“Resorts International” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Resorts International” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Salsoul Orchestra is the disco band from the mid-70s which fused Philly-soul, funk and Latin music to create a whole new chapter in dance music. The 1978 album “How High” is the album which gives off the mature sound of disco music of the time. “Resorts International” is a track from the project produced and co-written by Bunny Sigler and features The Sweethearts of Sigma serenading a locale where all is possible for relaxation and entertainment.

I have created a Disco Video Mix for “Resorts International” using the 1967-Technicolor film, “Hotel” starring Rod Taylor as the hotel manager. The drama occurring as they check in and out and the owner himself realizes that the future of his financially troubled hotel. Visuals of the building and some of the outside businesses are used to enhance the exciting sound of the disco track.

The film was directed by Richard Quine

Featuring scenes from “Hotel” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/30/14) “Paint A Rumor”/”Heaven” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eurythmics

ReStructure Mix Update (1/30/14) “Paint A Rumor”/”Heaven” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Eurythmics

Eurythmics are a 80s act or artistry and sound that has not yet been topped by a duo today. Their music was haunting and emotional. Anne Lennox on vocals made each song an opera of pleasure, pain and deceit. Dave Stewart as the master behind the music and robotic motions brought a new age of electronics heavily inspired by the innovation of the late seventies. I have taken two tracks: “Paint A Rumor” from their 1983 “Touch” project and “Heaven” from the 1987 act “Savage”. Each track utilizes the heavy rolling sequencer to begin each story.

This ReStructure Mix rolls both tracks into one suite – using the original BPM of each to convey the message as one. Both are favorites as most of Eurythmics creations are. The empty feel of these pieces given off that early morning shade which has a certain mystique that disco music is all about.

The medley is dedicated to Jeff Best – for his love of not only Anne Lennox and her talent but also for the love that I have experienced in his soul. Thank you, Jeff

“Oba Oba Macumba” by The Vamps - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Oba Oba Macumba” by The Vamps - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Vamps are a band from Brazil produced by Juan Gentilni, Paulo Rocco and Sam Malnatti. Their only album titled “Disco Blood” from 1978 is somewhat of a disco-camp classic. The theme of vampires and disco play out on the seven tracks and give a funky edge to those bloodsuckers. Influenced by early Euro-disco with the strings and Afro-Cuban percussion keeping the rhythm infectious and dangerous.

I have taken the campiest track, “Oba Oba Macumba” and created an outrageous Disco Video Mix using the 1973 Blaxploitation horror film, “Scream Blacula Scream” starring William H. Marshall and Pam Grier. As the story goes in our terrifying disco number a meet and greet becomes a night of terror on the dance floor for our beautiful victim.

The film was directed by Bob Kelljan

Featuring scenes from “Scream Blacula Scream” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Souvenirs” by Voyage – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Souvenirs” by Voyage – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Voyage is one of the big disco projects which helped to bring the sound of Euro-disco to many new dance floors and create history. The second album titled “Let’s Fly” was a continuation of the disco-troop traveling to continents and locations around the world and sharing sounds of each locale in their own way. “Souvenirs” is the giant disco track from the album which follows in a joyous and emotional postcard on moving on in life.

I have taken the track and paired it with the 1983 comedy “Vacation” from Nation Lampoon starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and John Candy. The match is common among the traveling across the states to find that euphoria – and in this case, it is Wally World Play Park. Situations that are most memorable are spotlighted with the pounding beauty of Voyage’s disco classic.

The film was directed by Harold Ramis

Featuring scenes from “Vacation” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Proud Mary” by Chi Chi Liah – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Proud Mary” by Chi Chi Liah – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Chi Chi Liah is a synth-pop cover of Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” from 1969 – most memorable from the Ike and Tina Turner version in 1970. This street-beat fused track spotlights lead, Chi Chi Liah and her husky vocal which wounds a bit extreme at times, yet it works with the pounding Beatbox. The 12” single was co-produced by Ben Liebrand and features his hard hitting dance touch.

