ReStructure Mix Update (8/15/13): “Ain’t Nobody Straight In L.A.” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Miracles

ReStructure Mix Update (8/15/13): “Ain’t Nobody Straight In L.A.” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Miracles

The Miracles are a Motown group which consisted of Billy Griffin, Claudette Robinson, Marvin Tarplin, Robert Rogers, Ronald White, Sidney A. Justin III, Smokey Robinson, and Warren Moore – members changing out throughout various periods.

Their 1975 album “City Of Angels” contains one of the underground tracks, “Ain’t Nobody Straight In L.A.” – arranged and produced by Freddie Perren. The song emphasizes the places where disco and club music was embraced during the early and mid-70’s – gay bars. It was proven to me as my first experience with disco music was entering a gay club and seeing the energy and vitality the music had on the crowd and me.

I have taken the album version and created an alternative ReStructure Mix using loops and some new elements for a new intro and also extending the new knowledge and understanding The Miracles relay in a harmless chorus and mood. It is one of the earliest songs I can remember ever hearing were acceptance was mutual and beautiful.

Dedicated to the talented men of The Miracles and that city, Los Angeles!

“Hey, You Should Be Dancing” by Gene Farrow and The G.F. Band – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Hey, You Should Be Dancing” by Gene Farrow and The G.F. Band – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Gene Farrow is a groovy disco artist who released his first album. “Move Your Body” in 1978. His sound was highly influenced by the nightclub scene happening in the late seventies and an added touch with his surf-style vocal – adding a pop edge. His big hit, “Hey, You Should Be Dancing” is a memorable single from the album and one that struck me after hearing it in a club and the kickin’ percussion, congas and horns. Since the first experience in dancing to this number I always had images of The Archie’s and that tambourine in Betty’s hand.

The song has that uplifting pop feel and hence a Disco Video Mix using what was always in my head – The Archie’s. The mood is bright and feeling quite ecstatic!

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

ReStructure Mix Update (8/13/13): “Secret Love Affair” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (8/13/13): “Secret Love Affair” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane hit the disco scene in 1978 with her big classic album “Rough Diamond” featuring the title track and three additional dance cuts which labeled this lady the sexy chanteuse with all which disco was made of. Her second album also produced by Jean Claude Friederich is another beautiful Euro-disco gem – “Cheri”. The project featured a full sided medley which tells the story of a love affair facing unbeatable circumstances yet the desire burns on and on.

I have taken “Secret Love Affair” from the medley and have given it a ReStructure Mix of its own to allow the story to tell itself as Madleen is destined to keep a love alive that is hidden in the shadows of the dark discotheque. It is a fantastic orchestral production and gives the 70s disco scene the magic which dancers clamored for.

Dedicated to Ms. Kane for her love and display of disco love the way it should be performed and marked for future generations to experience the way it was.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/12/13): “Hot Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – U.N.

ReStructure Mix Update (8/12/13): “Hot Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – U.N.

U.N. is a disco project from Tony Green who also gave us France Joli, Freddie James, Colorblind, Caroline Bernier, Thunder & Lightning, Black Star, Sharon and Norma Lewis. His productions during the late seventies were a big part of the disco explosion and the roaring wall of beats and beautiful horns and strings. As in several other studio projects, included here are Denis LePage and The Sweethearts of Sigma.

I have taken the track from the 4-track album titled “Hot Lover” and have given it the ReStructure Mix treatment. It is one of those earthy and sensual disco tracks and thanks to the lead vocals from Goldie Alexander (“Show You My Love” ) this one sounds like a lion roaring for more.

Thanks to Joey L. of New York for requesting a ReStructure Mix of this underground classic and also giving me a chance to play with the fabulous percussion that both Prelude and Tony Green were made of!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/10/13): “Terror On The Dance Floor”/Soul Dracula” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hot Blood

ReStructure Mix Update (8/10/13): “Terror On The Dance Floor”/Soul Dracula” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Hot Blood

Hot Blood is a German disco act -  May Ambruster, Peny Duke and Stefan Klinkhammer

Their 1977 album “Dracula and C” is one of the cult-camp projects that continues to bring the sound of 70s disco back to mind – the strings – percussion – camp and strange theme. The 12” single featuring both “Terror On The Dance Floor” and “Soul Dracula” is one of the early disco-boogie singles I can remember buying and being completely taken by surprise.

I have taken both 12” versions and concocted this new medley with the tracks challenging each other and onto a drop break with a familiar ring – or should I say, shriek?

