ReStructure Mix Update (7/31/14) “I Remember Yesterday” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (7/31/14) “I Remember Yesterday” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer is an artist and vocalist that I can remember not only growing up with – but also learning as much about her voice from the start of “Love To Love You Baby” on to her high energy dance material from SAW which was a majestic step for 80s pop-dance music to have a voice accompany these steps. Donna’s early work was an expression of what this voice could achieve. The range and power behind it from the sexy delivery of “Love To Love You Baby” and “Try Me, I Know We Can Make It” to the powerhouse medley of “Mac Arthur Park” – where it seemed our “First Lady of Love” matured into a Queen Od Disco.

“I Remember Yesterday” is Donna’s fifth album and released in 1977 created quite a stir as she delivered not only the innovative vocal for Moroder’s electronic masterpiece, “I Feel Love” – but also a medley of big band to Motown tracks that emulated a sound that was not only close to the feel – but also even more that anyone could expect. I have taken the album version of “I Remember Yesterday” and created a ReStructure Mix to take the big band flavor and compress it into a new package which would haunt us as much as her voice has me since I first hear it.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to the Donna Summer fans who are so generous to keep this spirit alive not only with love but with assurance  that it can never happen again.

“Rumor Has It/Happily Ever After” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Rumor Has It/Happily Ever After” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Donna Summer’s 1977 double record package “Once Upon A Time” is one of the pefect disco themed projects ever. The beat driven tale of a Cinderella-like wish and romance comes to life in this perfectly arranged recording by Bob Esty and production from Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte – and again the incredible pen of Donna Summer giving life to a night of dancing. Leaving a trail of “fairy-tale” dust in discotheques around the world. I have created a short medley of the turning points of this disco-epic: “Rumor Has It” during the wishes and hopes of our princess and the big finale filled with love and promise.

The images are provided from a 1977 adult adaption of  this glittery story from “Cinderella 2000” – the film is a low-budget and kooky flipside to the original but still holds the dream come true ending which is the focus here. I have clipped out the skin for the fairy tale dust.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the master, Mr. Bob Esty!

The film was directed by Al Adamson

Featuring scenes from “Cinderella 2000” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Music” by Montreal Sound – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Music” by Montreal Sound – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Montreal Sound is a Canadian disco band from Gerry Bribosia and Jerry De Villers – with three albums released from 1977 – 1979. Their second project titled “One More Time” featured the single “Music” which was released as a 12” remix on the classic disco single label T.K. Disco. The single became an instant stick of dynamite for any party with its built in cheers and pulsating bass synthesizer breaks. The disco version is quite an example of a remix and how it is tailored for discotheques in the early days of disco music.

I have created a fast paced anthem-like Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1942 American biographical musical film, “Yankee Doodle Dandy” starring James Cagney and Joan Leslie. The stars and striped dance sequences add to the trumpet blaring the French Canadian children’s song, “Alouette”. It is all is fun and funky twist in the big stage dance numbers.

The film was directed by Michael Curtiz

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

ReStructure Mix Update (7/28/14) “Devil Woman” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fire and Ice

ReStructure Mix Update (7/28/14) “Devil Woman” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice is a fabulous disco project from film and TV score composer Lalo Schifrin – who was also a member of Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra. This project on the iconic 70s disco label, Butterfly Records also features Elton Farokh Ahi (Destination, Stereo Fun, Inc., T. Mace) as co-producer and work on synthesizers and percussion in the recording. It is a New York 70s style disco album with the chic sound of disco-funk and the light and airy chorus girls guiding us on several trips – all related to “fire” and “ice”. “Devil Woman” is the cut we focus on now and relays the hypnotic effect of a woman destined to make her love the prey to her own desire.

I have ReStructured the album version in this mix and reworked a few surprises from a disco classic and a classic piece of Schifrin’s magic. It gives the vocals which are provided by Lalo’s wife Donna Schifrin and Cheyenne Fowler more of a powerful spell with some added effects. A favorite album of mine from 1979 with two greats I worship myself, Mr. Schifrin and Mr. Ahi.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/27/14) “Love School” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susan Stevens

ReStructure Mix Update (7/27/14) “Love School” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Susan Stevens

Susan Stevens is a Canadian disco artist from Gino D’Orazio and Tony Bentivegna – the boys who brought us Blue Lazer, Ladies Choice, Motion and Nightlife Unlimited. It was the early 80s new arrangement for disco music in an all-electronic form. The effects blast here and there like a video game – and add some excitement and energy in a spaced-dance experience.

