ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/13): “Undercover Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs

ReStructure Mix Update (4/11/13): “Undercover Lover” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Debbie Jacobs

Debbie Jacobs (now known as Debbie Jacobs-Rock) is one of those artists that made disco music complete - her 1979 album “Undercover Lover” - produced by Mr. Paul Sabu, was the crowning touch for the end of the disco era. It was exciting and masterful - with the talent of Paul Sabu’s amazing arrangements and innovative use of percussion and orchestra. This is one needed recording in any disco collection or audiophile who wants to capture the best of this period.

I have taken the album version of “Undercover Lover” and created a ReStructure Mix to further the flawless mix and production to an alternative remix. I have used much of the stomping and funky keyboards to play with new play ground for Debbie’s fantastic vocal track.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Paul Sabu and Ms. Debbie Jacobs-Rock - two icons of the 70s who will never be forgotten for their amazing talents!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/13): “Fantasy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lian Ross

ReStructure Mix Update (4/9/13): “Fantasy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lian Ross

Lian Ross is a German hi-NRG and Euro-disco singer who began recording in 1985 with her first single, “Say You’ll Never”. Her career took her to a current release in 2012. Lian’s repertoire include a cover of Sylvester’s “Do You Wanna Funk” from 1987 and also her 1985 single “Fantasy” - which is one of my favorites. The song is a mystical theme about a lover from somewhere in the galaxy who visit’s a love struck woman in her fantasy - pure disco material.

I have taken the 12” remix version from 1985 on Power Records out of Canada and created a ReStructure Mix which extends the elements that flow like a disco symphony along with Lian’s sensual vocal along with the Ambrosian accompaniments. I have added a familiar percussion riff to give the song another identifiable dance floor placement.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to George Matiowsky from Face book - and thanks for recommending this magical track for a reedit and ReStructure Mix - and a special thanks to George for being so wonderful to share memories and the wonder of music!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/13): “Red Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Three Degrees

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/13): “Red Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - The Three Degrees

The Three Degree were formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, PA and became the voices which made soul and disco a trio of sweet sounds. From hits like “When Will I See You Again” to “Givin’’ Up, Givin In” their sound has always given the ear a pleasant ring. It was in 1978 when these ladies united with disco producer, Giorgio Moroder when the explosion of disco excitement hit. The first project titled “New Dimensions” was quite an event for dance floors - and the follow up, “3D” the following year was another mark in disco history.

I have taken the track “Red Light” from the “3D” album and have given a ReStructure Mix to add a new layer of excitement and fun to the song. It is one of the disco-grooviest songs of the pairing of Moroder and these beautiful ladies of song. The disco beat pounds like a heartbeat for The Three Degrees and makes their voice sound well at home.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/13): “Romance ‘83” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara

ReStructure Mix Update (4/5/13): “Romance ‘83” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Irene Cara

Irene Cara is known for her big disco hits “Fame” in 1980 and also for “What A Feelin’’ (Flashdance)” from 1983 - many may also remember her in the role of ‘Sparkle’ in the film “Sparkle” from 1976. Her second album in 1983 is produced by disco’s electronic man, Mr. Giorgio Moroder. It was a transition for Moroder from his magic days of creating the sound of electronic disco to moving into the 80s dance trends.

“Romance ‘83” is from the album “What A Feelin’” and was never featured as a single or given much attention - however, I always had a fondness for the lyrical sound of the track and the bouncy 80s synth edge which Moroder created with it. Quite simple but nice for a sample of Irene’s soft and beautiful voice.

I have taken the album version (3:56) and created a new ReStructure Mix playing with the elements and also adding one of Moroder’s classic synth-loops from a well-known hit. It is a whole new experience and ready to bring us back to the simple 80s dance floor!

“Pussy Cat” by Sylvia - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Pussy Cat” by Sylvia - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Sylvia is one of the talented female songwriters, singer, musician, producer and record executives in music history. Her recording career as early as 1951 with her single “Little Boy” as Little Sylvia. Her big hit, “Pillow Talk” from 1973 is one of the sensual tracks of the soul and disco genre which gives Sylvia her recognizable style. “Pussy Cat” is a single released in 1975 - produced by Al Goodman and Harry Ray - this single is similar to the sexy delivery and very playful.

I have taken “Pussy Cat” and paired it with the fantasy slapstick comedy film from 2003, “The Cat In The Hat” starring Mike Myers - and based on the Dr. Suess book by the same name. It has some wonderful visuals and situations that play in another mode of the disco single - but the pairing is more of a visual experience.

The film was directed by Bo Welch

Featuring scenes from “The Cat In The Hat” - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to my sister, Lolly - who asked me to create a Disco Video Mix using the film “The Cat In The Hat” - and also a surprise for her birthday today, April 4th 2013. Happy Birthday Lolly!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/13): “I Go To Rio” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

ReStructure Mix Update (4/4/13): “I Go To Rio” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Allen

Peter Allen is an entertainer from Australia who entertained many with his upbeat style of jazz, blues, pop and disco performances. His 1976 album “Taught By Experts” one of his staple hits, “I Go To Rio” - produced by Brooks Arthur. The track is one of the upbeat numbers which crossed the barrier of adult pop contemporary to world beat/rhythms. A sweet and Latin driven song with the sound of the dance floor diversity of the best clubs of the 70s and even today.

I have taken the short (3:17) album and created a new ReStructure Mix with many breakdowns and extended verses of this hot-hot stage and dance floor song. It is a newer production with new drums, fills and excitement to make Rio last a bit longer!

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Pete Denis of Coconut Grove, Florida - and thanks for his request to rework this magic song and also for his continued support to keep disco and dance music alive today and forever! This one is for you, Pete!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/2/13): “Walk Away” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bonnie Forman

ReStructure Mix Update (4/2/13): “Walk Away” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bonnie Forman

Bonnie Forman who released two singles in 1982 - her first “All Night” - a disco single produced by Ed O’ Laughlin (Wild Fantasy, Carol Douglas, Dana and Gene) and Kenny Laguna. She was soon picked up by upcoming and promising disco label Wave Records for “Walk Away” - produced by  Mark Berry who was a producer, engineer and remixer from Brooklyn, NY. The single did quite well for the introduction of a synthetic-dance genre taking over the disco edge during the early 80s.

I have taken the vocal and instrumental versions of the 12” single to create a whole new mix of “Walk Away” with a few surprises and new-turns. It was one of my favorites during the peak hours of high energy during the period so remixing it was a fun part of my experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/1/13): “I Feel Love Coming” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Modern Rocketry

ReStructure Mix Update (4/1/13): “I Feel Love Coming” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Modern Rocketry

Modern Rocketry is a disco group from San Francisco - Ken Kessie and Morey Goldstein. Their first album from 1985 titled “Modern Rocketry” featured their big dance floor hits, “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone”, “Homosexuality”, “Thank God For Men” and “Cuba Libre!”. It was the resurgence of disco’s high energy sound and this studio conceptual band did it to the hilt.

“I Feel Love Coming” is their single from 1987 - a time when high energy from the UK reached it peak and US labels were cranking the last of the pulsating beat and themes from the souls of the dancers out to a wanting audience. It was an exciting time.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “I Feel Love Coming” and created a ReStructure Mix including samples of “love” coming from our Lady of Love’s classic. This gives the song a real ‘disco’ purpose!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/13): “Ain’t Nobody” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chaka Khan

ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/13): “Ain’t Nobody” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan (Carole Yvette Marie Stevens) recorded “Ain’t Nobody” with Rufus (Andre Fischer, Bobby Watson, Chaka Khan, David "Hawk" Wolinski, John Robinson, Kevin Murphy , Richard Calhoun and Tony Maiden ) in 1983 - from the LP “Stompin’ At The Savoy”.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix with a new intro and more dreamy feel to the intro and a few more loops and effects to give it a new moment. It is one the well-known tracks with Chaka’s voice and is certainly a hot contender as one of the most hypnotic love songs off the 80’s with the funk intact.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/13): “Power and Reason” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/13): “Power and Reason” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

Machine is a disco band formed by August Darnell - who was a part of the group Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band (“Cherchez La Femme” ) in the mid 70s. The big disco hit for Machine in 1979 was an innovative song titled, “There But For The Grace Of God Go I” - which took dance floors layers above the then present time with it’s energy and motivation.