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/13): “Time Bomb” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jeanie Tracy

ReStructure Mix Update (8/8/13): “Time Bomb” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jeanie Tracy

Jeanie Tracy makes high energy music of the 80s seem like ritual dance. Her powerful and moving vocals are the praise of energy and soul. It can be said that Jeanie was the high energy queen of the 80s since her performance on the television show Star Search brought her cover of Thelma Houston’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” in 1985 a golden statuette from dancers all over who moved to the classic all over again with a new found emotion and energy.

I have taken Jeanie’s 1984 single, “Time Bomb” – produced by James ‘Tip’ Wirrick and Marty Blecman to the cutting table and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to add some new elements and also give Jeanie another chance to make it sound easy for a voice to give off such influence and style. Seeing Jeanie live at Probe in 1985 singing “Manhunt” (released under Silhouette) was one I never-ever forgot!

Dedicated to the lady herself – Ms. Jeanie Tracy – you are no firecracker Jeanie – yes, a ‘time bomb’ and I thank you for your talent!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/7/13): “Stop He’s A Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudja Barry

ReStructure Mix Update (8/7/13): “Stop He’s A Lover” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Claudja Barry

Claudja Barry is one of disco music’s iconic divas! The look. The voice. The attitude. The talent. It’s all here. Her recording career began in 1976 with the explosive album, “Sweet Dynamite”. In 1979 the disco wave was struck with her big project, “Feel The Fire” – produced by her husband, Jurgen S. Korduletsch (Disco Circus, Araxis, Ronnie Jones, Lipstique and Mick Rowley.

The track “Stop He’s A Lover” has always been one of my favorite cuts from the album – it has the haunting feel of an early morning piece and a fabulous diva edge from Claudja. I have taken the album version and created a new ReStructure Mix and striped down those eerie keyboards that give off the deceit and warning of Claudja’s verse.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Ms. Claudja Barry – who left an indelible memory of a disco diva who rules the stage and speakers!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/6/13): “I Need Somebody To Love Tonight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

ReStructure Mix Update (8/6/13): “I Need Somebody To Love Tonight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester
Sylvester not only changed the sound of disco music in 1977 with his first self-titled album – but also the face of the genre. His unique still and stage presence was immediately a challenge for anyone to keep still or become memorized by his performance. The heat of the disco fever his album “Stars” was released – produced by Harvey Fuqua and Sylvester himself – this was four track title wave of disco music. The title track in an anthem long before the dance floor expected them. His cover of "I (Who Have Nothing)” is a gem – “Body Strong” is a mid-tempo workout – and the finale cut “I Need Somebody To Love Tonight” is a low-BPM sleaze track with Patrick Cowley penning and performing the slick synthesizers and mood.

I have taken the album track and have given it a new ReStructure Mix to remedy more for that late night desire that is given here in a jazz-scat vocal performance. It is a moody and phenomenal stamp from Sylvester who once again – even though he has left us always brings to mind innovation and awe.

ReStructure Mix Update - SPECIAL SEVENTIES EDITION REMIX (8/5/13): “Summer Breeze” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Seals & Crofts

ReStructure Mix Update - SPECIAL SEVENTIES EDITION REMIX (8/5/13): “Summer Breeze” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Seals & Crofts
Dash Crofts and James Seals have the 70s aura in many minds and hearts with their pop-hit ballad “Summer Breeze” – it is a lingering song with a wonderful melody and feel. It truly gives off the early 70s vibe.

I have taken the album version and have given it a ReStructure Mix update with its folk dance feel adding a few more elements to sway to. It is a great early morning or early evening piece to remind us how the 70s were traces of beautiful music and now this one can give off a whole new feeling and groove!

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/13): “Love Gun” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James

ReStructure Mix Update (8/4/13): “Love Gun” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick James

Rick James was known as punk-funk when he released his album “Come Get It!” in 1978 with the big hits “You and I” and “Mary Jane” – it was only the start for this master of funk and bass driven grooves. His follow-up album “Fire It Up” contained another slammin’ track titled, “Love Gun” which brought dance floors and its dancers to their knees! A fierce track which makes your funk come down no matter what kind of groove your prefer.

I have taken the 12” version and created a new ReStructure Mix with some new pieces of kick-beat tracks that may sound familiar and also a sample from another classic that may have you not only ducking for cover – but also dipping lower to the funk!

“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!