I have created a Disco Video Mix using dance scenes from the 1951 musical romantic drama “Showboat” starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. The show boat “Cotton Blossom” arrives to not only entertain the river folks but also move to this disco dance fantasy.

The film was directed by George Sidney

Featuring scenes from “Show Boat” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/28/14) “Where Is The Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Singana

ReStructure Mix Update (1/28/14) “Where Is The Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Margaret Singana

Margaret Singana is a singer from South Africa with a unique sound. Her album “Where Is The Love” from 1976 contained the titled track which was featured on the Casablanca 12” Special Mix Edition and gave the song a bit of spark to DJs and dancers at the time. The song is a classic in my mind. It has all of the essence of funk and the transition to disco in the mid-70s. Margaret’s vocal adds a style to the song which gives it an interesting twist.

I have taken the album version and worked a ReStructure Mix which extends and adds some new moves to the arrangement. It gives way to the recordings original sexy intro to wind down those sweaty and hot bodies.

“Time (Has Come Today)” by Bobby Davenport – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Time (Has Come Today)” by Bobby Davenport – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Bobby Davenport is a disco/high energy artist who released two singles from 1982 – 1983 – “Give Me A Break” and a cover of The Chamber Brothers psychedelic rock piece, “Time (Has Come Today)” from 1967. The formula used in his disco version is the hardcore club arrangement with percussion and handclaps creating the base for the exploding segments. It is a new psychedelic-disco theme which updates the song creatively.

I have used the 1967 film “The Trip” starring Peter Fonda as the visual trip for this Disco Video Mix. The film was a counterculture culture piece which explored the effects of LSD and how it affects an individual’s mind. Most of the film uses wild imagery to work around Peter Fonda’s mind during an experiment. It lays out the effects of the song and its word on seeing the world through an alternative thinking process.

The film was directed by Roger Corman

Featuring scenes from “The Trip” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/27/14) “Crystal” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

ReStructure Mix Update (1/27/14) “Crystal” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Elton John

Elton John recorded a few dance floor pieces – his first disco project in 1979 titled “Victim Of Love” and produced by Pete Bellotte. The 80s brought the dance scene into a pop edge with electronic keyboards bringing a whole new modern edge to the formula. Elton’s 1983 album “Too Low For Zero” featured a track titled “Crystal” which was featured as an extended mix by Joseph Watt (Razormaid) on Volume 6 Program 10. The song was a fast moving song bringing an upfront vocal from Elton into the spotlight with a few guitars and keyboards. A 80s feel indefinitely.

I have taken the album version of “Crystal” and re-worked the recording adding a new beat-drum track to emphasize a bit more of the swing excitement. There are a few more loops and play with the keyboards and guitars to add a dub-feel to the arrangement.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay – a deep felt thanks for all of the fun and from this track a challenge to my play. You boys are fabulous!

ReStructure Mix Update (1/27/14) “You’re My First, The Last, My Everything” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Barry White

ReStructure Mix Update (1/27/14) “You’re My First, The Last, My Everything” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Barry White

Barry White may have been the first artists to explore the possibilities of an early side of pre-Euro-disco. His lush strings and arrangements brought a new excitement to soul music and the dance floor during movement in music. His 1974 album “Can’t Get Enough” contains some of his classic pieces – including the title track and “You’re My First, The Last, My Everything”. Love ballads set to rhythm and the upcoming mood of a new era of dance music.

I have taken the album version of “You’re My First, The Last, My Everything” and have reworked the string section and chopped up some of the drum and snare segments – giving a new arrangement and feeling to a never ending love song. This ReStructure Mix extends the track and also moves into a few fantasy breaks.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/26/14) “Black Lady” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (1/26/14) “Black Lady” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer made the seventies complete with a collection of compositions and recordings which bring the period alive. Her work with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte are now the greatest parts of music during a great transition of soul and funk becoming a new style. Her album “I Remember Yesterday” from 1977 is one of Donna’s greatest musical challenges as her voice moved away from the breathy style of her early albums. And although it was intended as it was recorded I have always felt, even today she is one of the only female artists with voice and power to achieve this mode.

