ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/15) “Hot Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slip

ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/15) “Hot Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slip

Slip is a disco project from German producer Tess (Fancy, Timerider) from 1983 whose memorable tracks were covers of disco classics “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and “Harmony” – their single “Hot Jungle” was always a favorite of mine. It is a simple electronic piece that uses a simple chorus riff surrounded by keyboard takes. It has the emphasis on the sexy cover and theme of woman’s apparel piece, ‘slip’.

I have taken the piece “Hot Jungle” from the “The Slip EP” and created a new ReStructure Mix to celebrate the high energy period of disco history and also the great Manfred Alois Segieth (Fancy) and his wonderful contribution to disco and Italo-disco music.

“Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Larry Page Orchestra is a disco project from Larry Page who a former pop singer and record producer from England of the late 50s and 60s who made the transition to disco in the late seventies “Erotic Soul” is the album from 1977 and along with Chris Blackwell (Max Berlin, Tschai Prender)created a lounge-feel disco sound. I have always admired the beautiful strings in the title track, “Erotic Soul” as well as the pounding drums and percussion.

I have created a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1954 adventure film, “Elephant Walk” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Dana Andrews. The story of a herd of angry elephants who wreak havoc on a tea plantation in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for blocking their migrating path. The beauty of Elizabeth Taylor is the main force here along with the care and respect for all animals on this planet.

“Erotic Soul” works as a new disco theme replacing the classic, “Baby Elephant Walk” by Henry Mancini.

The film was film was directed by William Dieterie

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

“Glide” by Musique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Glide” by Musique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Musique is a disco group from Patrick Adams and Christine Wiltshire with all of what disco music was made of during the mid and late 70s. Much of the productions were roaring with a Barry White-esque orchestral feel as well as a funk edge with the stomping disco beat on other tracks. This is a project which filled all of the needs of dance floors around the world for its time. Today the sound is classic among followers and many tracks remain fresh and exuberant as the day they were recorded. “Glide” is from the “Musique II” album released in 1979 and is one of the four favorites of mine from the album. It has the feel of a rush of ecstasy and the graceful sound of a symphony. Along with Christine Wiltshire on vocals the sound is my choice.

I have taken the song in a Disco Video Mix to not only salute Mr. Patrick Adams and Ms. Christine Wiltshire – but also keep this beautiful music alive.  The 1945 film “It’s A Pleasure” starring ice skating Princess Sonja Henie is the background for this melody and works along the theme of not only disco’s lilting sound – but the wonderful escape and freedom it creates.

The film was directed by William A. Seiter

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

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Mr. Patrick Adams and Ms. Christine Wiltshire – the world needs your sound again!

“Tubular Bells” by Champs Boys Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Tubular Bells” by Champs Boys Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Champs Boys Orchestra is a disco project from produced Patrick Boceno who also gave us C.D. Band (“HooDoo VooDoo”. His 1976 single “Tubular Bells” is a clever mash-up of Mike Oldfield’s classic theme from the horror film “The Exorcist from 1973 and disco’s own “Love To Love You Baby” by Donna Summer from 1975 – a nice use of the bass guitar track and Oldfield’s haunting instrumental. One of the early disco mash-ups which became an underground classic during the late 70s and early 80s.

I have taken Champs’ Boys Orchestra and created an appropriate Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1974 Turkish remake of “The Exorcist” and worked both covers into a quick glance at second take on some of the most horrifying scenes from the original William Peter Blatty/William Friedkin masterpiece.

The film was directed by Metin Erksan

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

“Slice Me Nice” by Fancy – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Slice Me Nice” by Fancy – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Fancy (Manfred Alois Segieth)is a German disco singer who brought us many familiar 80s disco projects as well as his own solo work with producer Anthony Monn. “Slice Me Nice” is from his first album from 1985 “Get Your Kicks” – a rolling electronic piece that has a nice vocal hook as well as a mystique within the theme. It is one of the well-known high energy pieces from the mid-80s and a favorite of mine from Fancy’s huge repertoire.

I have taken “Slice Me Nice” into a Disco Video Mix for a special Halloween edition “A Horrifying Disco Video Mix A-Day!” 2015. I have blended some disturbing scenes from the 2004 psychological horror film, “Saw” – which I never did watch but have heard of the horrible theme which kept me from it – but for this Disco Video Mix and ventured onto scenes for the theme “slice” and “saw” seemed quite playful. It took me quite some time to complete this since I could not see the clips very long – the blood and gore flicks were fun as a teenager but are like a roller coaster ride now in my mind set. Ewwww!

