“Crème De La Crème” by Waylon – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Crème De La Crème” by Waylon – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Waylon is a German disco act with a unique and strange twist. The single was produced by Andy Free (Patty Heart, Dance Reaction) who takes this 1979 disco track into an obscure and touch of maddening flare. It is true camp with a deranged-like camp vocal that is sure to take your senses to another level. It is one of those rare pieces that defy explanation…at times.

Taking the 2003 drag-comedy “Girls Will Be Girls” into this Disco Video Mix seems appropriately – and anyone who is familiar with Varla (Jeffrey Roberson) and her famous Cheez Wiz sequence will relate. Segments from Varla’s character bring the “crème de la crème” of a tasty and hungry performance together.

A bit of madness and disco camp!

The film was directed by Richard Day

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

“Russia” by Caprice – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Russia” by Caprice – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Caprice is a disco project from Jacques Fred Petrus (Macho, Revanche, Peter Jacques Band, Change) and Candelario Sanchez. One of the last Euro-disco productions on the Italian disco label, Goody Music. The album is one of the rare and underground finds of the Jacques Fred Petrus collection and one of the sounds of the orchestrations which were assembled by Petrus.

“Russia” is a track from the project which I have created a Disco Video Mix using the 1957 musical/comedy/romance film, “Silk Stockings” starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. The remake of “Ninotchka” gives a few dance sequences with Russian flavor a great pairing with this disco piece.

The film was directed by Rouben Mamoulian

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

“Haunted Disco” by Chromium – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Haunted Disco” by Chromium – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Chromium is a disco project from producers Trevor Horn (ABC, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Malcolm McLaren, Grace Jones) and Geoff Downes (Asia, Thompson Twins) and released their album “Star To Star” in 1979. The big club “Fly On UFO” was a hit and remains the finale destination for disco arrangements of the time.

I have taken the song “Haunted Disco” from the album and paired it with the 2012 comedy/fantasy film “Dark Shadows” and stars Johnny Depp as the resurrected vampire, Barnabas Collins. This odd return to the 70s play with a few elements which are fitting for the ghoulish-disco mood.

The film was directed by Tim Burton

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

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/13): “Superman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Celi Bee and The Buzzy Bunch

ReStructure Mix Update (5/15/13): “Superman” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Celi Bee and The Buzzy Bunch

Celi Bee is one of disco music’s most unique artist of the late 70s. Her first album from 1977 featured her disco hit “Superman” which is a funky-love tribute to the man of steel. It was later covered by Patrick Adams and Herbie Mann in 1978.

I have taken the album version of “Superman” and had given it a new ReStructure Mix - creating a new slap beat to give it a new sound and also added some new breaks with the luscious clamoring of that “Superman”!

“I’m A Big Freak (R-U-1-2)” by Patrick Adams presents PHREEK – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“I’m A Big Freak (R-U-1-2)” by Patrick Adams presents PHREEK – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Patrick Adams is one of the major contributors to the growing success of disco music in the mid and late 70s. Many of his productions gave dance floors a more underground and appropriate feel for clubs during the disco rein. His 1978 project Phreek is one of is most celebrated parts of Adams’ career since the single “Weekend” from the album was an anthem for clubs like The Garage.

I have taken the funky-disco piece titled “I’m A Big Freak (R-U-1-2)” and created a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 2007 comedy “Norbit” starring Eddie Murphy. Our main characters in the film give a complete outline of the chanted line from our disco track. It is a ton of fun!

The film was directed by Brian Robbins

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

ReStructure Mix Update (5/14/13): “Get Off Your Aahh! And Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy

ReStructure Mix Update (5/14/13): “Get Off Your Aahh! And Dance” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Foxy
Foxy is a disco band with members Ish Ledesma, Arnold Pasiero, Richie Puente Jr. , Charlie Murchiano and Joe Galdo. Their first album in 1976 is produced by Ray Martinez (Amant, Passion,  Seven Seas, Sassy, Ray Martinez and Friends) and features the big disco hit, “Get Off Your Aahh! And Dance” which is the disco hustle sound of the period.

I have taken the album version of the track and worked a ReStructure Mix using sample pieces from the follow up hit by Foxy “Get Off” from 1978. The mix centers on the percussion, bongos and some play with the wonderful bass-line.

