ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/15) “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kim Fields

ReStructure Mix Update (4/7/15) “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kim Fields

Kim Fields (television actress from The Facts of Life and Living Single) joins the party with a 1984 electronic/high energy track that sounds close to a Bobby Orlando production with the pulsating percussion and light keyboard arrangements. “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” was a simple task to bring Kim to dance floors where I am sure she loved to be. This elementary school love-play song rhythms and percolates throughout a thumping disco number that may be simple and feel a bit silly – but it can be fun.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental – produced by Elliot Willensky and Hal Davis onto the ReStructure Mix mode and created a more spared arrangement for the limited chorus and verses. It is a chance to hear the mid-80s high energy sound during its heyday!

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/15) “Feel Alright” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Komiko

ReStructure Mix Update (4/6/15) “Feel Alright” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Komiko

Komiko is an electronic funk band brought to us from producers Gary R. Turnier and Darryl Payne – who also gave us Gary’s Gang, Sharon Redd, The Raindolls, Tracy Weber, Mona Rae, Vicky ‘D’. A big time dive into the disco pool and experience with both Mr. Turnier and Mr. Payne with the funk and boogie alongside the refreshing side of this piece from 1982. It is one of the big electro-funk pieces and best known to get the hips moving immediately. “Feel Alright” is the lone single from Komiko and is enough as it still remakes one of the “old school” music’s big movers.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental to recreate a ReStructure Mix to bring back that feeling of the wonderful age of disco-funk in the early 80s. Left intact are the bass kicks and that falsetto vocal brought to life with the right amount of keyboard trickle and thump from the lighter side of funk. It is a favorite of mine and brought to you in a new package to move to all over again!

Dedicated to Mr. Darryl Payne and Mr. Gary R. Turnier – in thanks for all they have given us- as we continue to move to it!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/15) “What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Andrea True Connection

ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/15) “What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Andrea True Connection

Andrea True is one of the memorable disco artists of the disco era thanks to her big hit “More, More, More” from 1976. It was a big break for a former adult film star to make an impact on a fast growing dance trend taking over. Her follow up album from 1978 titled “White Witch” featured two big disco hits including “N.Y. You Got Me Dancing” (produced by Gregg Diamond) and “What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number” (produced by Michael Zager and Jerry Love) – two big classics that are defining in their own way of the disco era.

I have taken the 12” of “What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number” and created a ReStructure Mix with a “dub” feel with lots of rapid fire edits to bring the questions a brand new identity. The guitar riffs and bass thumps are laid out with some new beats and percussion. It is one of those disco numbers that bring to mind the era of funk and soul uniting with the disco beat – pounding out the rhythm with a new attitude and shine.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Jerry Love and Mr. Michael Zager for their contribution in creating the magic of a dance era that will always be celebrated.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/15) “San Francisco” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cappuccino

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/15) “San Francisco” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a disco group from 1979 produced by Danilo Vaona and Gian Pietro Felisatti and featured three singles that are a legacy of the sound of disco’s uplifting and melodic sound. The production displays a few sounds including the symphonic edge of a disco anthem to an underground afterhours feel. “San Francisco” is a single from the self-titled which rings out as anthem for the West Coast city and a few hooks leave the track echoing as an anthem should.

I have taken the album version of “San Francisco” to create a ReStructure Mix to bring another good-feeling alive again. The vocals playout as the energy which is full-on disco music in its top form. A few new parts are added and an intro which offers more of a fading intro rather than the original horn arrangement. It is a nice uplifting song and a group which holds many fond memories of a crowded dance floor and when programmed an overall good aura in the room.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/15) “Take My Love” Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Melba Moore

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/15) “Take My Love” Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Melba Moore

Melba Moore has always been one of the artists of the disco era with a great deal of talent and a well-developed stature. Her venture into disco music during the mid-70s brought a voice into club dance floors filling a soulful space. “What A Woman Needs” is Melba’s project from 1981 and features “Take My Love” – produced by Lawrence Jones. The track received airplay on radio and also many electronic funk playlists. With Melba’s powerful vocal this track was always a favorite and made my playlist for months.