The film was directed by James Wan

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

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/15) “Don’t Wanna Lose You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/15) “Don’t Wanna Lose You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane (Madleen Frings) is one of disco music’s true originals. From the start of her career in club music in 1978 with “Rough Diamond” a persona of a new disco model was born. Her breathy and appropriate vocals are the sound which “people fall in love to in discotheques” – as Madleen once said herself in an interview. Many of her fans hold her dear to their hearts and souls as her music and talent has never failed to bring the true feeling of what disco music is all about: freedom and savvy.

I have taken the title track to the album “Don’t Wanna Lose You” from 19881 produced by Giorgio Moroder which was another big thrill for disco and dance fans everywhere. The piece always reminded me of a love song with a light country feel and of course Madleen wonderful vocals. I have created a new ReStructure Mix to bring this one back into the spotlight. The album version was the only mix available and a fade in intro made it difficult to spin unless it began a set. This ReStructure Mix gives a new riff driven version with more of Madleen! Who could want more?

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/15) "Summer Breeze" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Baiser

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/15) "Summer Breeze" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Baiser

Baiser is a disco project from producer Francois L'Herbier - who also worked on the follow up album from Voggue ("Love Buzz"). "Summer Breeze" is the single released in 1983 which is one of the most beautiful pieces from this year. It is a love affair starting in the summer sun and hoping for a promise of lasting emotion. A favorite among many connoisseurs of early morning music or a blend of electronic dance with a touch of contemporary jazz fusion. This piece also contains a lovely vocal from an uncredited studio singer which brings the song to another great level.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental into the ReStructure Mix realm to give the song a more underground feel and break up some of the wonderful keyboard and percussion. It was nice time spent also breaking the vocal into pieces and placing them into another romantic gesture for a whole new experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “I Feel Love” (The Live Version) – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “I Feel Love” (The Live Version) – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer released “Live and More” at the height of her career and also the highest raging flames of disco nightlife. The 1978 release gave us a “live” performance of Donna at the Universal Amphitheatre on stage with her greatest hit up to this point. “I Feel Love” featured a dynamite live arrangement – and Donna purring those sensual chants over and over at her best. The three sided “live” recording is probably the best of any artist – Donna at her best.

I have taken the “live” track of “I Feel Love” from the “Live and More” double album to recreate a new ReStructure Mix that plays out the energy and excitement of the song and break it down in a new way. It is a tribute to the lady who never left me disappointed as a teenager being “shut out” and too young to enter discotheques in the mid-70s – but finding my imagination and love for Donna’s music and voice – all alone in my room with headphones!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “Taste Of Bitter Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gladys Knight & The Pips

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “Taste Of Bitter Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight and The Pips released their project “About Love” in 1980 – produced by Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Another peak for Gladys, The Pips and Ashford and Simpson it focuses on the four letter word and emotions brought to a soulful level. “Taste Of Bitter Love” is a mid-tempo dance track that was one of the biggest in my club and is celebrated here with a new energy and arrangement. It is one of those moments again where Gladys shines wonderfully and brings out the feelings that make love and heartbreak one of humanities great rewards and lessons.

I have taken the album version onto the ReStructure Mix chopping block and present this gentle giant with a new intro and some breaks that drop in and out for energy. It is a great piece of work with that mixture of soul, disco and rhythm and blues.

“Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Bronski Beat is a synth-pop dance band whose 1984 album “Age Of Consent” played a huge part of the electronic dance music streak of the time. Members Jimmy Somerville, Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek worked an array of original and cover songs by Donna Summer and George and Ira Gershwin. This was quite a show and display of a new form of 80s dance music discovery. “Smalltown Boy” is the chart hit which is one of the most memorable and emotionally charged pieces thanks to the moody music and Somerville’s incredible vocal. It became one of the most successful for the band and a starting point for careers for the band and Somerville.

I have created a Disco Video Mix for “Smalltown Boy” with a new twist using scenes from 1978 low-budget sci-fi flick “Laserblast” starring Kim Milford – tying in a bit of revenge as this unhappy teenager who discovers an alien laser cannon and wreaks havoc on those who have taunted him. It is a fantasy edge and gives the disco track another moody side.

The film was directed by Michael Rae

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

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/15) “That Special Magic” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – B.B. and Band

ReStructure Mix Update (10/7/15) “That Special Magic” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – B.B. and Band

B.B. and Band is an Italian disco project from Mario Boncaldo and Tony Carrasco- a duo responsible for recordings by Klein & M.B.O., Plastic Mode, and M.T.L. Project. A new breed of disco energy fused in the early 80s based on electronics and disco/street beats. Much of the work here is in the early transition of disco from the late 70s emerging again in a format which focuses on happy and uplifting feel of Italo-disco and the heavy keyboard and sequencer instrumentals brought to life by artists like Moroder and Cerrone. A new Euro-disco style in a simple arrangement and style. “That Special Magic” is from the 1982 album “Wee Thee People” which was a big move for Italian disco music. This one is like an anthem for a challenged love affair. It plays out well with the child-like choruses building onto the powerhouse vocals of the group. Always one that I would break in during early evenings to get the floor moving.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix which makes use of the pounding pianos, castanets, drum rolls and rolling synths. A slight move on the original arrangement adding only a few more layered areas to smooth out and also excite the song.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/6/15) “You Got My Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Front Page