“Love School” is a single released in 1983 and added more wizardry and winding sequencers to balance out Susan’s delicate and sweet vocal. It has always been a favorite among after-hours dee-jays and high energy clubs of the time. This ReStructure Mix breaks the firm pieces of the songs into parts and reassembles them into a more beat-driven arrangement. Some new pounding breaks and effects arte added along to way to accentuate the style of the Canadian producers.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/14): ”Play That Funky Music” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wild Cherry

ReStructure Mix Update (7/26/14): ”Play That Funky Music” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry consisted of Allen Wentz, Bryan Bassett, Dominic Ierace, Mark Avsec, Robert Parissi and Ronald Beitle – an American funk band from Pittsburgh, PA. Their classic funk-disco hit “Play That Funky Music” gave the boys a place which can never be de-funked. The song has maintained it edge throughout its release in 1976. The album was produced by Robert Parissi.

I have taken the album version of the track and created a ReStructure Mix which stretches out the grooves in several spots to secure the funk and also played with some of the musical fixtures which provide a groovy place for today, yesterday and tomorrow to remind us just where the funk belongs – on the disco dance floor!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/19/14) “You Get High In N.Y.C.” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Revanche

ReStructure Mix Update (7/19/14) “You Get High In N.Y.C.” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Revanche

Revanche is disco project from Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi. The vocal ensemble includes Christine Wiltshire, Jocelyn Shaw, Mauro Malavasi and Skipp Ingram. The four cut album is one of the high energy dance floor winners of 1979 including cuts “Music Man”, “1979 It’s Dancing Time”, “Revenge” and “You Get High In N.Y.C.”. All tracks in the Goody Music tradition of full orchestration and innovative synthesizer and keyboard play.

I have taken the album version of “You Get High In N.Y.C.” and re-wired it for this ReStructure Mix – adding a new lengthier intro and some drop-outs during the build to give the song some pulses of new excitement. It is one of my favorites from the project and had some fun working on disassembling and reworking it over again.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/14) “Love Is” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/14) “Love Is” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gino Soccio

Gino Soccio is a disco producer, musician and artist from Montreal and an innovator of the late 70s disco scene. His 1979 classic “Dancer” took dance floors to another level of both sound and production. It was one of the earliest disco-funk and ambient sounds in dance music. Many of Soccio’s productions stand out in the keyboard and experiomental synthesizer arrangement creative mode. “Love Is” was featured on Soccio’s 1980 project, “S-Beat” and 1981’s “Closer” – a choice again which defined Soccio’s musical influence of soul and a touch of soft rock. The later production focused more of the funk elements of guitar and vibes.

Originally recorded by Bill Withers and from his 1978 album “’Bout Love” – this Soccio reproduction brings a heavy rhytym enhacement and disco-chorus to the rescue.


I have taken pieces of his 1980 cover and the guts of the 1981 masterpiece and worked a ReStructure Mix to give the track a longer life and also some edits to breakdown this lilting piece of beautiful music. Soccio has always amazed me after listening to detail and placement of his work. It has been a great pleasure to work on “Love Is” – one of my many-many favrites from this talented man.

“Gambling On Your Love” by Jessica Williams – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Gambling On Your Love” by Jessica Williams – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Jessica Williams covers L.J. Johnson’s “Gambling On Your Love” from his “L.J.’s Love Suite” produced and written by Ian Levine – Jessica’s version was a club anthem as well as the title track “Queen Of Fools” – both released in 1979. Simon Soussan gives the song his masterful disco-touch complete with percussion and bongo fillers that made every night a disco night. A nice symphonic production in the Soussan-style.

I have taken the 1964 Elvis Presley musical-romp “Viva Las Vegas” and created a whole new love affair with disco track and classic 60s dance-a-thon. The film also stars Ann Margret as the love interest and our believer in “lady luck”. The colorful Vegas backdrop also helps give Jessica’s classic a new feel.

The film was directed by George Sidney

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

“Warlord (Part 2)” by The Immortals – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Warlord (Part 2)” by The Immortals – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Immortals is a disco project from Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison – the production team also known as Three Hats Productions and gave us THP Orchestra, Sticky Fingers, American Fade, The Duncan Sisters, Southern Exposure and Skatt Brothers. Their decent into the 80s and the electronic dance arena began with immediate recognition. “The Ultimate Warlord” is the A-side of this 12” single which scored with the hardcore dance clubs and disc jockeys aiming for a deeper edge. “Warlord (Part 2)” is the B-side and the focus of this Disco Video Mix.

I have used scenes from the 1974 science fiction film “Zardoz” starring Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. The story about a future post-apocalypse Earth in 2293 where the human population is divided into the immortal “Eternals” and the immortal “Brutals”. A "brutal" played by Connery discovers the truth of the past and how the present has been a deception against what is. The synthesizer creates a moody and powerful backdrop for the ultimate end and beginning.

