“Thank God It’s Friday” by Love & Kisses – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Thank God It’s Friday” by Love & Kisses – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Love & Kisses are a disco project from Alec Costandinos which brought Euro-disco and a “syncophonic” style to dance floors to the sweet orchestral arrangements over funky instrumentations. It was a new atmosphere for dance floors and the music industry. “Thank God It’s Friday” are one of the two singles from the motion picture soundtrack – one of the big releases from Neil Bogart’s Casablanca Record label.

I have taken the soundtrack version of the song and blended it with the 1975 Blaxploitation flick, “Friday Foster” starring Pam Grier, Yaphet Kotto and Eartha Kitt. A definite name play – but also an opportunity to see the funky 70s and Pam Grier’s beautiful face and body.

The film was directed by Arthur Marks

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

ReStructure Mix Update (4/22/14) “Don’t Come Crying To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

ReStructure Mix Update (4/22/14) “Don’t Come Crying To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda Clifford

Linda Clifford is one of the disco stars that you can’t help but have grown excited waiting for the next release. After dance hits like “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, “Red Light”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Runaway Love” you had to have been warmed up by then. “I’ll Keep On Loving You” is Linda’s seventh album from 1982 and hits the target again with the single “Don’t Come Crying To Me” produced by Michael Gore.

I have taken the fantastic 12” single of “Don’t Come Crying To Me” – mixed by Rusty Gardner and engineered by Paul Sabu and had a little ReStructure Mix fun. Adding a bit of drum mayhem to the finger-poppin’ groove this “no-other-than”-Linda track. It has the woman laying it out – now it is your turn to move or get out!

Dedicated to the lady herself, Ms. Linda Clifford – who helped me believe not only in disco music – but also that disco divas are graceful, lovely and forever lasting!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/16/14) “Midnight Rendezvous” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Linda G. Thompson

ReStructure Mix Update (4/16/14) “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.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/15/14) “Theme from Dynasty” – Glenn Rivera Restructure Mix – Kat Mandu featuring Joan Collins

ReStructure Mix Update (4/15/14) “Theme from Dynasty” – Glenn Rivera Restructure Mix – Kat Mandu featuring Joan Collins

Kat Mandu is a disco project from 1979 with a huge disco hit titled “The Break” which helped to solidify the dance floor instrumental with more energy than ever. Produced by Joe La Greca and Joe Marandola and Jimmy Ray on vocals for the remaining tracks. Three albums were released under the name Kat Mandu and then in 1986 were reformulated for singles which were independent productions. The first being a disco-fied version of “Theme from Dynasty” – a pounding recreation of the Bill Conti opening theme. It was produced by Richard Buck and Robert Matichak.

I have taken the 12” release of “Theme from Dynasty/Power” and manipulated several clips from the television show to feature this ReStructure Mix as a sample-esque version for a tribute to the focus, Joan Collins as Alexis. It is a new option for bringing back that night we all waited so anxiously for. A special insertion of Alexis is inserted from her country bar performance to even the homage.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/14/14) “We’ve Gotta Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvia Mason

ReStructure Mix Update (4/14/14) “We’ve Gotta Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvia Mason

Sylvia Mason (also billed as Sylvia Mason-James) is a vocalist who became a disco treat for many during the late 70s in the band Voyage. Her vocal on the disco classics “Souvenirs” and “Let’s Fly Away” have given dance floors the uplifting sensation which disco music is designed to deliver. She has performed in back-up sessions for many artists including Croisette, Wham!, Eddy Grant, Barbara Pennington and The Blow Monkeys. Her self-titled solo album from 1979 contained the single “We’ve Gotta Dance” which follows the path of traditional disco and celebrates the dance floor as the sanity of life. This project included players from Voyage including Marc Chantereau, Pierre-Alain Dahan, Roger Tokarz and Slim Pezin.

I have taken the album version of “We’ve Gotta Dance” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix – playing heavily with the fabulous drum beats and recreated some new energy for this explosive dance anthem. It is one that brought the disco sense back to my dance floor for peak hour when it was released.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/13/14) “Circles” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Atlantic Starr

ReStructure Mix Update (4/13/14) “Circles” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Atlantic Starr

Atlantic Starr (formerly Newban) is a soul, funk, and disco band who were originally produced by Bobby Eli. Their third album titled “Brilliance” from 1982 contained the single “Circles” which featured Sharon Bryant on lead vocals. A love song from a confused participant who is finding it difficult to break away from an unfaithful lover. The production by James Anthony Carmichael is the master of this project. A blend of disco groove with great guitar keyboards and strings.