ReStructure Mix Update (10/6/15) “You Got My Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Front Page

Front Page is a disco project from producers Burt Szerlip, Cory Robbins and Rick Tell. The spotlight on this track is the vocals from Sharon Redd – although the production on this monster classic is flawless and stands as an outline for disco perfection. A creative blend of soaring disco strings, heavy percussion and funky guitars. “You Got My Love” is the flip-side to the big nugget, “Love Insurance” – however it is not modest as a disco powerhouse. The performance by Sharon Redd gives this yearning track so much power and emotion it brings tears to dancers and listeners. One of my all-time favorite Top10 disco 12” singles and one which should always be compared to.

I have taken the 12” version (mixed by Mr. Rick Gianatos) and worked a new ReStructure Mix to pay homage to Ms. Redd and also this celebrated disco classic. The original arrangement is reedited and played out with some new looping and layering of those fabulous guitar tracks and infectious percussion.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/5/15) “When I Think Of You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (10/5/15) “When I Think Of You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson began her solo recording career in 1982 with her self-titled album and hits, “Young Love” and “Come Give You Love To Me”. A progression of sound and production brought her to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – a duo whose work with girl band Klymaxx set their creativity and electronic funk to work. “When I Think Of You” from Janet’s 1986 album “Control” and introduced Janet in a whole new light. An electronic beat-street driven sound that took over the mid and late 80s on dance floors and mainstream pop influence. The piece has a sweetness and charm which helped to make it a lasting hit for Janet and also made dance floors jump with excitement.

I have taken the 12” “Dance Remix”, “Extra Beats” and “Dub/A Capella) to create a ReStructure Mix which plays more on a few riffs that lay the song out for a new dance floor or pair of headphones. It works with chop-edits and looping to give the lasting energy another boost. A fun piece of remix pleasure for those who can’t get enough of Janet Jackson or dance music history!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/3/15) “Billie Jean” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael Jackson

ReStructure Mix Update (10/3/15) “Billie Jean” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller” from 1982 is one of the moments in history where the excitement of music brought a period to life. It is truly one of the recordings which make time seem endless when you feel the energy and vibe which lasts even today. “Billie Jean” is an iconic piece from the project which gave Michael his moment to not only effect dance floors – but hearts and minds. It is one song that can be peeled apart and dissected but never misunderstood.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a ReStructure Mix with lots of play and direction. There is a dub feel with more of the sounds and resonance of the original to bring a new experience upfront. I can remember the energy and motivation from dance floors and of course the endless nights extending this monster – here it is in new form.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/15) “Moskow Diskow” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Telex

ReStructure Mix Update (10/2/15) “Moskow Diskow” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Telex

Telex is Dan Lacksman, Marc Moulin and Michel Moers – an electronic dance band from the late 80s with an alternative edge and theme properties. “Moskow Diskow” is from their 1979 album “Looking For Saint Tropez” and is one of the dance floor pieces that followed in the vein of bands like M (“Pop Muzak” ). It was a breath of a subtle nu-wave sound using the disco beat and focus – dancing. “Moscow Diskow” was a favorite for many clubs who had innovative jocks that could weave this pulsating sound into the changing sound of disco in the late 70s.

I have taken the original 12” version and recreated a new ReStructure Mix adding a few familiar elements (a la Moroder) to the new journey. This one breaks down the riffs into a spaced out feeling that many afterhours’ clubs would have appreciated. It bears the rumbling bass and of the original and the infectious chorus that makes this one hard to resist!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/1/15) “Lucky Tonight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sarah Dash

ReStructure Mix Update (10/1/15) “Lucky Tonight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sarah Dash

Sarah Dash made “Sinner Man” from 1978 a track which pounded dance floors into a new diva-esque style of disco music with her incredibly powerful vocals. Her affiliation with Pattie Labelle and The Blue Belles (also known as LaBelle) left a mark which gave us an opportunity to feel more than soul – a unique style. “Lucky Tonight” is a piece from her recordings with Patrick Cowley’s label Megatone Records in San Francisco –a label which revived disco music again in the early 80s. The electronic high energy piece was always a favorite of mine and made my dance floors go wild!

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a new movement for Sarah’s vocals and Cowley’s innovative and unique keyboard sound. This one builds a few times to leave dancers holding on to the edge of their dance floor. I have not only extended pieces of the instrumental but added a few new ad-lib breaks for the vocal. A special guest appearance is added by Jessica Lange from 1976’s adventure film, “King Kong” – good luck!