“Running Wild In The Night” by Evelyn Thomas - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Running Wild In The Night” by Evelyn Thomas - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Evelyn Thomas (Ellen Lucille Thomas) is a disco-star who released her first album released in 1978 and produced by Ian Levine and in the disco orchestra concept. During the early 80s Ms. Thomas became the “Queen of High Energy” with her anthem titled “High Energy” which became one of the classics from the period. “Running Wild In The Night” is a track from the project which was featured on a 12” single disc that also received club play and became one favorite for Evelyn Thomas fans.

This Disco Video Mix takes “Running Wild In The Night” and pairs it with the 1943 comedy-musical film, “Du Barry Was A Lady” starring Lucille Ball, Red Skelton and Gene Kelly. The romance, dance numbers and Lucille’s beauty created a new experience for the disco number. It is one of my all-time night-life songs and is great to give it a new life.

The film was directed by Roy Del Ruth

Featuring scenes from “Du Barry Was A Lady” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“My Numbers Up” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“My Numbers Up” by The Salsoul Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Salsoul Orchestra is one of the forces in disco music history which created a new experience combining the power of funk, soul, and a layer of dramatic strings and Afro-Cuban percussion and vibes. The experience brought a new excitement to the underground sound of club music and then moving on to influence a new style of dance music in the 80s titled house music. The group’s seventh album from 1978 titled How High” contained several dance floor and fan favorites. “My Numbers Up” is a track which brings the colorful elements of disco music alive while bringing the funkiest rhythm and arrangements to once again spell out disco’s style and formula.

“My Numbers” Up” is used in this Disco Video Mix as a soundtrack to this montage of 1930s musicals along with the film “42nd Street” which features choreography by Busby Berkley. This Disco Video Mix extends the theme of the sound and the melodies directly to the essence of its creation. You may be taken on a trip back to a time where entertainment was much more dramatic than any side long disco overture.

The film was directed by Lloyd Bacon

Featuring scenes from “42nd Street” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (3/28/14) “Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Firefly

ReStructure Mix Update (3/28/14) “Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Firefly

Firefly is Manu, Maurice Cavalieri, Maurizio Sangineto and Rolando Zaniolo – an Italian disco/funk project from the early 80s. Presenting an electronic take on Italo-disco with a fusion of funk which took the early 80s by storm during the disco energy simmer. The first album from Firefly is one of their most memorable with the single “Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)” hit the dance floors and creates the stomping funk sound. It was a go from the start and some of the most infectious of the Italian dance productions.

I have taken the 12” single of “Love (Is Gonna Be On Your Side)” and have re-worked a ReStructure Mix to break those heavy hand claps and beats into a deeper energy. Also taking the message apart – which is friendship, is priceless. A message worth dancing to and keep alive with the positive energy of dance music.

“It’s Like A Madhouse” by Public Relation Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“It’s Like A Madhouse” by Public Relation Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Public Relation Unlimited is Chris Wall, Joachim Braun-Forbrig and Marc Wishbone – a German synth-pop band with a track titled “It’s Like A Madhouse” from 1989. The song is an electronic play land for the boys to relay a message of love which slowly needs some attention and fun! It was a hit in my club for months and kept it in my queue to create some new fun with it.

I have taken the 1988 comedy-horror-fantasy film, “Beetlejuice” starring Michael Keaton, Geena Davis and Alex Baldwin into the arena to display some of the crazy and slick fun from our so-called evil star. It plays out well with the silly edge of the song and is also amusing to look back at how entertaining Mr. Tim Burton can be.

The film was directed by Tim Burton

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

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/14) “Forever” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susanne Meals

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/14) “Forever” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susanne Meals

Susanne Meals is Dora Carofiglio – who’s beautiful falsetto vocal haunted many Italo-disco projects including The New Company, Jackie Moore, Valerie Dore, Alba and Novecento. The sound of Ms. Carofiglio immediately brings to mind an angelic state of mind. “Forever” is a single from 1990 released under the name of Susanne Meals – this track is the hallmark of Italo-disco – a lovely morning song with several vocal hooks and riffs to bring this one into a dance masterpiece.

I have taken the 12” single version of “Forever” and worked on a long-awaited chance to play with the beautiful elements. There are a few new added breaks and looping effects to create more of that dreamy feel to the track. An all-time favorite and T-dance love brought to a new realm of dance.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/14) “Precious Moments” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nightlife Unlimited

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/14) “Precious Moments” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nightlife Unlimited

Nightlife Unlimited is a Candian disco ensemble featuring Tony Bentivegna, Johnny D'Orazio,  Louis Toteda and Peter Sciascia. The first album released in 1979 was produced by Peter DiMilo and George Cucuzzella. The project brought all four tracks as classics to a needy dance floor and now a great remembrance and learning experience for new disco enthusiasts.

