“Romeo & Juliet” by Check It Out – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Romeo & Juliet” by Check It Out – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Check It Out is an electronic disco project from Chris Lucas who also produced various studio works for Almighty Records during the late 80s and early 90s. He is also known for his work with the UK group Quantize on Passion Records. “Romeo & Juliet” is a love song which follows the formula of disco bands like Modern Talking and the 80s high energy sound of the mid and late 80s. The song was a big hit in my club and brought another high energy set with the sweet swirling sound of disco to my dance floor. It is a simple love song which is easy to fall in love with is you love high energy and classic disco.

I have taken scenes from the 1998 romantic comedy “Shakespeare In Love” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes – a view of Will Shakespeare working with writers block in writing his great love story and also falling in love between lines. The romantic feel of the disco track and emphasis on our troubled lovers places an almost sensitive moment for this Disco Video Mix.

The film was directed by John Madden

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

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/14) “Lady Luck” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ritchie Family

ReStructure Mix Update (5/29/14) “Lady Luck” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ritchie Family

“Life Is Music” is the 1977 project from The Ritchie Family and continues the sound which helped to make disco music a widespread phenomenon. Produced by Jacques Morali and Ritchie Rome – this spotlight for our three divas, Cassandra Wooten, Cheryl Mason-Dorman and Gwendolyn Oliver is another pièce de résistance of dance music’s sophisticated edge. The title track was a club hit and anthem for dance floors which celebrated the freedom this music expressed. “Lady Luck” is the second dance floor single which gives us once again the feel that “The Best Disco In Town” created: excitement and fun.

I have taken the 12” version of “Lady Luck” and worked a ReStructure Mix to honor these lovely ladies of discos best and also give the uplifting song a bit more to move with. There are some vocal pieces reworked and a few new break-edits intended to make any night “lucky” on the dance floor.

Dedicated to Cheryl Mason Dorman for her wonderful talent and also the work to keep the magic alive!

ReStructure Mix Update (5/28/14) “Star Wars Theme” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

ReStructure Mix Update (5/28/14) “Star Wars Theme” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

Meco Monardo is a disco producer and arranger whose music is the disco symphonic sound of the dance floor during the late 70s. His funky beat-driven revivals work with several motion picture soundtracks both classic as he created with his “Wizard Of Oz” project and then leaning towards the pop-edge taking soundtracks from “Star Wars”, “Close Encounters of The Third Kind” and “Superman” to a rhythmic sensation. His 1977project “Music Inspired by Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk” is included in the disco Top 100 since it dominated radio and helped to introduce disco music’s new path to an AM audience.

I have taken the “Star Wars Medley” from this album and created a ReStructure Mix which uses the fantastic theme from John Williams and gives it a new bass driven arrangement to use snippets of the work into a new collage of disco sound. Done in the ReStructure edit style where anything can happen and usually does. It is a return to the pop-sound of disco and a glimpse of impact of both the film and John Williams’s fantastic musical soundtrack.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/27/14) “Alive With Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cut Glass

ReStructure Mix Update (5/27/14) “Alive With Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cut Glass

Cut Glass is vocalists Mildred Vaney and Ortheia Barnes along with producers Jeffrey Parsons and Jeffrey Steinberg – who also created a disco project title Hott City (or Graffitti) in 1978. Cut Glass was introduced with a double-sided 12” including the disco classic “Without Your Love” and “Alive With Love” – both an electronic style of disco music which helped to bring dance floors into the upcoming 80s high energy genre. “Alive With Love” much like “Without Your Love” featured an incredible vocal from our duo and a space-fused disco arrangement that was dreamy and lightly punchy.

I have taken the 12” version of “Alive With Love” – one of my all-time favorite early evening or after-hours feel tracks and created a ReStructure Mix with not only an extended timing but also a whole new breakdown and sense of yearning for this disco treat. A new electro-vibe drum beats a sensual magnetism that I have always heard below the original. It is one piece that I wanted to add something special so that the dance floor of yesterday may understand the purpose all over again.

“Pistolero” by Bombers – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Pistolero” by Bombers – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Bombers are one of the disco gems of the late 70s – a Canadian disco group produced by George Lagios and Pat Deserio who also helped to create Kebekelektrik in 1977. The sound of Bombers was a heavy disco drum with a heavy keyboards and percussion aimed at the new arrangement and mix of dance music in 1978. “Pistolero” is a space-age theme with some of the delicious bass from Buster Jones and the heavy drum fills which Pat Deserio practiced. It has always been one of my favorite fantasy disco tracks and kept my dance floor packed for months during its release.