This Restructure Mix is dedicated to the wonderful man himself, Mr. Ray Martinez - who makes the fantasy of disco music an experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (5/13/13): “Love Waves” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain & Destiny

ReStructure Mix Update (5/13/13): “Love Waves” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alton McClain & Destiny
Alton McClain & Destiny are Alton McClain, D’Marie Warren and Robyrda Stiger and were formed in 1978 with their first disco hit, “It Must be Love”. Produced by Frank Wilson (Diana Ross, The Temptations, FourTops) and John Footman (wrote Cheryl Lynn’s “Star Love” ). The trio brought the feel of soul to the sound of disco for the period and from the second album several dance floor hits including: “99 ½”, “I Don’t Wanna Be With Nobody Else” and “Love Waves”. The sound of these ladies is like a river of soft flowing water onto a green garden.

“Love Waves” has always been one of my favorite tracks from the project and is perfect for both early evening dance floors and after hours segments. I have taken the album version and have given the song a new ReStructure Mix adding more of a fantasy and sensual feel with a new elongated intro and some flowing effects throughout the new arrangement.

Dedicated to the “Disco-Diva” supporters who long for that sweet sound of soul and the rhythm of disco!

“This Side Of Midnight” by Gregg Diamond’s Star Cruiser – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“This Side Of Midnight” by Gregg Diamond’s Star Cruiser – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Gregg Diamond’s Star Cruiser is a 1978 project from the producer extraordinaire of boogie/funk and the sound of disco music which bought the late 70s a new edge. His work with past artists like George McCrae, Gloria Gaynor, Andrea True Connection, Ian Lloyd and his own Bionic Boogie and Hardware disco projects gave us a groovy disco arrangement and a feel.

“This Side Of Midnight” is from the 1978 album “Star Cruiser” and features Diva Gray, Jocelyn Brown and Gordon Grody on vocals. A big disco classic with all of Diamond’s magic intact.

I have taken the album version of “This Side Of Midnight” and transferred the disco emotion to the real drama of the film based on the 1973 novel by Sidney Sheldon – “The Other Side of Midnight” – the film stars Marie-France Pisier, John Beck and Susa Sarandon. I have centered on the love between Marie-France and John Beck and kept only the bright side of their love and moved the drama slightly outward.

The film was directed by Charles Jarott

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

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/13): “Don’t (Take My Love Away)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Saturday Night Band

ReStructure Mix Update (5/6/13): “Don’t (Take My Love Away)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Saturday Night Band

Saturday Night Band is a disco concept group from Jesse Boyce and Moses Dillard and also one of the landmark New York Disco records on the Prelude Records label. The production brought a live band feel to life with the mechanics of disco emerging and maturing for the late 70s dance explosion. The album “Come On Dance, Dance” is one of the classic sounds of the independent disco movement occurring almost overnight and being controlled by the sounds that feet and hips were demanding.

I have taken the track “Don’t (Take My Love Away)” from the project and created a ReStructure Mix for the soulful disco number. The sweet vocal by Jackie Edmonds is the classic sound of the early 70s with a lush and funky environment to sweep dancers off of their feet. A new intro deals with the synthesizer parts from the original track which always set Saturday Night Band apart from many groups of the time.

Dedicated to Mr. Jesse Boyce!

ReStructure Mix Update (5/2/13): “Free Me From My Freedom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bonnie Pointer

ReStructure Mix Update (5/2/13): “Free Me From My Freedom” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bonnie Pointer

Bonnie Pointer (Patricia Eva Pointer) is a R&B/disco singer who made a mark in disco music with her big 1979 hit “Heaven Must Have Sent You” - a dance classic. Her first solo album from 1978 contained the single, “Free Me From My Freedom” which also created a stir with many dancers. The track was produced by Berry Gordy and Jeffrey Bowen.

I have taken the 12” version of “Free Me From My Freedom” and have given it a new facelift with this ReStructure Mix. I have not only extended the original arrangement and added a few new drum tracks, but also added a guest vocal from The Queen of Soul - adding her mark on “freedom”.

Dedicated to all of the lovers of the female voices of disco music.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/13): “Love Is A Natural Thing” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mantus

ReStructure Mix Update (4/30/13): “Love Is A Natural Thing” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mantus

Mantus is a disco band from New York City who began their fame with a radio hit titled, “Turn Around Boogie Down” from 1978 and soon after became a club favorite with follow up tracks “(Dance It) Freestyle Rhythm” and “Rock It To The Top”. The band members consisted  Billy Amendola, Frank DeCrescenzo, Jimmy Maer and Kenny Bee.

