ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/15) “High Cost Of Loving” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Jiani

ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/15) “High Cost Of Loving” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Jiani

Carol Jiani is an artist and vocalist who appeared when we needed her most. “Mercy” is a dance floor classic from 1981 which brought back an underground disco sound back. Her album “Hit ‘N Run Lover” along with the title track created a stir that only feet who experienced could witness. A pulsating synthesizer and raw percussion working at emotion and a groove. “High Cost Of Loving” is a single from the project which dominated my charts during 1981 and a few years following. A great falsetto from Ms. Jiani and a few facts about love in the early 80s.

I have taken the album version and created ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to the awesome production from Joe LaGreca and that Denis LePage sound which moved us in the 80s in a new way. It gives a longer play with those rolling sequencers and bass which point out the Canadian high energy sound in the making.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to Ms. Carol Jiani – not only for being one of my favorite and unique vocalists but for also displaying a human rights advocate voice which in itself deserves an award. Thank you, Carol

ReStructure Mix Update (2/23/15) “Jump” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ring

ReStructure Mix Update (2/23/15) “Jump” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ring

The Ring is a disco project from Marcus Barone, Holly Oas, Jimmy Young, and Russell Blake – responsible for one of my favorite underground disco tracks of 1979 – “Savage Lover”. This ensemble created the sound of the oncoming 80s – giving disco music a new venture in both theme and style. Less of the orchestrated disco arrangements and more of the electronic feel that would take over in the 80s. “Jump” is the second single from the project and one which helped my dance floors continue to move to the disco fusion towards the end of the mainstream “disco fever”.

This ReStructure Mix takes the 12” version and mixes up beats, claps and that classic sequencer break which causes many dances to find themselves in the dance zone. It is one tracks I have always wanted to break up into a mover and shaker version – and it always emphasizes the feeling that disco brings. Keep on movin’!

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Marcus Barone! Thank you Marcus for your magic touch which still makes us feel good.

“Showdown” by Arpeggio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Showdown” by Arpeggio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Arpeggio is Jessica Williams, Fred Sawyers, Jerry Scott and Jason Reed. A disco ensemble from Simon Soussan (Shalamar, French Kiss, The Simon Orchestra and Charisma). The sound of pure disco reaches it most fulfilling with all of the bells and whistles (literally) which made dance floors feel at home. “Showdown” is a track from the second Arpeggio album titled “Breakout” from 1980. A nice high energy disco number with the soulful ensemble bringing the disco beat a sweet note. One of my favorites of the period and so infectious it still moves quite well.

I have taken scenes from the 1968 Italian/American Western epic, “Once Upon A Time In The West” to create a “showdown” in a new way. The stance here is for Claudia Cardinale whose beauty is worth the duel. It plays out a fantasy for the disco number which I love to create.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the lovely Jessica Williams of Arpeggio in thanks for her friendship, kindness and the talent which continues to bring happiness to many.

The film was directed by Sergio Leone

Featuring scenes from “Once Upon A Time In The West” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Suzy Q is a Canadian disco artist from Jerry Cucuzzella and a new electronic dance sound formulated for a new dance era. The early 80s serenade of pulsating sequencers and rolling keyboards brought to life another episode of dance fever to the 80s with projects like Suzy Q. “Computer Music” is one of my favorite 80s high energy tracks and plays out with all one could need from a dance song – a great vocal which echoes into the night with the mystique and power needed to evoke a new energy.

I have taken “Computer Music” into a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1979 musical science fiction film “The Apple” – where performances by our lead muse plays out like a Dee Dee Jackson fantasy. This one scores with the fast and furious dance segments and reminds us just how powerful dance music is when you let it flow.

The film was directed by Menahem Golan

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

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/15) “Beyond” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herb Alpert

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/15) “Beyond” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herb Alpert

Herb Alpert released “Beyond” in 1980 following the huge success of his disco single “Rise” from 1979. “Beyond” is a trance-like dance track which layers echoed pieces of Alpert’s signature sound. A rolling sequencer brings this track to an innovative point as many tracks like this followed in the mid and late 80s. One which always worked for early morning programs or themes dance sets.

I have taken the 12” version of “Beyond” and blended a new ReStructure Mix adding a few new percussive effects and prolonging the jazz-dance journey. It plays out a path longer using more of the rolling patterns to mold a destination for those who like to take a trip here and there.

“Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder are the sound of disco music in the transition from Philly to a more underground form in production and execution. Their music and productions brought a whole new experience to discotheques in a familiar sound but a new package. “Warriors” is their 1979 project which is the most uniform disco sounds for 1979. A cover of The Searchers 1963 song “Love Potion #9” done in the Rinder and Lewis style – blending pulsating sequencers and flowing string arrangements over a light groove. This Disco Video Mix is more of a salute to their underground influence and talent.

This Disco Video Mix takes the film “Love Potion #9” from 1992 based on the rock ‘n roll classic. It stars Tate Donovan and Sandra Bullock as scientist finding the potion for a lonely life and eventually love. The film has been reedited to suit our song and uses more of the gypsy woman played by Anne Bancroft to bring the song to life.

The film was directed by Dale Launer

Featuring scenes from “Love Potion #9” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Is There More To Life Than Dancing” by Noel – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Is There More To Life Than Dancing” by Noel – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Noel is an artist who began as a new wave act and then performed in a disco project along with musicians and producers Ron Mael and Russell Mael (known as Sparks). The 1979 album titled “Is There More To Life Than Dancing” explored an electronic venture similar to the sound of Giorgio Moroder with a much more ominous feel. The title cut is the center of this Disco Video Mix and plays out with an almost fearful realization of how hypnotic the dance floor was in the late 70s.

I have taken scenes from the 1948 film “The Red Shoes” – a British film based on the fairy tale “The Red Shoes” by Hans Christian Anderson. The film stars Moira Shearer and Anton Walkbrook – the ballet sequences and her obsession with her craft place a nice color over the disco song.

The film was directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

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

“Spring Affair” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Spring Affair” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Donna Summer earned her titled as The First Lady of Love with her sensual disco tracks from the mid-70s. Along with Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte and Munich Machine many of her classic pieces were brought to life. “Spring Affair” is the first cut on her “Four Seasons of Love” project from 1976 and one of my favorites. A wonderful blend of love set in the changing of the annual seasons. I have taken the piece into this mild-romantic Disco Video Mix.

Scenes for this venture are provided from the 1955 comedy-drama “Picnic” starring William Holden and Kim Novak. The Cinemascope film provides some of the yearning of love between William and Kim along with Donna soft panther-like vocal approach.

The film was directed by Joshua Logan

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

ReStructure Mix Update (2/11/15) “Look For Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone

ReStructure Mix Update (2/11/15) “Look For Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone

Cerrone’s magic began on dance floors in 1976 with “Love In ‘C’ Minor” and took dancers into a new world of orchestral disco fantasy. Following two more successful albums is “The Golden Touch” – a direct link to his Euro-disco creations with all of the elements wrapped into a tight four track set. “Look For Love” is another single from the project which has become a classic with its soaring anthem flavor. One of my favorites and the sound which brings to mind a time period of Cerrone’s rein.

I have taken the album version of “Look For Love” – with its promise of love and happiness to create a new ReStructure Mix. This new piece gives the classic score of love several breakdowns and a nice flowing fade out with those horns and strings luring us higher and higher!

“Gypsy Woman” by Leroy Gomez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Gypsy Woman” by Leroy Gomez – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Leroy Gomez has taken dance floors in the 70s and created a male counterpart to the “disco diva”. His classic performance on Santa Esmeralda’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is one of the most memorable of the period. “Gypsy Woman” is from his album by the same name from 1978 – a remake of The Impressions single from 1961 – and this disco version produced by Simon Soussan. A great disco take on the track and as dramatic as this Disco Video Mix.

I have taken scenes from the 1918 silent film “Gypsy Blood” which outlines a Carmen-like temptress. It is a British film and has much controversy built around the production and story itself. It is used here only as an outline for the romantic edge.

The film was directed by Leo Maguire

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

ReStructure Mix Update (2/10/15) “Hold Tight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Change

ReStructure Mix Update (2/10/15) “Hold Tight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Change

Change began its journey into disco and electronic funk in the early 80s with the first project titled “The Glow of Love” – with the entire album being a part of some playlist it was a huge success. Under the production of Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi this disco/funk ensemble created a new sound for dancing. “Hold Tight” is a single from their follow up album in 1981 titled “Miracles” – it features vocals from Diva Gray, Jocelyn Brown, Ullanda McCullough and Gordon Grody.

I have given the album version of “Hold Tight” a ReStructure Mix and played with the original formula adding some breaks and new beat and percussion effects. One of my favorites sounds of the 80s and now the classic old-school feel.

“Back To My Roots” by RuPaul – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Back To My Roots” by RuPaul – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

RuPaul took the early 90s into a new house rage with his bass driven house tracks with the right amount of love and sass and built in camp. “Supermodel (You Better Work)” from 1992 remains one of the iconic songs of the club scene and helped RuPaul to a several levels of stardom and success. “Back To My Roots” is the second single from his “Supermodel Of The World” project and gives nice house homage to the history of black hair – as a groove driven revolution.

I have taken scenes and the mood from the 2005 comedy, “Beauty Shop” starring Queen Latifah, Alicia Silverstone and Andie MacDowell to fill in the house track with a fun and new look and sound to the single.

The film was directed by Billie Woodruff

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

“Autumn Changes” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Autumn Changes” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Donna Summer’s third album for Oasis Records is “Four Seasons Of Love” produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte – and perhaps one of the most brilliant and fascinating of Donna’s early themed projects. The montage of seasons gives the dance floor a stage of not only Donna’s vocal ability and talent – but also a creative trio of talent with Donna, Giorgio and Pete growing into a world phenomenon. “Autumn Changes” is the third season to discover here with a light Calypso flavor driving the disco beat. The song gives the slight hope of a romance which is losing its power.

I have taken scenes from the 1956 film, “Autumn Leaves” starring Joan Crawford and Cliff Robertson – the moody drama of romance and the mental illness of our male counterpart is played up lightly in this Disco Video Mix. It is more prone to express the determination of our femme fatale, Ms. Joan Crawford.

The film was directed by Robert Aldrich

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

“Confessions” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Confessions” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

D.C. LaRue is my favorite stage disco artist. Not only does his music represent a big edge of the disco progressive movement in the late 70s but it always plays out as if it were the soundtrack to a fantasy Studio 54. He has always created a sound which works as a Broadway musical done to rhythm and “hip bumps”. Along with Bob Esty as conductor, producer and keyboard master their project from 1978 “Confessions” still reigns as disco’s top of my top disco production albums. The title track brings us into the spiritual play world of disco music complete with crescendos and choir.

I have taken this Disco Video Mix to a dramatic play using scenes from the 1983 television mini-series, “The Thorn Birds” starring Richard Chamberlin and Rachel Ward. The story here along with the disco track works as a yearning love story of forbidden desires and finally a lonely heart left to stand alone.

The mini-series was directed by Daryl Duke

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

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the master works of Mr. D.C. LaRue and Mr. Bob Esty – for all of the glitter and magic they have left behind from the disco era!

“Move On Up” by Destination – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Move On Up” by Destination – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Destination is a disco project from Elton Farokh Ahi from the height of the disco explosion with an album titled “From Beginning To End” – which played out the scene as a theme for wanting dance floors. The first release is a disco cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” which soon became the soundtrack for many dance floors. A fantastic production and assemblage featuring Danny Lugo on lead vocals and Kathy Bradley and Lovechyle Theus on backup. I have taken “Move On Up” into a Disco Video Mix and playfully added clips and parts of the theme from “The Jefferson’s” – the CBS television comedy starting Isabel Sanford and Sherman Helmsley.

The themes are sailing in the same direction and with a little play back and forth on both episode themes – mainly the big disco attic theme in season five – it is most fitting.

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