“Blind Vision” by Blancmange – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Blind Vision” by Blancmange – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Blancmange is a British pop-duo formed in London in 1979. Their big dance hit from 1983 “Blind Vision” is one of the tracks that topped my clubs Top 10 for several months. It is from their album “Mange Tout” and features Jocelyn Brown on backing vocals. Although the group produced an alternative synth sound – it was closest to the high energy/disco pop of the 80s and created quite a stir on these dance floors.

I have taken the single and blended it with the 1962 biographical film “The Miracle Worker” – based on the 1902 autobiography of Helen Keller – the film’s stars Anne Bancroft (Academy Award for Best Actress 1962) and Patty Duke (Best Actress Award) – the film deals with Helen Keller who is born blind and deaf and the battle to teach her to communicate with sign language. The scenes are quite sensitive and although the song bears only words that connect it are intended to support human hope and knowledge to make us better.

The film was directed by Arthur Penn

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

“Bad Girls” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Bad Girls” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Donna Summer’s “album “Bad Girls” is one of disco’s brightest and most mature moments. The double album set was the perfect mixture of various disco moods as well as a spotlight for beautiful ballads which Donna was also talented at writing and creating. A phenomenal piece in recording history.

I have taken the title track “Bad Girls” and blended it with the 1957 Federico Fellini classic, “Nights Of Cabiria” (later rewritten and reshot as “Sweet Charity” in 1966) – the film stars Giuliette Masina, Francois Perier and Amedeo Nazzari. The tale of a waifish prostitute who wanders the streets of Rome is a bit odd for the timing of the song – but fitting.

The film was directed by Federico Fellini

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

“Eat You Up” by Angie Gold – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Eat You Up” by Angie Gold – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Angie Gold is one of high energy music’s voices that give the energy a beautiful sound. Her vocals have been the driving force in tracks like “Time Bomb”, “Applause”, “Third Finger Left Hand” and “Eat You Up” There is sophistication and driving edge to Angie’s songs and each have a performance worth its reputation.

“Eat You Up” is one of Angie’s better known high energy singles from 1985 and is the disco track for this Video Mix. I have taken the 1986 comedy/musical “Little Shop Of Horrors” starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Grenne and Steve Martin and blended the menacing giant- man-eating plant along with the theme as well as some of the drama. It is pure fun and intended to give Angie’s track and the film each a spotlight once again!

The film was directed by Frank Oz

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

ReStructure Mix Update (7/30/13): “Love Condition” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

ReStructure Mix Update (7/30/13): “Love Condition” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller

Nina Schiller is one of the 80s dance artists who deserves a revisit and a standing ovation. She has captured the sweetness of disco music not only with her positive and uplifting presence but also her alluring voice. An artist who appeared briefly and yet the music haunts those who may have heard the notes echoing through a club or on a mixed tape.

“Love Condition” is one of those tracks which bring warmth and promise as the feeling of dedication and the realization of just how wonderful love is.

I have taken the album version and have given it a slight ReStructure Mix adding a few more elements to create a new mix and feeling for a lovely track that once I begin humming it becomes contagious and that feeling of love right where the vibe belongs.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ms. Nina Schiller Richer who makes the gratitude of music easy to understand with her heart and soul.

“Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)” by Chic – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Chic is not only a group, but also standard in disco music. The sound unleashed in 1977 from Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers along with Kenny Lehman is a funk-tastic edge of disco with that sophisticated groove and energy. Their first big single, “Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)” is one of the most contagious of all.

I have taken the 1946 MGM biggie, “Ziefeld Follies” and blended images and patterns from both the folly and dance numbers to give Chic’s dance classic a uniform video with legs and rhythm to follow for a long time. The film features Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Lucille Bremer, Fanny Brice, Judy Garland, Kathryn Grayson, Lena Horne and Gene Kelly.