I have taken “Precious Moments” from the album and have given it a new ReStructure Mix – adding some breaks and drum elements to decorate this lovely love sonnet. It is a beautiful track and features the very talented Louis Toteda on lead vocals. Louis worked on many high energy projects in the 80s including Vera, Elaine Charles and Sweet Brandy.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Louis Toteda for giving his wonderful talent to a genre of music which has proven loves lives within.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/14) “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vaughn Mason and Crew

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/14) “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vaughn Mason and Crew

Vaughn Mason and Crew are a funk-disco project from the early 80s when the shift from dancing feet to skating feet hit the mirror ball reflections. This electronic funk take off of Chic’s “Good Times” reaves up a new chapter in dance music where early pieces of rap and funk make disco music a bit more delicious.

I have taken the 12” single – both Part 1 and Part 2 into this ReStructure Mix along with a few samples from some funk from here and there. It is another reason to bounce – you don’t even have to pay by the ounce. It is the funk!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/19/14) “I’m Dying” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Dee D. Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (3/19/14) “I’m Dying” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Dee D. Jackson

Dee D. Jackson (Deirdre Elaine Cozier) is an artist who worked with Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey in her early career. Her venture into the music industry began with the single “Man Of A Man” in 1978 and then her well-known classic “Automatic Lover”. Her second album titled “Thunder and Lightning” contained several great tracks – one which was remixed in the 80s – “S.O.S. (Love To The Rescue” ). The short length of the tracks prevented many of them from receiving club play. My favorite song from the project is “I’m Dying” – which displays Dee D. at her best in emotion and power.

I have taken the short 3:49 minute track and have given it a ReStructure Mix to extend and also play with the heavy duty disco production by Gary Unwin and although the song has that rock-heartbreak anthem feel it gives the dance floor a shimmering experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/185/14) “Don’t Know Why I Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thelma Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (3/185/14) “Don’t Know Why I Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Thelma Houston

Thelma Houston taught us how to feel emotion on the dance floor in 1976 with her big disco hit, “Don’t Leave Me This Way”. From the album “Any Way You Like It” which was Thelma’s fourth recording project. The album was great mixture of funk, soul and one of the early stages of disco music as laid out in the mix and arrangement. “Don’t Know Why I Love You” is another fantastic track which always caught my attention as has one infectious rhythm breaks.

I have taken the album version and have given it a ReStructure Mix to give Thelma another opportunity to remind of what a landmark artist she has been in disco music history. Adding a few new beats and looping those incredible bass tracks. There are some high dive breaks and more of Thelma to make us feel right at home.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/14) “Georgy Porgy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Toto

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/14) “Georgy Porgy” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Toto

Toto is a band including Steve Lukather and David Paich (produced Cheryl Lynn’s first album). Their work is lengthy and also includes a big hot from 1982 “Africa”. Their first project from 1978 was known for the disco single “Georgy Porgy” (which features Cheryl Lynn) – the track was a hit for radio play and clubs. The play on a relationship misjudged works well with the break featuring a teasing Cheryl Lynn injected a touch of soul to the jazz like aura of the track.

I have taken the 12” single of “Georgy Porgy” and worked a new arrangement and feel for the song. It is extended with more percussion breaks and a fade out into an underground sound. The song has always been a favorite and I sure bring many good memories back of either the band or the start of Ms. Lynn’s career.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated by Marialisa of New York – thank you Marialisa for always giving such a great energy my way. It is appreciated.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/17/14) “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Daryl Hall & John Oates

ReStructure Mix Update (3/17/14) “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Daryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Hall Oates are a pop rock duo who started recording in 1972 and are currently involved in projects, Their sound brought a magic to the 70s era and their continuance onto the 80s was a pop-dance excitement. “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” is from their 1981 album “Private Eyes”. It was an instant radio hit and many club jocks were lured in by the pumped-electronic groove. It was close to the “Electric Avenue” sound which was building an alternative sound.

I have taken the 12” version of “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” and have given it a ReStructure Mix which pumps up the groove and bit more and also creates a dreamier aura throughout the resistance of this stern lover. It gives me an opportunity to spotlight that 80s sound and how it kept the disco feeling alive.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/16/14) “That’ll Be The Day” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pamala Stanley

ReStructure Mix Update (3/16/14) “That’ll Be The Day” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Pamala Stanley

Pamala Stanley is a talented lady whose career began with the 1979 project “This Is Hot” – produced by Joachim Heider a German producer and composer. The title track was an instant hit and made Pamala a welcomed voice and energy. There is a level of determination in this album where Pamala delivers a sweet, yet powerful energy to the disco songs. She was not only a great performer on stage; she had the voice to make it even more exciting.

“That’ll Be The Day” is a song written by Pamala and is a love ballad with the dance floor outline. It plays out in the matured disco sound of the late seventies. It gives a nice Euro-feel with the flowing strings and heavy percussion and bongo elements. This ReStructure Mix takes the song a bit deeper yet holds onto the beautiful message and arrangement.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay who have made these projects even more exciting and loving. Boys, you are wonderful. A great source of dedication and love not only for the music, but also the artist.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/14/14) “Gaz-O-Lean” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Area Code 212

ReStructure Mix Update (3/14/14) “Gaz-O-Lean” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Area Code 212

Area Code 212 is a disco project from Joe Bana (Friends & Co. Records) along with Joe Castellon and Stan Bronstein. A classic disco theme album piecing themed dance tracks to the New York independent disco sound. One of the last true disco albums from 1979 with the sound which made hustle dancers feel at home as well as the DJs who fought to keep the disco energy alive during a shut down from the industry.