I have taken the 1982 science fiction film “Blade Runner” starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer to compliment the futuristic and bold feel of the disco track. The film  is a story of a Dystopian Los Angeles in the year 2019 where robots run amok in a setting that is a bit film noire on the detective end yet heavy on the science fiction matter.

The film was directed by Ridley Scott

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

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/14) “Je T’Aime (Moi Non Plus)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (5/22/14) “Je T’Aime (Moi Non Plus)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer made the disco scene complete during the mid-70s with the productions aimed at figment of disco musical fantasy called The First Lady of Love. Donna’s breakout hit “Love To Love You Baby” gave disco music the appropriate sound for a new life being discovered with a mood and style created by music. Her first three albums were perfection with this formula and iconic phase. One of the peaks of Donna’s fame was definitely the release of the film “Thank God It’s Friday” in 1978 – it also presented her as the disco diva serenading a frantic crowd to her soon-to-be classic “Last Dance”.

The soundtrack featured a bonus 12” single with Donna’s cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s “Je T’ Aime (Moi Non Plus)” – a song written and sung with Brigitte Bardot – a cinema sex symbol. It was another venture into the sexy realm of disco’s take on the sound which made it most explosive. Donna’s version falls close to her sexy – but stylish appeal to make the night seem more intense and desire closer.

I have taken the 12” version which times at 15:51 and created a new ReStructure Mix working in a new funk-drum beat and some rhythm effects to spice up the sexy play on a romantic affair between a couple expressing their love for one another. This new version incorporates some familiar pieces from Donna’s legacy and is intended to bring a new light to this somewhat controversial song.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/17/14) “Love Plane” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

ReStructure Mix Update (5/17/14) “Love Plane” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Skyy

Skyy is Anibal "Butch" Sierra, Bonny Dunning, Delores Dunning Milligan, Denise Dunning Crawford, Gerald Lebon, Larry Greenburg, Randy Muller, Solomon Roberts Jr., Tommy McConnell and Wayne Wilentz. A funk-disco band produced by Randy Muller (Brass Construction, Tamiko Jones, Funk Deluxe) and executed in the New York disco-funk style. Refreshing grooves with a touch of those swirling disco strings. Much of their music is recognizable with the raw groove and predominant vocal arrangements.

“Love Plane” comes from their 1980 album “Skyway” and was a huge hit in my club and gave the early 80s an early transition from disco beats to a new electronic-groove. The emphasis here, as most Skyy tunes are falling in love and expressing a deep affection for a lover. And so let’s fly!

This ReStructure Mix give the funky track a longer breakdown and some new beats to bring this “love plane” to its destination. One of the moments I always hoped for when I was spinning this album version – an extended trip!

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/14) “Body Heat” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alicia Bridges

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/14) “Body Heat” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Alicia Bridges

Alicia Bridges burst onto the disco music scene as an unknown artist yet as recognizable with her big hit, “I Love The Nightlife (Disco Round)”. It was as if the anthem was created before the scene took hold of the general public. Alicia had a unique voice bringing a whole new flair and style to the club scene. Her first album may have been one of the most recognized covers from the period and the classic track as one of the most played. The album was produced by Steve Buckingham – a guitarist who played with Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Tower Of Power – to name a few. His work on this album was indeed a new fusion in disco music.

“Body Heat” is the second single from the album and was a track that hardcore clubs embraced since many were familiar with Alicia’s voice and sound. A 12” release also featured a remix by Mr. Jim Burgess taking the album version heights above the yearning guitars and Bridges’ powerful performance. It was always a favorite of mine and fit into a rock-edged disco track with that disco flair added.

This ReStructure Mix takes the 12” version into a few new breakdowns and small clips of those rockin’ guitars and peaking chorus riffs. It builds with a few loop-edits to present a new aura to what I consider a genuine and unique piece of dance music.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/9/14) “Love Is All You Need” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – High Inergy

ReStructure Mix Update (5/9/14) “Love Is All You Need” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – High Inergy

High Inergy is a soul group discovered by Berry Gordy’s sister and then signed to Motown’s label Gordy Records in 1977. Their first album titled “Turnin’ On” brought back the girl group excitement with the soul flair. The single “You Can’t Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On)” was an immediate hit and only revealed a clue of the tracks from the album which made these voices irresistible. “Love Is All You Need” is the opening song of the project and gives a funky-soul spot for High Inergy to harmonize and express their talent in a young, new experience. It was a turning point for soul music to enter a disco realm.