I have taken their 1980 single from the second self-titled album titled “Love Is A Natural Thing” which was a return to the independent disco sound which made the club circuit well known with the productions and artists who specialized in creating the mood for the mirror ball nights and underground crowds long before the disco boom in the late 70s.

Taking the 12” version and creating a ReStructure Mix to give the song a longer lasting message which sounds as positive and lyrical as the emotion of disco music. An small anthem now in a new form.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Brian Perry - thank you for the request Brian and keeping the energy and spirit of disco music alive!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/20/13): “Green Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cory Daye

ReStructure Mix Update (4/20/13): “Green Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cory Daye

Cory Daye is one of the female vocalists in disco music which is familiar in many aspects - not only from the big dance hit “Cherchez La Femme” from 1976 (with Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band) but also her sweet and beautiful delivery. The 1979 solo-album “Cory and Me” contained many dance floor favorites including “Pow Wow”, “Keep The Ball Rollin’” and “Green Light” - produced by Sandy Linzer.

I have taken the 12” version of “Green Light” and created a ReStructure Mix to not only salute this fabulous diva of song - but also the period of disco music where big-band returns with a new twist. The new ReStructure Mix has an extended intro - some new breaks and a hoppin’ beat to keep the light “green” for dancing.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ms. Cory Daye - thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with the dancers all over the world.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/13): “Falling In Love Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Denise Mc Cann

ReStructure Mix Update (4/19/13): “Falling In Love Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Denise Mc Cann

Denise Mc Cann is a disco artist from the late 70s who had some of the most exciting moments during an explosive time in history. Her big club hit “Tattoo Man” from 1976 is one of my favorite dance tracks of all time - not only does the track give us a taste of a wonderful sweet but powerful voice - it also holds the essence of the female disco artist in images and arrangement.

“Falling In Love Again” come from Denise’s second album “I Have A Destiny” from 1979 - produced by Guy Sobell. This track was featured on the B-side in a Medley/Suite which offers a disco-Broadway like production and stage production. It is one of the most dramatic and wonderful sounds of disco music in all it’s glory. I have taken the song out of the medley and created a ReStructure Mix to bring it upfront and extending the fun elements which break this new mix in segments.

A special thank and dedication to Nick and Lindsay for their loving request of this disco gem! For you boys and thanks you again, for keeping the disco feeling alive! It will shine on and on!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/18/13): “Looking Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (4/18/13): “Looking Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

Donna Summer released her new sound on the 1980 album “The Wanderer” where she continued using her powerful and able voice to project various sounds and moods. The project was produced by her long-time team Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte - yet there is a new air to these tracks. More of a dance-rock which introduced a whole new destination during the period for Donna. It is now referred to as some of the most loved by those who truly admire her talent.

I have taken the track “Looking Up” and created a new ReStructure Mix to give the rolling synth-rock style piece a new feel - adding a few disco-tech breaks and a new intro. It is one of the string vocal and emotion driven songs by Donna Summer and helps to keep in perspective of what a true artist and talent we have recently lost.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay - thank you for asking for a ReStructure Mix of one of my favorite Donna moments - there are many and this is a special one!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/17/13): “I’m Starting Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Kennedy

ReStructure Mix Update (4/17/13): “I’m Starting Again” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy is a disco singer who ‘started’ her disco career in the 1980 musical/sci-fi film, “The Apple” where she performs and sings her single “Desire”. He career brought three albums to the disco arena - each produced by Phillip Swern who also produced Polly Brown, Inner City Express, and Patti Boulaye.

Grace’s 1981 single “I’m Starting Again” is from her album by the same name. It was a big hit in many clubs still clamoring for the classic disco chanteuse songs. It is one of my favorite and also one of the songs co-written by Thor Baldursson who worked with many disco projects from the Munich recordings in the late 70s and also First Choice.