I have taken one of the most mesmerizing instrumentals from the package titled “Gaz-O-Lean” which is close to that Bombers “Pistolero” sound where bass riffs and thumping beats create a haunting like feel. The original album version gets a ReStructure Mix – pulling those fabulous percussion tracks out into the open even further – and that rolling bass sequencer again onto a mirror reflected dance floor.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/12/14) “C’est Magnifique” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Santa Esmeralda

ReStructure Mix Update (3/12/14) “C’est Magnifique” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Santa Esmeralda

Santa Esmeralda is a disco band whose first hit “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (a disco-fied cover of The Animals 1966 rock hit) helped to change disco music for years to come. The Euro-disco feel and full Flamenco-orchestra fantasy makes the sound of the disco beat feel real. The album was produced by Jean-Manuel de Scarano and Nicholas Skorsky.

I have taken the track “C’est Magnifique” from their 1980 album “Don’t Be Shy Tonight” and have given it a full ReStructure Mix treatment. Extending those fabulous hand-clap effects and also adding a few elements from their instrumental, “Seville Nights” from the “Thank God It’s Friday” soundtrack.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/11/14) “Take Off Your Makeup” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lamont Dozier

ReStructure Mix Update (3/11/14) “Take Off Your Makeup” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lamont Dozier

Lamont Dozier is not only one of the talented songwriter of the Motown/Supremes era – he is also a producer and singer whose album, “Out Here On My Own” from 1973 contains one of the early singles that was a part of the sprouting disco disc jockey weaving 45 rpms into dance blocks. “Take Off Your Makeup” is an early soul classic that has the flavor of soul and that classic feel.

I have taken the album version and created a new ReStructure Mix to extend and play out this uplifting and song of love and promise. It is one of my favorites that I can remember feeling the sweet sound of soul becoming a new brand of dance music. A new intro and mix-out are the highlight of this new piece – but the message and meaning are still the bones.

“Telephone (Pick Up The)” by The Flirts – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Telephone (Pick Up The)” by The Flirts – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Flirts were one of the crossover girl-groups of the 80s nu-wave/disco era. Their first disco hits from 1982 were “Passion” and “Calling All Boys” – it was Bobby Orlando in his conceptual and experimental mind. The rolling synthesizers and sleaze-like vocals were igniting a new audience for the 80s. “Jukebox (Don’t Put Another Dime)” was the fast and rockin’ nu-wave dance hit for these girls and made them an AM dance sensation.

I have taken the track “Telephone (Pick Up The)” from their second album, “Born To Flirt” and had a little “twisted-fun” by taking scenes from the 1979 psychological horror flick, “When A Stranger Calls” starring Carol Kane – as the babysitter who is tormented by eerier phone calls – which eventually catch up to her. This Disco Video Mix creates a whining roll for the heroine as she pleads for her lover – or stalker – to call!

The film was directed by Fred Walton

Featuring scenes from “When A Stranger Calls” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/14) “Night Sky” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rose Laurens

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/14) “Night Sky” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rose Laurens

Rose Laurens is a French singer and song writer who is better known for her 1986 dance floor classic “American Love” – produced by Jean-Pierre Goussaud. Her unique vocal delivery can remind one of Tina Turner at moments. “Night Sky” is a single released in 1984 and became an instant dance hall classic for early morning dancers with its fantasy realm using the zodiac as an outline. The English version of the single is actually an interpretation of the French version titled “Zodiacale”.

I have taken the English version of the 12” single – produced again by Jean-Pierre Goussaud and have given it a new ReStructure Mix – extending it with some new arenas of universal beats and some highlighting the 60s backing chorus feel. It is a new journey for those who admire Rose and also the fantasy of the dance floor.

“Love Is An Island” by Claudja Barry – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Is An Island” by Claudja Barry – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Claudja Barry is one of the divas of disco with an unforgettable presence and vocal. Her hits range from 1976 (“Sweet Dynamite” ) through 1978 (“Boogie Woogie Dancin’ Shoes” ) and onto 2006 with her techno-dance track “I Will Stand”. This is a lady that is difficult to shine around – especially when she hits the stage. Her 1991 track “Love Is An Island” produced by Jurgen Korduletsch and Nicolai Vorkapich is one of my favorite techno-dance tracks of that period.

I have taken scenes from the 1964 – 1966 television comedy “Gilligan’s Island” to paint this image for a Disco Video Mix – and although most of the theme here focuses on Ms. Grant and the sexuality she spread throughout this island there is a shipwreck and other castaways to remind you of the fun and silly antics.

Featuring scenes from “Gilligan’s Island” – RENT THE DVDs!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons