ReStructure Mix Update (9/29/15) “He’s Just A Runaway” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sister Sledge

ReStructure Mix Update (9/29/15) “He’s Just A Runaway” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sister Sledge

Sister Sledge released their 1981 album “All American Girls” which featured the big title anthem – produced by Naratha Michael Walden. A new era and sound for the ladies who made dance floors unite in the late 70s with “We Are Family”. The high energy pick from the project was “He’s Just A Runaway” which was released as a 12” single with an alternate remix in a reggae style dedicated to Bob Marley. It was minus the energy of the original and lacked the ricochet sound of the album track. One of the favorites of the fans of the Dames of Sledge who work their songs with a nice flair.

I have taken the short album version and recreated a high energy scenario with this ReStructure Mix and keeping the energy moving along with some looping and flash-edits that bring the song to life again in its original form. It was always fun to extend it for my crowd with two vinyl copies however this new version adds some tricky effects that make it worthwhile to buckle in a dance it all over again!

ReStructure Mix Update (9/28/15) “Get Out Your Handkerchief” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ashford and Simpson

ReStructure Mix Update (9/28/15) “Get Out Your Handkerchief” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Ashford and Simpson

Ashford and Simpson are truly a gift to soul, R&B and disco music. Their contributions are some of the anthems which make music a special place – always full of love and emotion. Their 1980 album “A Musical Affair” contained the single “Get Out Your Handkerchief” which was a track which always made it on my early morning or early evening playlists. A song telling the heartache of a love gone wrong and the after math of keeping a sane view on what has passed. It is one of my favorites of the masterful duo.

I have taken the album version to create this ReStructure Mix which plays with the looping choruses and ad-libbed verses to give this a whole new extended version a bang. It adds some percussion to beef up the moody feel of the song and a new ‘storm’ of energy.

“Love Fire” by Syreeta – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Fire” by Syreeta – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Syreeta is a soul vocalist known throughout the 70s for wonderful ballads and also as former wife to Stevie Wonder. Her voice has always brought to music a lovely instrumental of classical soul. “Love Fire” is a track written by Bob Esty and Michelle Aller – and from her 1980 album “Syreeta”. This beautiful piece of dance music is produced, arranged and conducted by Bob Esty. It has always been one of my favorite songs and has an incredible lasting melody.

I have created a Disco Video Mix along with “Love Fire” and an appropriate 1978 romantic drama, “Ice Castles” starring Lynn-Holly Johnson and Robby Benson – the story of a figure skater whose rise and fall to stardom is saved by the love of her boyfriend after an accident leaves her blind. The finale leaves us feeling hope and love as she is taken again to her dreams with both her talent and love.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the master of disco production and his amazing talent – Mr. Bob Esty

The film was directed by Donald Wrye

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

“Fashion” by The New York Models – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Fashion” by The New York Models – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
The New York Models are a concept disco group from Bobby Orlando who released three high energy disco singles in the mi-80s. Their first single “Fashion” from 1984 borrows the quick flash chorus which is familiar with Orlando’s “Passion” by The Flirts. It is however the style of high energy in the 80s which quickly took dance floors back into a dancing frenzy. It is one of the femme melodic productions of the time with the pulsating bass and jittery keyboards.

I have taken “Fashion” into the Disco Video Mix realm along with scenes from the 2006 comedy-drama, “The Devil Wears Prada” starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway – for obvious reasons. The story of a college graduate who lands a demanding high-energy job as co-assistant to a fashion magazine editor. Many of the scenes play out in synch with the drama of the song’s lyrics as well as the films main characters obstacles and finale resolution.

The film was directed by David Frankel

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

ReStructure Mix Update (9/22/15) “Come Inside My Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bonnie Oliver

ReStructure Mix Update (9/22/15) “Come Inside My Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bonnie Oliver
Bonnie Oliver is a disco artist who released an underground disco track titled “Come Inside My Love” in 1979 – produced by Wiley Hicks who also produced Ednah Holt and Starluv’s “People Come Dance” and “Ain’t Got Time” by Holt ’45. This piece of hardcore and psychedelic disco is one of the choices for many after-hours spots where the dancers are pulled deep into the mix and trance-like energy of disco. It has always been one of my favorite arenas of hardcore dance music.