I have taken the 12” single “Power and Reason” from their second album titled “Movin’ On” - which is a powerful and funk-driven song and recreated a ReStructure Mix to outline the song again with the statement and energy it brings. A wonderful production which always reminded me of a Norman Whitfield masterpiece with its funky moog synths and funky-kickin beats.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/13) “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alma Faye Brooks

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/13) “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alma Faye Brooks

Alma Faye Brooks is a vocalist who hit the disco scene in 1977 with her hit, “Stop, I Don’t Need No Sympathy” (a disco cover of Lyn Roman’s 1973 single) and immediately became one of the soulful and exciting voices on the club scene. Her follow up single “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” from the same year was releases as a 7” single. It was unfortunate that a 12” single was never issued - this was one of the great missed love songs for the dance floor.

Alma also is featured as lead vocalist on the classic Bomber’s hit “(Everybody) Get Dancin’” from 1978. This performance is unaccredited - but you can definitely feel and hear Alma’s fantastic emotion and delivery.

The production is executed beautifully by Dominic Sciscente and Michel Daigle - known for Alma’s 1979 album “Doin’ It” and disco groups, Space Project, Black Light Orchestra and also the production for “Love Buzz” by Voggue.

I have taken the 45 rpm ‘vocal’ and ‘instrumental’ to recreate a longer and ReStructured Mix for this missed jewel. It is bittersweet and orchestrated with the disco feel which brings to mind a classic soul feel.  A new break and some extended verses are added.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay - my great disco contacts in Australia who make this music feel like new again. Thank you for requesting a ReStructure Mix of Alma’s wonderful track.

“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Rick Dees (Rigdon Osmond Dees III) is a comedic performer who marked disco history with his forever silly track “Disco Duck:” in 1977. It is one of the crazy parodies of a genre of music which becomes one of the stamps of what was to come for the style of music that practically every artist dipped their feet into. So the theme is quite appropriate.

I have taken the 1986 science fiction/comedy film “Howard The Duck” starring Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins. The film is based on a Marvel Comic Strip character about a duck from outer-space. The film follows through with a big taste of the 80s. It is a crazy Disco Video Mix only intended to keep the silly-side of disco music alive and a little bit of history.

The film was directed by Willard Huyck

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

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/13) - “Light A Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peppermint

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/13) - “Light A Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peppermint

Peppermint is a disco/high energy project from German musician, engineer and producer, Helmut Rulofs - who also brought us tracks by Gilla, Harry Baier, Vanilla and Touch. His 1985 club hit is an uplifting disco-ditty with a nice rolling sound and celebratory feel. It is one of the electronic disco tracks of the time you would hear from club-to-club during the time.

I have taken the original 12” version and have worked a ReStructure Mix to create an alternative version with more chopping than The Cooking Channel but just as delicious as those disco chorus girls unite to salute a rodeo like showdown. It is pure fun and the mix is intended to keep the sound of 80s high energy on your mind and your feet moving!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/13) - “Whistle Bump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Deodato

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/13) - “Whistle Bump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Deodato

Eumir Deodato is a musician, composer, arranger and producer who has given us work from 1964 - through current as well as successful projects from Kool & The Gang, Juicy, and Con Funk Shun. His original work has always stemmed in the jazz arena. Known to bring in instruments which were cutting edge and innovative for his easel of work. His 1979 album “Knights Of Fantasy” was a big event for me since “Shazam” and “Whistle Bump” were two of my personal favorites and movers on my dance floor.

I have taken the 12” single version of “Whistle Bump” and have given it a ReStructure Mix as a breakdown to the funky guitars, bongos and keyboards. It is a bit extended and also some additional percussion is added to enhance the funky-driven track.

“I Can Fly” by Rainey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“I Can Fly” by Rainey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Rainey is an artist who released a single titled “I Can Fly” in 1985 – as a part of the soundtrack to the film, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”. It was produced by Jay Levy. It is a song of freedom and personal growth as the film depicted a teenager breaking free from her overly-religious father to show her talent as a dancer.

I have taken the 1953 Walt Disney classic, “Peter Pan” and created a short montage of the magical flight sequences to embellish this 80s dance classic. It is an uplifting trip to give the joys of childhood a special place in the adult world of the dance floor.