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

“An American Dream Medley” by Hot Posse – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“An American Dream Medley” by Hot Posse – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Hot Posse is a disco project from San Francisco’s 80s disco revival and features the legendary Patrick Cowley on synthesizers. The single “An American Dream Medley” was produced by Bill Motley of Boys Town Gang, Nina Schiller, Magda Layna and Margret Reynolds. The medley contains: “Theme from Wild, Wild West”, “El Paso” and “Apache” – it is one of the clever conglomerations which disco music made quite popular during the late 70s and early 80s.

I have taken the action-adventure comedy, “Cactus Jack” starring Kirk Douglas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Paul Lynde and Ann Margret from 1979 with all of its camp and silliness to create this Disco Video Mix to trail along this western suite.

The film was directed by Hal Needham

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

ReStructure Mix Update (7/25/13): “Love, Look What You’ve Done To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Celi Bee

ReStructure Mix Update (7/25/13): “Love, Look What You’ve Done To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Celi Bee
Celi Bee (Celida Ines Camacho) is a disco icon who made the end of the 70s shine like a mirror ball with her disco hits, “Superman”, “Macho (A Real Real One), “Fly Me On The Wings Of Love” and “Blow My Mind”. It was a formula which was fitting and fabulous. Her second album “Fly Me On The Wings On Love” contained a suite which was broken down into three parts – I have taken the second part titled, “Love, Look What You’ve Done  To Me” and created an extended mix to give its own beauty and hypnotic flare a chance solo.

This ReStructure Mix uses the funky kick back beat and lovely strings as they appear on the suite and I extend to make the magic and loveliness last. The chorus is one of the most incredibly beautiful pieces in disco music thanks to producer Pepe Luis Soto and Celi’s lilting voice.

Dedicated to Celi Bee and those disco dollies who fall in love over-and-over on the dance floor!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/13): “I’ll Be Standing Beside You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Passengers

ReStructure Mix Update (7/24/13): “I’ll Be Standing Beside You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Passengers
Passengers are Chuck Rolando, Elwanda Contreras, Kim Arena and Mary Shay Collen – a high energy disco troupe whose music is remembered as uplifting and somewhat like a Las Vegas review. Their first album titled “Passengers” was produced by Celso Valli (Lama, Tantra, and Azoto) who brought the group to heights of dance floors magic with tracks like “Hot Leather”, “Girls Cost Money”, and “I’ll Be Standing Beside You”.

I have taken the album version of “I’ll Be Standing Beside You” and have given the love-friendship-anthem another lift into the clouds and a ReStructure Mix – pulling more of the glowing climax of the chorus to excitement. It was a song I played out during its release to a packed dance floor of almost embracing friends and dancers! A real anthem.

Dedicated to Passengers and also Mr. Celso Valli!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/13): “Beeline” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miquel Brown

ReStructure Mix Update (7/23/13): “Beeline” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miquel Brown

Miquel Brown is one of the Ian Levine artists who helped us to believe in disco music again in the early 80s – with a new vibrancy and title: “high energy”. This was an exciting time for dance floors. It seemed like the sound of electronic disco was hard hitting and perfected down the percussion strike. Following her big single “So Many Men, So Little Time” this follow up “Beeline” struck another chord for dancers to move with the grace of the pounding energy of a new era of dance.

I have taken the ‘Gary Otto Remix’ and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to give this love-letter a new meaning – adding some familiar “buzzy” guests from a classic Larry Levan single along with the rolling bass line to break the mix into a new part.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/22/13): “Love Bomb” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cheryl Lynn

ReStructure Mix Update (7/22/13): “Love Bomb” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cheryl Lynn

Cheryl Lynn took the tail end of the 70s and the disco dance floor like a whirlwind with her 12” single “Got To Be Real”/”Star Love” – it was as if the voice of a goddess was calling the dance floor to move on to something ‘real’. Cheryl’s second album in 1979 was one of technical and musical advantage – placing her voice among the most significant challenges of the magic vocal chords. “Love Bomb” was one of my favorite tracks from the album (Produced by Barry Blue) and made it to my dance floor only with two copies of the album to extend it.