I have taken the original 12” vocal and instrumental to walk down a ReStructure Mix path with a lengthy piece of funky guitar breaks and weaving synthesizer breaks. The original EQ is bit flat which differs from both original recordings so I decided to recreate an airy Patrick Cowley-ish feel with the rework. It is the master road to ecstasy for those special dance floor moments and it could have continued on for a longer adventure – but here it is!

ReStructure Mix Update (9/21/15) “Breakaway” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – First Choice

ReStructure Mix Update (9/21/15) “Breakaway” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – First Choice

First Choice is female ensembles who brought the Philly dance sound alive with the soulful and feel of the garage identity which eventually became the house sound of the 80s and 90s. A funk fest of vocals in a disco aura created by Annette Guest, Debbie Martin, Rochelle Fleming, Ursula Herring and Wardell Piper. Their finale album from 1980 contained the title track, “Breakaway” which continued the spirit of that sound of Philadelphia and magic of disco polish. Produced by Norman Harris and Ron Tyson.

I have taken the album version of “Breakaway” and have given it the ReStructure Mix image with more of the guitar pieces and funky bass bounce – adding some new beats and breaks. It is a bit extended with some familiar samples of these ladies who make the night a great place to be!

“New York Is My Kind Of Town” by Metropolis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“New York Is My Kind Of Town” by Metropolis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Metropolis is a disco project from 1978 on the classic label Salsoul Records and was produced by Thor Baldursson and Tom Moulton. The recording also featured vocals by The Sweethearts of Sigma – Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton. This New York themed project was the source of the big disco single “I Love New York” which is still a classic among discophiles. I have taken the third hit from the project titled “New York Is My Kind Of Town” and created a Disco Video Mix to lament the Broadway-like energy and sound of 70s disco.

Scenes from the 1955 musical film, “Guys and Dolls” starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine are used to bring this chorus of celebration and excitement. More of the dance sequences are the feat of this Disco Video Mix and again the great work of Mr. Tom Moulton.

The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewizc

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

“Bad Love” by Cher – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Bad Love” by Cher – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Cher released several disco tracks during 1979 including the Bob Esty production and classic, “Take Me Home”. Featured on the soundtrack to “Foxes” in 1980 is “Bad Love” produced by Giorgio Moroder and co-written with Cher. The track has the Moroder electronic feel which he brought to disco and then pop dance music of the 80s. The theme of “Bad Love” is fitting for the films theme where a group of teens find out the hard way about love, life and heartbreak on the streets.

I have paired the track with a rare film by Cher from 1969 titled “Chasity” produced by Sonny Bono about a runaway drifter who finds pain and a tough lesson in dealing with an abusive childhood. The film has a dark edge and is only placed here for a photoplay of Cher’s unique look and of course the period of 60’s love child exploration. It is however a great montage to experience that Cher and Moroder teaming with a touch of disco magic!

The film was directed by Alessio de Paola

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

ReStructure Mix Update (9/18/15) “Fever” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (9/18/15) “Fever” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane is one of disco music’s lead stars and outline for its aura. A former Elite fashion model and in 1978 a disco sensation with her project “Rough Diamond” that not only gave her a symbolic label for her beauty but also music which was the complete disco genre. In this project she also covers the standard, “Fever” in her own unique blend of sensual vocals and alluring stage presence. It is one of the most exciting moments in disco history. The production by Jean-Claude Friederich borrows several key disco players including Thor Baldursson and Juergen Koppers.

I have taken the album version of “Fever” and have worked this ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Ms. Kane and also display a new edit for the wonderful disco production and thrill of its bass, strings and lovely vocals igniting excitement. A few new elements I have added are an intro and also have broken down the original to take a new ride on a new set of disco tracks.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ms. Madleen Kane and thanks for all she has given to the fantasy and love of disco music. It is head on and will last as long as the mirror ball continues to spin.

“Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” by Sounds Of Inner City – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” by Sounds Of Inner City – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sounds Of Inner City is an early disco project from 1976 produced, arranged and conducted by the late and incredible, Vince Montana, Jr. A dance novelty celebrating the television soap opera parody, “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” – a series way ahead of its time. The single on the classic West End Records sound much like a piece that may be The Salsoul Orchestra. Considered an underground classic this one works well with the lush disco strings and funky bass – the vital sound of disco music.

This Disco Video Mix grabs scenes from the Norman Lear camp series that stars Louise Lasser as our confused and lovable heroine who always seems to find time for drama between house cleaning. It is self-explanatory and in short in great fun.

The series was directed by Joan Darling and Jim Drake

Featuring scenes from "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (9/15/15) “Stargazing” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Earlene Bentley featuring Sylvester

ReStructure Mix Update (9/15/15) “Stargazing” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Earlene Bentley featuring Sylvester
Earlene Bentley is a disco/high energy star from the early 80s who took dance floors hostage with her big 1983 hit, “The Boys Come To Town”. Her powerful vocal performances bring to mind a sultry standard singer with a level for moving feet and floor boards when roaring. One of my favorite and slightly camp-like approaches which always makes the males who love the divas stand to attention. “Stargazing” is a monstrous single from 1984 which also features disco star, Sylvester – produced by Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench. Another one of their big dance hits that stand out with these two powerhouse singers belting out their love and energy!

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to work a ReStructure Mix which takes more time to introduce the exploding sound of “Stargazing” and also add a few elements from each of our stars past moments. This is a fun track that should bring back that 80s high energy feel!

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/15) “I Feel Love”/”Love To Love You Baby” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bronski Beat with Marc Almond

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/15) “I Feel Love”/”Love To Love You Baby” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bronski Beat with Marc Almond

Bronski Beat is Jimmy Sommerville, Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek. Their 1984 album “The Age of Consent” paved another path to a new electronic sound for dance floors with a full orchestral feel and the powerful falsetto vocal of Sommerville creating a haunting landscape. Their cover of Donna Summer’s two disco classics, “I Feel Love” and “Love To Love You Baby” is one of the major edges of 80s dance music in form with the disco resonance of the 70s/ A new era of dance music was formulated here and followed according with the original concept of this genius.

I have taken the 12” version of “I Feel Love”/”Love To Love You Baby” both the “Cake Mix” and “Fruit Mix” and created a new ReStructure Mix focusing more on the rolling electronic instrumental with pieces of the fabulous vocals molded around the arrangement. It is an alternative to the full on 12” vocal versions and works more as a supplement for those lovers of Donna and Giorgio Moroder original masterpiece!

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/15) “Heaven On The 7th Floor” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Nicholas

ReStructure Mix Update (9/14/15) “Heaven On The 7th Floor” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Nicholas
Paul Nicholas is an English actor, singer and songwriter who released his first album on RSO Records in 1977 which featured the pop single, “Heaven On The 7th Floor”. This was a radio hit in the boogie pick during a period where disco music began to influence pop artists and producers. The track was written by Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker (“Woman In Love” by The Three Degrees, “Ain’t No Smoke Without Fire” by Eddie Kendricks). It became a disco classic since the feel of the song followed the formula of a fun and uplifting ditty.

I have taken the short album version to recreate a ReStructure Mix with a longer intro and song new breaks. Along with some added percussion in areas which did not lack the sound – but played along with the fluent energy of the song. It is one that reminds me of FM radio Saturday night boogie music and plays well with the classic disco followers.

“Pounding With Desire” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Pounding With Desire” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

D.C. LaRue and Bob Esty – what else can I say but “hit” and “classic”!