I have taken the album version of “Love Is All You Need” and created a ReStructure Mix to add some new drum fills and breaks to the beautiful shout out for love. An extended intro and some new breaks are added to extend and add a new feel. Some new beats are pulled from the base of this groovy rhythmic production.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/14) “Sing Your Own Song” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jeanie Tracy

ReStructure Mix Update (5/8/14) “Sing Your Own Song” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jeanie Tracy

Jeanie Tracy (Jeanie Autre Tracy) is one of the voices when heard makes you feel energized. The power of this woman’s delivery is a reminder of gospels influence in many forms of music including the late 70s when Sylvester hit the disco scene. Ms. Tracy has performed back-up sessions for many well-known artists – but the real show is when she is in front. “Sing Your Own Song” is an AA-side to the 1984 12” single “Time Bomb”. This track was produced by Tip Wirrick, Michael Finden and Patrick Cowley. The message is so clear your mind is as affected as your feet.

I have taken the 12” version of “Sing Your Own Song” and we-worked it to create this ReStructure Mix. Using pieces of the scat-like chorus riff as another element of energy to this mix. Some new breaks and build-up moments are injected to give us a moment to catch our breath.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay – in deep thanks and love for their friendship and also for taking the time to request the obscure pieces of disco music for a ReStructure Mix which is what I love most. You boys are “it”! I appreciate you both!

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/14) “Chain Reaction” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diana Ross

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/14) “Chain Reaction” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diana Ross

Diana Ross released her album “Eaten Alive” in 1985 which gave Diana a new identity once again with the 80s pop dance arena. The club sound for this period was determined by how well your 12” single release was reworked for the dance floor and by whom. “Chain Reaction” is from this project and was produced by Albhy Galuten, Barry Gibb and Karl Richardson – it is a clever piece which takes us back to a bouncy and stompin’ Motown-esque feel rhythm and Diana sounding as if we had taken a step back in time.

I have taken the 12” version of “Chain Reaction” – remixed by Francois Kevorkian and Ron St. Germain and have created a ReStructure Mix to salute this favorite. Using more of those 60s retro strings that flow like a symphony of sweet memories and also worked a few rhythm loops to give parts of the song a new experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/14) “Dance Little Boy Blue” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Freddie James

ReStructure Mix Update (5/5/14) “Dance Little Boy Blue” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Freddie James

Freddie James (Frederick Alan Millgan) was one of the youngest disco stars to create a frenzy on dance floors with his big hit “Get Up and Boogie” from 1979. It was one of Tony Green’s disco treats – as he accomplished with France Joli, Caroline Bernier and Freddie’s mother, Geraldine Hunt. The album contained four tracks that were each successes of their own. The production team included Denis Lepage on strings and arrangements, The Sweethearts of Sigma on backing vocals, Peter Dowse and Claude Allard. The release of the US version was assisted by Mr. Ray Caviano.

I have taken the album version of the track which always packed my floor, “Dance Little Boy Blue” – which was appropriate for Freddie’s youth and also reminded us how the dance floor was the place to escape those “blues”. This ReStructure Mix moves into the deep-electronic dub-side of the song which always brought my ears on board. A few more production additions create a longer break in sections where the theme is all about dancing out of our troubles.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/4/14) “Brazuca” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Simbora Orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (5/4/14) “Brazuca” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Simbora Orchestra

Simbora Orchestra is a disco project from 1978 produced by Silvio Tancredi – who is also responsible for the disco group The Wonder Band (“Whole Lotta Love"). “Brazuca” is the single release from Simbora Orchestra and marked a period early in the disco movement when the mood was experimental and celebratory. I have always associated this group with the likes of The Ritchie Family since “Quiet Village” has the lounge and bossa nova feel. The song was quite a cooker during its release and created a nice Mardi gras aura to the dance floors of the time. It has always been a favorite and has many hooks that caught my attention immediately.

I have taken the 12” version mixed by Bob Clearmountain and create a ReStructure Mix which gives the intro and break more time to find the nearest whistle. There is a whole new flow to this version and I was quite excited to break this one down for another celebration!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/29/14) “Let’s Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bombers

ReStructure Mix Update (4/29/14) “Let’s Dance” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bombers

Bombers are a disco studio group produced by George Lagios and Pat Deserio (Kebekelektrik, Rational Youth) and introduced a new space-age theme to the growing sound and vision of disco. Their first project from 1978 titled “Bombers” introduced the band as a deeper underground disco sound. “Bombers II” from 1979 gave the band a full open dance floor welcome with the hit “(Everybody) Get Dancing” – which is one of the big disco releases to assist in the music’s mainline success.

“Let’s Dance” is one of the five winning tracks from the “II” project and one which finds hustle dancers and mainstream disco followers the edge it is looking for. I have taken the album version and created this ReStructure Mix to give it a new vibrancy and also call attention to its shining elements. It =has always been a winner with me and continues to spark the sound of disco music which lingers on and on throughout time.