I have taken the 12” version of “Circles” and created a ReStructure Mix with a new intro and a few percussion fused breaks to slow down the drama and heartbreak. Always a favorite and played out so quickly for the dance floor that an extended version I always fantasized of.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/14) “Guilty” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lime

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/14) “Guilty” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lime

Lime is Denis and Denyse Lepage – a duo who turned dance floors into a frenzy during the early 80s and throughout the early 90s. A powerhouse disco/high energy project which never seemed to disappoint or let up on surprises. Their third album “Lime III” is one of the works which cover the spectrum of dance floor favors influencing new dance artists soon after.  Denis had been affiliated with many disco projects during the late 70s and his work paid off for Lime.

“Guilty” is the first single from “Lime III” and has always been an anthem for me. It always gives an emotional message which I have taken to another level with this ReStructure Mix. There is a new haunting edge to the yearning of a romance that is certain to have another chance – thanks to love. It plays out like a mini drama with some new effects and beats to guide familiar feet to a new story.

Dedicated to Mr. George Matiowsky of Facebook – for the upbeat energy and also for keeping the music with a great message alive in his life.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/8/14) “Pull Up To The Bumper” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Grace Jones

ReStructure Mix Update (4/8/14) “Pull Up To The Bumper” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Grace Jones

Grace Jones was iconic from the moment she stepped into the lights that revealed a darker image and persona. Her music, style, and presence have always intrigued audiences and even hardcore followers. Her music shifted during the early 80s appropriately with the new wave of electronic funk and rock. It was quite simple for Grace to complete the transformation effectively since she had performing this from the start.

“Pull Up To The Bumper” is from the 1981 album “Nightclubbing” – produced by Alex Sadkin and Chris Blackwell. It is one of the most thought provoking songs as Grace takes the wheel and keys. The production is a sound from period which created an easy stage for funk to make it return in a new form.

I have taken the 12” Remix by Steven Stanley and created a ReStructure Mix to lower this parking lot garage a few levels deeper. More samples and looping are added to make this infectious song stick even closer to your ears and feet.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/14) “You Gotta Problem” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/14) “You Gotta Problem” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix

Toni Basil (Antonia Christina Basilotta) is a singer, actress and choreographer who stamped the 80s with her big hit, “Mickey”. The synth-pop movement of the early 80s existed with the release of talent and music as her album, “Word Of Mouth”. A nice twist of energy in the nu-wave and alternative sound but not moving to far from the motivation of the dance floor. Toni’s first recording was in 1966 titled “Breakaway”.

“You Gotta Problem” is a track from “Word Of Mouth” which was one of the DOR (Dance Oriented Rock) numbers to hit dance floors following the disco sequencer sound. A new age of electronic music was an instant hit on dance floors thanks to a new generation of dancers and innovative minds. I have taken the album version of “You Gotta Problem” and have extended the track along with a few new breaks and inserts to update the arrangement. The song deals lightly on a subject of little pity for a problem which appears to allow distant behavior.

Listen for backing vocals performed by disco master, Mr. Bob Esty – once again making the 80s an easy place for disco-lovers and dance enthusiasts a wonderful place.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/2/14) “Body Strong” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

ReStructure Mix Update (4/2/14) “Body Strong” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

Sylvester (Sylvester James) releases “Stars” in 1979 – his fourth album and appropriately closing a disco era with a theme for each night of the week. “Body Strong” is the vocal/chorus magnificent recording with the rolling anthem of dance floor ecstasy. Along with Izora Rhodes and Martha Wash this piece becomes a stamp for a dance era which ends up in the Bay Area/San Francisco and soon is revitalized there for the 80s.

I have taken the album version of “Body Strong” and few pieces of vocals from a past Sylvester classic and reshaped this beauty for a ReStructure Mix. Giving it a new foundation and sense for that “lost in music” feel. A special thanks to Sylvester for making us feel united and free on the dance floor.