“Pounding With Desire” is from D.C.LaRue’s 1978 project, “Confessions” – a disco journey which covers the dance floor in many shades of rhythm and themes. The second act of side two is where the romance of D.C.’s narrative takes us to a higher understanding of devotion to a lover and then back to life. A favorite listening adventure for me and is still one of the most invigorating disco productions to date.

I have taken the 1956 musical, “Anything Goes” starring Bing Crosby, Donald O’Connor, Jeanmaire and Mitzi Gaynor – using the beauty romances and dance sequences to paint a lovely canvas for D.C. and Bob’s work. The mood is set for the wonderful feeling love brings as it become a realization. Fantastic disco works here along with some great ballet and jazz style musical feet.

The film was directed by Robert Lewis

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

“Both Sides Now’ by Viola Wills – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Both Sides Now’ by Viola Wills – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Viola Wills was the answer to the disco spotlight during the late 70s. He huge disco cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” was an instant classic and continues to revive that dance hall feeling even today. Her 1986 album “Dare To Dream” featured another fantastic 80’s dance cover of Judy Collins’ 1967 song, “Both Sides Now”. The production by Billy Osborne IV, Mel Simpson and Paul Phillips plays out in the electronic dance field with a lighter feel for Viola’s beautiful and lyrical vocals.

I have taken the 1977 comedy, “Which Way Is Up” and oddly paired it with this optional life awakening theme, but with scenes from Richard’s eyes focusing in the film. The double life being exposed in the end is the side which we find as the finale in both media. It is more of homage to Richard Pryor and his comedic edge which always brought insanity into the light and smiles along the way.

The film was directed by Michael Schultz

Featuring scenes from “Which Way Is Up?” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (9/4/15) “Young Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (9/4/15) “Young Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson released her first solo project in 1982 which featured “Young Love” – a promising a sweet approach at the early 80s dance market and floors. This one plays out like a ‘young’ romance as simple as it sounds yet has that funk- driven clap track that slams into action as soon as it begins. A nice piece produced by Bobby Watson, Rene Moore and Angela Winbush. One of the big pop singles of my club during its release and also a promise of hearing more from Ms. Jackson – which we all recall created quite excitement.

I have taken the 12” version (which is also the album version) and reconstructed a new ReStructure Mix with the original beats and energy only breaking down a few areas and adding a fading intro and cold end. It works with a couple of new breaks and extends this love note for Janet to get smart on love at such an early age.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/3/15) “Tearin’ It Up” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chaka Khan

ReStructure Mix Update (9/3/15) “Tearin’ It Up” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan’s 1982 project “Chaka Khan” is one of those albums which may have slipped by the public – but fans knew that this powerful voice of soul was continuing her legend in a towering way. Vocals were always one of the main components of Chaka’s music and within “Tearin’ It Up” we hear the full force of how Chaka can transform a level above. This track became a hit in many hardcore clubs who often paid tribute to the underground greats on a dance floor. This big one has the power of a disco great and pulls together wonderfully with a production by Arif Mardin.

I have taken the Larry Levan 12” masterpiece using both vocal and instrumental to recreate another form of Chaka worship – more instrumental and keyboard strikes to create a new frame. One of my favorite tracks from the 80s underground feels with the diva of soul to lament the feeling and sensation that a great dance record gives.

ReStructure Mix Update (9/1/15) “All Night Long (All Night)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lionel Ritchie

ReStructure Mix Update (9/1/15) “All Night Long (All Night)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Lionel Ritchie
Lionel Ritchie gave the 80s a pop/r&b classic with his 1983 project, “Can’t Slow Down” – “All Night Long (All Night)” dominated the Grammy’s and radio during this period. It was not only one of the uplifting songs of the 80s with a sincere unity, but it also gave dance floors another reason to stay foot. Produced by Lionel himself and wonderful arranged with a rhythm which drops in and out of a celebration. A huge hit for me and remained on my playlists for months as the party continued throughout the 80s.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to work a new ReStructure Mix with a new intro and much more emphasis on the non-stop energy of the song – accentuating the great horn and percussion arrangement. Another chance to smile and take your feet into a rhythm that transcends our human upside.