“Black Lady” is one of the cuts from “I Remember Yesterday” which was a bit odd since it did not stand out as much. It has some of the funk driven moments for Donna – vocals included. I always felt it was her “Lady Marmalade” tribute.

I have taken the short album version (3:47) and have given it a new ReStructure Mix using some of the horn and funky rhythm parts to build not only an extended version but also a new arrangement with new breaks and motion.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/23/14) “Nobody’s Stopping You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Batah

ReStructure Mix Update (1/23/14) “Nobody’s Stopping You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Batah

Peter Batah is a Canadian disco artist from the early 80s with two powerful dance floor hits. “Rock Me Now” was released in 1980 and was produced by Claude Allard – the following year was his single “Nobody’s Stopping You” produced by Joe LaGreca and the arrangements identifiably Denis LePage of Lime and many high energy projects of the period. This heart wrenching track in a powerful outcast of a lover who has worn out the threat of leaving – and the time has been reached where no regrets are near.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental and created a ReStructure Mix which extends the synthesizer patterns and ominous percussion tracks to add more definition to the heartbreak and strength to end what is obviously done. More chances to move in new direction on the floor also.

“Le Spank” by La Pamplemousse – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Le Spank” by La Pamplemousse – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

La Pamplemousse is disco project from W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder – they designed innovative club music for the attitude and feel of discotheques. Many of their sessions were concepts which were enhanced by laying the groove flat out. Their music was also recorded under the names El Coco, Discognosis, Saint Tropez, Tuxedo Junction and In Search Of Orchestra. The track “Le Spank” is from their 1977 album and has the feel of Barry White’s “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me” with a bit more for the risqué dance floor of the seventies.

I have created a Disco Video Mix for “Le Spank” using the big Paris dance sequence from the 1957 musical comedy “Les Girls” starring Gene Kelly, Kay Kendall, Mitzi Gaynor and Taina Elg. The burlesque feel gives off a spark to the disco groove and makes the film fit right in with La Pamplemousse.

The film was directed by George Cukor

Featuring scenes from “Les Girls” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/21/14) “All American Girls” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sister Sledge

ReStructure Mix Update (1/21/14) “All American Girls” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sister Sledge

Sister Sledge brought the disco era to the peak with their big 1979 anthem “We Are Family” – produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. The sound of Chic was a successful blend with the ladies and their lovely harmony and positive attitudes. During in the early 80s when a funky-edge was being applied to the shift in dance music another anthem was again delivered. “All American Girls” is their 1981 hit produced by up and coming hit-master Narada Michael Walden.

I have taken the album version of “All American Girls” and worked a new ReStructure Mix using the rhythm and bass guitars play a few new pieces to give the track a new energy. The groove of Narada’s disco influence are the sheer magic of the song.

“Moonboots” by ORS (Orlando Riva Sound) – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Moonboots” by ORS (Orlando Riva Sound) – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

ORS is a German disco band formed by Anthony Monn (Amanda Lear, Magnifique) and Rainer Pietsch.. The sound formulated for dance floors was a studio band edge with the electronics to blend in with the innovation sequencer and electronics in the mid- and-end of 70s. “Moonboots” is from their 1978 album “Body To Body Body” and is one of the singles programmed by DJs thanks to Tom Moulton’s 12” remix.

I have taken scenes from a favorite childhood show title “Gumby” –using the outline of the segment called “Gumby On The Moon” to give the disco track images which point to fantasy and rhythm.

The show segment was directed by Art Clokey

Featuring scenes from “Gumby On The Moon” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Save The Last Dance For Me” by Jessica Williams – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Save The Last Dance For Me” by Jessica Williams – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Jessica Williams became one of the dance floors prized divas during the late 70s. Her vocals appeared in several big dance projects including Arpeggio and Romance as well as many studio sessions for Motown and soul artists. “Queen Of Fools” is her 1979 album with a fantastic four tracks that made disco music what it is – produced by Simon Sousson.