I have created a new ReStructure Mix using the album version and giving the song a new mood and energy – extending the funky-side and placing more emphasis on the “embrace the human race” message and the beautiful performance of Ms. Lynn. It is truly a song that should bring tears to any human who can understand the words and message.

NOTE: Drop a “love bomb” – call someone you love and let them know. Music will save the world!

“Send In The Clowns” by Grace Jones – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Send In The Clowns” by Grace Jones – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Grace Jones’ first album “Portfolio” from 1977 is the disco stamp from producer/DJ Tom Moulton – blending the chic and adventurous style of a club chanteuse and the Philly orchestrations with the promise of more to come from a mystical leopard-like diva as she creates her fantasies onstage. “Send In The Clowns” is the opening of the side one medley which takes three Broadway musical songs and discofy them Jones-style.

I have taken “Send In The Clowns” and have placed it in a strange visual arena – the Stephen Sondheim piece and blended it with the 1990 horror drama “It” based on a Stephen King novel. The tale of a sadistic clown named Pennywise and a group of children who face their ultimate fears is a tug on both the visual horrors in both humor and the play on words from the musical piece.

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

ReStructure Mix Update (7/21/13): “Leaving Me Was The Best Thing You’ve Ever Done” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Scherrie & Susaye

ReStructure Mix Update (7/21/13): “Leaving Me Was The Best Thing You’ve Ever Done” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Scherrie & Susaye

Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene released their debut album “Partners” as the duo with the “Supreme” past and a bit more to sing about. The project was produced by Eugene McDaniel’s who also gave us projects from Roberta Flack, Voltage Brothers, The Floaters and Nancy Wilson.

“Leaving Me Was The Best Thing You’ve Ever Done” is the big dance single from the project which made its way to many of these ladies dedicated fans and also and “diva-worshiping” playlists. The song has the feel of an anthem in the shadows of love. It gives the girls a nice place to harmonize and sing about the heartbreak and denial of a broken heart.

I have taken the album version of “Leaving Me Was The Best Thing You’ve Ever Done” and have given it a new ReStructure Mix giving it a new intro some new breaks and some phrases a bit of a lift.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Jurgen Lapschies – special thanks for requesting this rare track and also for the support and friendship!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/13): "Body" -- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix -- The Jacksons

ReStructure Mix Update (7/17/13): "Body" -- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix -- The Jacksons

The Jacksons topped the pop/dance sound of the 80s along with the slick production of Michael and Marlon Jackson. The big release of the "Victory" album in 1984 introduced another layer of sounds and images for The Jacksons. Tracks like "Torture" and "State Of Shock" were remedies to move towards an area to be discovered. "Body" is one of the singles that pulls the Michael Jackson magic along with the chorus of the very talented band.

I have taken the 12" of "Body" and have given it a new ReStructure Mix breaking down some of the mood in my own way. Extending it with more of the verses and some borrowed percussion and essentials from an earlier hit by Michael.

ReStructure Mix Update (7/12/13): “Medley Of Hits” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diana Ross & The Supremes

ReStructure Mix Update (7/12/13): “Medley Of Hits” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Diana Ross & The Supremes

Diana Ross & The Supremes are the ladies who made music history and also created the icon for the girl group with sophistication and excitement. The music and images created during the making of the Motown sound and era has helped to pave many roads for music and arts.

I have taken the concept of “Medley Of Hits” which appeared in 1979 on Disconet DJ Subscription Volume 3 Program 3 as The Supremes Medley – Mixed by Bill Motley and Trip Ringwald. The medley was later released on the Motown label along with two hit tracks from Diana’s “The Boss” album from the same year. This ReStructure Mix takes the concept along with a few new tracks and some new blends and breaks.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Bob Tiedemann – who gives so much support for the music that has made history a great memory for many music lovers and dancers throughout time. That in itself is quite “supreme”!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/11/13): “Wasn’t It Good” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cher

ReStructure Mix Update (7/11/13): “Wasn’t It Good” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cher

Cher and Bob Esty together were the icing on the disco cake. The dance floor classic “Take Me Home” from 1979 still haunts dance floors with its blend of chic-disco arrangement which Bob Esty created with so many artists who were intrigued with the excitement of disco in the late 70s. The 12” single of “Take Me Home” was quite a mover as the flip side “Wasn’t It Good” from the album was offered an extended mix.