The film was directed by John Boorman

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

Pretty Baby” by Sister Sledge – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Pretty Baby” by Sister Sledge – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sister Sledge are four sisters who delivered two of the iconic disco songs of 1979 – “We Are Family” and “He’s The Greatest Dancer”. It was also an accomplishment for producers/musicians Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers who also formed the disco group Chic a year earlier. The album “We Are Family” created a new makeover for the girls since they began recording in 1975. The follow-up project in 1980 was another Edwards and Rodgers gem. “Pretty Baby” is a single from the album which features the funky bass and lead guitars formulating the groove for the ladies to tell their story.

I have taken the 1978 drama, “Pretty Baby” starring Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Keith Carradine – in the Louis Malle historical fiction story of a 12 year-old prostitute in the red-light district at the turn of the century. The titles are shared here and yet the mood of the disco piece fits the stony film images.

The film was directed by Louis Malle

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

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

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

Bombers released their second album titled “Bombers 2” in 1979 – the project was produced by George Lagios and Pat Deserio. The five cut disco adventure is one of the memorable of the big year of disco thanks to the unique feel of each dance number. “Shake” is a mysterious and sexy piece thanks to bass accompanied by Mack (Busta) Jones. Strings in this track are arranged by Lee Gagnon. It is one of the pieces I would use for an after-hours set or to build a mid tempo set into solid energy.

I have taken pieces from the 1950 classic film, “Afrita Hanem (The Genie Lady)" and blended the hip-notic dancing into a Disco Video Mix. It flows along very well with the message “Shake” relays with a rhythm too hard to be left alone. The film stars two of Egypt’s movie legends in a tale of a poor singer who stumbles upon a magic lamp.

The film was directed by Henri Barakat

Featuring scenes from "Afrita Hanem (The Genie Lady)" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (7/9/14) “Do You Wanna Get Away” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shannon

ReStructure Mix Update (7/9/14) “Do You Wanna Get Away” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shannon

Shannon and “The Shannon Sound” – hard to resist in 1983 when “Let The Music Play” rocked the heck out of clubs, boom boxes and her career. The sound is a concept from production team Chris Barbosa and Mark Liggett – a New York electronic beat groove which inspired the sound of the 80s dance scene. Quite powerful guns to follow when the groove is so deep you can almost see through the vinyl. Shannon was a big element for dancers, clubs and the adoring sound of funk, disco and pop-dance music. It was that irresistible and sensual element of her voice.

I have taken the 12” version of “Do You Wanna Get Away” (both vocal and dub) and reworked a new ReStructure Mix to give this classic a whole new aim and slide. It pulls in a deeper experience along with some familiar pieces that will splash some fresh water to feel good on a hot sweaty dance floor.

Thank you, Shannon – you gave us a new reason to move and look up to dance music with respect!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/8/14) “Double Or Nothing” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kenny Loggins & Gladys Knight

ReStructure Mix Update (7/8/14) “Double Or Nothing” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kenny Loggins & Gladys Knight

Kenny Loggins and Gladys Knight are paired in “Double Or Nothing” – from the 1985 soundtrack of Rocky IV and produced by Bernard Edwards. It is 80s pop dance with the haunting sound of two great voices bringing a few facts about love into the light. It is the start of something good and the positive points of things to come. The song had me blending an extended stand-up mix during its release and its 3:42 length with no 12” remixes. It is one of those songs with riffs that hang on. A favorite of mine and another reason Mr. Bernard Edwards rules under many styles of production.

I have taken the short soundtrack version and worked with the drum tracks, guitar riffs and vocals to create this ReStructure Mix – which is to bring this duo upfront in a beautiful way. And of course to extend what was much too short.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/7/14) “Bring It Back” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taka Boom

ReStructure Mix Update (7/7/14) “Bring It Back” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Taka Boom

Taka Boom is a voice that engulfs a song. He performances on disco classics “You + Me=Love” by The Undisputed Truth from 1976 and “Mr. D.J. You Know How To Make Me Dance” by The Glass Family are “proof of power” and “depth of soul”. It was a gift to new and recent fans when her solo career began in 1979 with her self-titled disco album. “Night Dancing” and “Red Hot” were instant classics and are two of my favorites of 1979. Following this project later in 1979 Taka released a 12” single titled “Bring It Back” – produced by Jim Callon who also produced The Glass Family project. The single was a big hit for Taka and brought a nice transition to electronic arrangements that were common during the 80s for club disco.

I have taken the long version from the 12” single and created this ReStructure Mix to salute this track which makes each play a bit emotional for those of us who began dancing in the early and mid-70s – and where 1979 was feeling a change in the club environment all together. This ReStructure Mix plays out a longer introduction to build up to Taka’s sensational performance. A few looping areas help to create new spots where the memory can run free as well as the imagination.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay who are the keepers of the women of disco, jazz and soul. Thanks to their undying love for the music which always brings me excitement and some new tunes I missed.