and rerouted the energy into this ReStructure Mix. The percussion riffs are broken down throughout the new arrangement and more placement of the excitement is created.

 

REISSUE: “It’s The Way” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

 

REISSUE: “It’s The Way” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008 is an Italo-disco project from producer and arranger Celso Valli from 1978. This is one of the Italian disco projects which headed the end of the 70’s onto a whole new sound for disco music. The electronic sequencers and keyboards became a standard outline for the energy as it evolved. “It’s A Way” is the initial track from the project and it one of the happiest tracks with an uplifting feel. It outlines the chorus of carnival in celebration. This may have been one of the influences of productions like Peter Jacques Band during the mid-70’s. Celso Valli leads this project again and you feel and hear his influence over the magical arrangements where even mandolins are used to accentuate the rhythms. It is one of the great disco albums with more of what was to come later in disco history,

I have taken the album version of “It’s The Way” and reworked the synthesizers and joyous keyboards for this ReStructure Mix. There are more breaks along the road here and a fade out for the excitement to slowly subside.

REISSUE: "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band

 

REISSUE: "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Jacques Band

Peter Jacques Band is studio band from disco producer Jacques Fred Petrus and composer and arranger Mauro Malavasi. "Fire Night Dance" was their first Lp from 1978 and changed the disco scene to a high energy mode. It was electronic dance music in it's early stages along with a full disco orchestration.

"Welcome Back" is the second album from 1980 and contained the single "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" which is a fast paced disco extravaganza with the energy level of a Studio 54 dance floor. The album was a departure to a new era of dance music and did so appropriately.

I have taken the album version of "Counting On Love (One, Two, Three)" and have given it a ReStructure Mix focusing on much of the riffs and fast paced synthesizer pulses.

Dedicated to Tina A. from Facebook - for her kindness and undying disco energy!

REISSUE: "Love Attack" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ferrara

 

REISSUE: "Love Attack" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Ferrara

John Ferrara created a disco-fied outline for the classic novel, "Wuthering Heights" in 1979. The LP consisted of a full sided production of the novel by Emily Bronte as well as 3 additional dance cuts segued on side B - "Love Attack" being the finale. This power house tune with plenty of synthesizers and guitars twangs made quite an impact on dance floors from '79 through the mid-80's. My ReStructure adds an extended feel with the main guitar and flute tracks. One very interesting fact on the LP is that jazz artist, Angie Bofill appears as a back-up vocalist. 

COMING SOON! (EPISODE 11/19/21): "I Just Died In Your Arms" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Savage

 

COMING SOON! (EPISODE 11/19/21): "I Just Died In Your Arms"
- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Savage