I have taken the fabulous 12” mix of “Wasn’t It Good” and worked a new ReStructure Mix for a new concoction of Bob’s production and talented use of musicians and the disco beats. This new version offers a few new breakdowns and the use of loops for some digging into the original mix.

Dedicated with respect to Mr. Bob Esty and thanks for the magic which never seems to run out of sparkle! Now that is real music!

ReStructure Mix Update (7/10/13): "Dangerous" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix -- Natalie Cole

ReStructure Mix Update (7/10/13): "Dangerous" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix -- Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole created quite a stir on dance floors with her high energy-dance track "Dangerous" in 1985. Produced by Gary Skardina and Marti Sharron the track was in resemblance to great 80s dance moods like The Pointer Sisters' "Jump". It was a resurgence of dance music done with the pop flare and excitement that was being generated by the clubs who were continuing to move to great music.

I have taken the 12" remix -- which was produced by Steve Thompson and created a new ReStructure Mix. There are some extended moments and or course Natalie reminding us just how "hot" this man is.

"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" by Cynthia Manley

"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" by Cynthia Manley
Produced by Paul Goodyear
Backing Vocals by Jessica Williams
Video Concept and Edit by Glenn Rivera

Produced by Ken Emmons

“Success” by The Weather Girls – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Success” by The Weather Girls – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

The Weather Girls were Izora Armstead and Martha Wash – a duo who were known as Two Tons ‘O Fun and also the amazing backing vocals for disco singer, Sylvester. The voices which brought a whole new message and power to dance music in the late seventies. Their 1982 single “It’s Raining Men” was released under the title The Weather Girls and soon the hit single leads them into a whole new identity. Their album “Success” from 1983 was a stage for these ladies to work with the talented Bob Esty and Paul Jabara in a vibrant and fun-loving feel of disco-camp tracks aimed at the duo.

I have taken the disco single “Success” from the album and paired it with the 2006 musical drama film, “Dreamgirls” starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose – adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical. The two spin together to display a fabulous look at the golden stage of the ladies with the sparkle and glitter.

The film was directed by Bill Condon

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

“Love Pains” by Yvonne Elliman – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Pains” by Yvonne Elliman – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Yvonne Elliman is a voice from the seventies whose songs bring an absolute power of both voice and feeling. Her big disco classic “If I Can’t Have You” from 1977 remains one of the staples of the disco movement and reached #1 in the US. Her 1979 album titled “Yvonne” contained one of the big disco anthems of that year – “Love Pains”. It was produced by Steve Barri and throughout time has maintained an allegiance from the dance community by being remade by artists such as Liza Minelli, Hazell Dean, Viola Wills and Obsession.

I have taken the 1961 romantic drama “Splendor In The Grass” starring Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood to pair images and moving emotions with this disco track. Although the storyline from the film moves differently it relays the pain of love when the timing and emotions are skewed.

The film was directed by Elia Kazan

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

“Roller Boogie” by Voggue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Roller Boogie” by Voggue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Voggue is a disco group created by Denis Lepage and featured Denyse Lepage on vocals. The duo was known as Lime and taking over discotheques quickly with their new brand of high energy dance music. “Roller Boogie” is the B-side to their big 1981 hit, “Dancin’ The Night Away” which quickly established the band on many club playlists.

I have taken the 1979 disco musical film, “Roller Boogie” starring Linda Blair and Jim Bray and blended it with the high energy disco piece. The segments of the disco skate world minus the drama create a nice flow for the mode and feel of the Canadian disco work!

The film was directed by Mark L. Lester

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