I have taken her cover of “Save The Last Dance For Me” the 1960 hit recorded by Ben E. King and The Drifters and blended it into this Disco Video Mix along with the 1956 musical “The King and I” starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. Reprogrammed here to represent the endless energy of music and the power of it in the disco form. Lots of spinning and smiles.

The film was directed by Walter Lang

Featuring scenes from “The King and I” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Shattered Dreams” by Paul Parker – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Shattered Dreams” by Paul Parker – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Paul Parker is a dance music artists who hit the scene with 80s electronic master Patrick Cowley – both creating a new excitement with the disco beat and energy soon to be delivering a blow once again to clubs. His big debut single “Right On Target” is the masterpiece of 80s dance music and represents resurgence from the San Francisco Bay area where disco music never rested or ceased.

His dedication to move hearts and feet on the dance floor lasts even today. From 2013 his collaboration with UK high energy producer Ian Anthony Stephens is a Euro-house cover of the 1987 track from Johnny Hates Jazz – “Shattered Dreams”.

I have taken the song and blended it with the sci-fi thriller “Dreamscape” starring Dennis Quaid – a dream world tale of psychics traveling into troubled individuals dreams to assist in healing. The romantic edge of the film works with the theme of heartbreak and troubled hearts.

The film was directed by Joseph Ruben

Featuring scenes from “Dreamscape” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Rebels Are We” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Rebels Are We” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Chic are the sounds of disco that the mirror ball had been waiting for. The funky guitars. Thumping’ and kick-beat rhythms of the bass and the magic songs that made the nightlife feel at home and in style moving along with time. In 1980 their album “Real People” was a funky-fest into a new era of Chic-ness. The first single “Rebels Are We” was a thought of mighty love and power which elevates a two into turning against the world to unite proudly.

The theme flows into the 1977 comedy “Fun With Dick & Jane” starring George Segal and Jane Fonda about an upwardly mobile couple who find themselves unemployed and turns to a life of crime in desperation. The hilarious antics of these two criminals bring the “rebel” value to mind.

The film was directed by Ted Kotcheff

Featuring scenes from “Fun With Dick & Jane” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/5/14) “Sado Maso Disco” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Must

ReStructure Mix Update (1/5/14) “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.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/4/14) “Angel In My Pocket” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Change

ReStructure Mix Update (1/4/14) “Angel In My Pocket” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Change

Change is a disco project from 1980from Jacques Fred Petrus who worked throughout the mid and late 70s to perfect the disco sound as he also created the new innovative electronic disco vibe with bands like Macho, Peter Jacques Band and Rudy. The first Change album “The Glow Of Love” is a classic and iconic piece of disco perfection in a cross between his nigh energy bands and the New York/Chic-esque sound. Along with lead vocals by Luther Vandross and Jocelyn Shaw (Brown) there are moments of disco ambience and disco funk that cross paths so slick.

I have taken the album version of “Angel In My Pocket” which was one of the many cuts which aimed at floor-play. It has the powerful voice of Jocelyn Shaw taking us into safety after a bad fall and assuring us that we can look after ourselves when we look back and learn from experience. A new kind of angel. It has some new familiar beats and a long break to pull out more of the diva-in the track!

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (1/4/14) “Centipede” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rebbie Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update – Special Eighties Edition (1/4/14) “Centipede” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rebbie Jackson

Rebbie Jackson is one of the last of the Jackson-Family clan who emerged with a certain talent to trickle down the family tree. And in an eerie way. Michael who collected animals and critters from all over the world wrote this percolating-funk ditty about a woman named “Centipede” who like the creepy crawler had many arms to sting many lovers whom would adorn her on those hot summer nights. A great theme another electronic winner with its dubbed guitars and funky-kick-ass beats.

I have e taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to create a new ReStructure Mix outlining more of the eerie and hypnotic instrumental beats and guitars which play like a wind instrument in front of a glaring cobra. Also, to outline fabulous back vocals by Martha Wash who really makes this 80s dance piece a classic with her vocal fills in both chorus and ad-libs.