I have taken the 12” single of “I’m Starting Again” and created a new ReStructure Mix to give the song an alternative version - and also play with some of the fantastic keyboard and vocal elements.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Jerry Joseph Arko from Facebook with thanks to his inspiring look back and forward of the great music which has given so many happiness, freedom and dancing feet!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/16/13): “Can’t Give It Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carly Simon

ReStructure Mix Update (4/16/13): “Can’t Give It Up” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s album “Spoiled Girl” from 1985 had two dance tracks - “My New Boyfriend” and “Can’t Give It Up” - I have always played “Can’t Give It Up” from the short (3:43) album version and always wanted to extend the track. It was produced by Andy Goldmark and features Luther Vandross on back up vocals.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix to extend and play with the fabulous chorus by Carly which sounds like an anthem for the mid-80s. Great track and such fun to remix.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/15/13): “You Can Get Over” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stephanie Mills

ReStructure Mix Update (4/15/13): “You Can Get Over” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Stephanie Mills

 Stephanie Mills is a vocalist who began a recording career in 1975 with her LP “For The First Time” produced by Hal David and Burt Bacharach. She also starred in the Broadway sensation “The Wiz” which became her vehicle for the 70s and into the disco era with her album “Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’” in 1979 - a powerhouse project with several hits including “Put Your Body In It”, “Feel The Fire”, Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’”  and the uplifting anthem, “You Can Get Over”.

I have taken the 12” version of “You Can Get Over” and created a ReStructure Mix - focusing on the beautiful string sections and rolling synthesizer breaks. Formulating a new dub-like version with the verses intact with a bit more extending and play on words. It is one of my favorite disco songs of all time and an opportunity to enforce my beliefs on our existence where “we” are the center of the universe and a belief in that power is the future of our world!

Dedicated to us all and the power we all possess.

ReStructure Mix Update (4/14/13): “Disco Galaxy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bombers

ReStructure Mix Update (4/14/13): “Disco Galaxy” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bombers

Bombers is a disco band from Canada produced by George Lagios and Pat Deserio (Kebekelektrik). Their first album was released in 1978 which featured a cover of “The Mexican” and also their first club hit, “Don’t Stop The Music”. It was in 1979 on their “Bombers 2” album where their full potential was executed with “(Everybody) Get Dancing”, “Pistolero”, “Let’s Dance”, “Shake” and “Disco Galaxy” - this session included Busta Jones on bass and vocals - guest vocal on “(Everybody) Get Dancin’ ) by Alma Faye-Brooks, arrangements by Lee Gagnon and also vocals by Tamara Lorincz.

“Disco Galaxy” is one of the tracks which I played out during the albums released and kept my dance floor jumping after the first single “(Everybody) Get Dancing” was given a break. It is a fantastic trip into a place where disco rules the universe and creates a bass and beat driven groove.

I have ReStructured “Disco Galaxy” and have given it a new arrangement and a few new effects to add to the bumpin’ disco energy! One of my favorite types of dance music and another opportunity to feel what the disco dance floor was really like!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/12/13): “Countdown (Here I Come)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kofi & The Love Tones

ReStructure Mix Update (4/12/13): “Countdown (Here I Come)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Kofi & The Love Tones

Kofi & The Love Tones is a disco project produced by Kevin Anthony Robert - who also produced Simone, Velvette, Linda Lewis and Segue. His music was a big part of the high energy movement from the UK during the early and mid-80s. “Countdown (Here I Come)” is his cover of 1966 soul single (originally produced by Bobby Sanders and arranged by Gene Page).

This high energy favorite is a swirling high energy track that builds and builds with a nice soulful vocal and rolling drums guiding the synthetic strings into a dancer heart. A big club hit during it’s 1984 release. I have taken the ‘Original Version’ from the 12” single and created a ReStructure Mix adding pieces of the original and editing a new arrangement to give the track a new feel and a variable mix.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to George Matiowsky on Facebook for requesting this track to be placed on the cutting block and also for sharing so much wonderful energy with me.

“Sorcerer” by Norma Jean - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Sorcerer” by Norma Jean - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Norma Jean is  one of the members of disco tradition - from her work with Chic (“Dance, Dance, Dance” ) and her backup sessions with Randy Crawford, Will Downing, Aretha Franklin, LutherVandross and Madonna - she has her album “Norma Jean” which contains one of disco music’s iconic songs, “Saturday”. The 1978 album also contained another big single, “Sorcerer” - both tracks arranged and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

I have taken “Sorcerer” and blended it with visuals from the 1953 biography/drama “Houdini” starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh - it is the story of the spectacular but tragic career of magician and illusionist Harry Houdini. The magic works with the love song whose hero is a magician of the heart.

The film was directed by George Marshall

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