The film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske and Jack Kinney

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

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/13) - “Delicate Jan” by Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/13) - “Delicate Jan” by Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008 is a Italian disco project from 1978 - arranged by the incredible Celso Valli who also gave us great disco work from Passengers, Tantra, Azoto, Nuggets, Cassandra, Future State and Matia Bazar. One of my favorite producers and musicians. Anyone who has heard the Tantra - Double Album would agree that he is one of the most creative.

“Delicate Jan” is a winding disco track that speaks of the wonderful lady, Jan who captivates and allures men and women with charm and sensual traits. It was featured on a Disconet Issue and is from the album, “Dance Skination”.

I have taken the 4:52 album track and created a whole new view of the song with a new ReStructure Mix adding many new breaks and a new energy. It is my tribute to Mr. Celso Valli and the ReStructure Mix in a whole. You may find yourself signing joyfully just how wonderful and incredible Jan is!

“Dancer Dance” by Pussyfoot – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dancer Dance” by Pussyfoot – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

NOTE: MINOR NUDITY

Pussyfoot is a disco project produced by Mick Flinn (Design, Sponooch) and features vocals by Donna Jones (New Seekers, Springfield Revival) and features an electronic sequencer arrangement very similar to the big Donna Summer hit, “I Feel Love” and sensual vocals riding the melody. The track was featured in the US on a Disconet issue and quite a big hit internationally during the late 70s and early 80s.

I have taken the 1995 sexy-drama “Showgirls” starring Elizabeth Berkley and Gina Gershon and blended to appropriately create the ‘dancer action’ and exaggerated drama of show-business on the Vegas strip. It is a camp-cult classic now and fits perfectly into the disco realm as heard and seen.

The film was directed by Paul Verhoeven

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

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Jussi Kantonen- thanks for his recommending this film as a Video Mix and also for his energy in keeping obscure and artistic disco music alive today!

"Shot In The Night"- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul Parker

"Shot In The Night"- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul Parker

Paul Parker is a disco/dance artist who began his recording career alongside producer/artist Patrick Cowley during the dance music resurgence in the early 80s. His big club hit, “Right On Target” is the proof and long tern standing of the power of his vocal and music longevity.

I have taken his 1983 track “Shot In The Night” from his “Too Much Too Dream” project and have given the 12” remix a ReStructure Mix to bring the track new life. It has a longer intro with extended drums from the original track and also some added pieces from Patrick Cowley’s classic “Menergy”.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Paul Parker – who continues to bring us his wonderful sound even today.

"Red Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mary Wilson

"Red Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson is best known as one of the founding members of the iconic Motown/girl group, The Supremes. Her solo career began in 1979 with a self-titled album featuring a sizzling track appropriately tiled, "Red Hot". The disco/funk track was arranged by Arthur Wright (Wright Bros. Flying Machine) who also worked on Paul Jabara's "Shut Out" project.

"Red Hot" was a big surprise for dance floors and clubs in 1979 and a real treat for true Supreme fans and Motown addicts. I was one of them and played this song out as it made many dancer feel the teasing energy of Mary's vocal.

I have taken the 12" remix and segments of the album version to create this ReStructure Mix which has more breaks and some pairing of a classic disco chorus to add some hardcore dance feel to the lounge style of this piece.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to my good friend, Rick Brissette of Lincoln City, OR and his non-stop love for the girls of style, song and figure of music. Thank you, Rick for keeping me back where music is now classic and the feeling is always new!

"Cathedrals" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. La Rue

"Cathedrals" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. La Rue

D.C. La Rue is one of my all-time favorite artists in disco music. From the early days of underground dance clubs and circuits comes the sound of disco music using the feel of edgy grooves and funky riffs. "Cathedrals" is D.C.'s album from 1976 - produced by Mr. La Rue and Aram Schefrin (Ecstasy Passion & Pain).

The single was a huge hit on early disco dance floors and helped to set the tone for a sophisticated and glam approach to disco music - my favorite flavor!

I have taken the Disconet Remix from 1980 and have given it a ReStructure Mix - playing with the keyboards and episodes of memorable one-night stands and flash backs to short-lived love and brought it directly to the place D.C. dared to compare. A flawless theme and recording.

Dedicated to Mr. D.C. La Rue and his continued support of disco and dance music even today - the heart can be heard in his music and love for a sound which brought out many fantasies and moving feet on dance floors trhroughout the 70s and even today.