I have taken the album version which features a mix from Michael Barbiero and Morri Brown to recreate a new ReStructure Mix experience. A few areas where new breaks and stripping down of the funk elements are the center stage here – as well as Melba’s performance which takes a hold from the start and satisfies the neediest lover and dancer.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/15) “You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love and Kisses

ReStructure Mix Update (3/18/15) “You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Love and Kisses

Love and Kisses is a disco group created by Alec R. Costandinos and was a full intro to Euro-disco during the growing popularity of both discotheques and disco music. Their first two albums were both in Costandinos’ disco symphony formula and became a new sound creating excitement and moving feet instantly. In 1978 the disco film “Thank God It’s Friday” was released on Casablanca Records & Filmworks label with a list of new and promising disco talent including Donna Summer, Paul Jabara, Pattie Brooks, D.C. LaRue, Love and Kisses and more. This three record set was marketed with the full disco charge. “You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life” is a disco track featured on the soundtrack from Love and Kisses and followed closely the group’s recognizable arrangement and production.

I have taken the album version of “You’re The Most Precious Thing In My Life” and reworked it for this ReStructure Mix. I have stripped down the original intro with a layered set of new drums and looped effects. I gave it a bit more of a breakdown mix allowing some of the light breaks and orchestrations an opportunity to create a new rhythmic experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/17/15) “Run To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tracy Spencer

ReStructure Mix Update (3/17/15) “Run To Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Tracy Spencer

Tracy Spencer (Louise Tracy Freeman) released several Italo-disco singles in the mid and late 80s. Her album titled “Tracy” from 1987 featured her 1985 single “Run To Me” which was one of the big Italo-dance hits of my club. A nice beat infused with heavy bongo fills and a flip-side which brings the track into a hot instrumental dub. A touch of the Stock Aitken Waterman sound with the sweet influence of Italo-disco.

I have taken the 12” vocal and “Ma-Ma-Run” dub side to create a new ReStructure Mix with a new breakdown of the song and a rearrangement of the verses. It always makes me feel good to hear one of the pumping dance tracks which play out with a melodic and flowing resonance. “Run To Me” is just one of those pieces.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/13/15) “Baila Bolero” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fun Fun

ReStructure Mix Update (3/13/15) “Baila Bolero” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Fun Fun

Fun Fun is an Italo-disco group from the early 80s which brought back the “happy” and celebratory feel to the new sound called “high energy”. This was quite a time for disco lovers and those who loved to get lost in a good space on dance floors. Many of their early tracks featured vocals by Spagna, Antonella Pepe and Angela Parisi – the chorus of beautiful sweeping innuendos. “Baila Bolero” was from their 1987 project “Double Fun” and carried on their sound of rolling synthesizers and uplifting melodies. One of my all-time favorites of Fun Fun’s and also of the period.

I have taken the 12” “Bolero Dance Mix” and “House Mix” onto the ReStructure Mix formula to pump this piece even more and create some new surprises. More of those Spanish guitars and riffs are featured here.

Dedicated to those wonderfully filled people who continue to keep the “uplifting” sound of disco music alive in a time where it is needed and perfect.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/6/15) “Computer Game” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yellow Magic Orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (3/6/15) “Computer Game” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Yellow Magic Orchestra
Yellow Magic Orchestra is Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi – a Japanese electro-pop band who began recording in 1978. Their 12” single “Computer Game” from 1979 is one of the innovative dance tracks with an early electro/techno feel. The track utilized sound effects from the video games, Circus and Space Invaders then blending an Asian melody. It is one of the releases which stood out for the progressive electronics started earlier by artists like Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk – soon to become an identity of its own in pop, hip-hop, electronic and techno music.

I have taken the 12” of “Computer Game” and edited a new ReStructure Mix adding a few more beat and synth-effect elements to display more of the bass sequencer patterns and a few more surprises. This one always had the place in my mind as one of the stand-out pieces where a transformation of mood and movement was affected on dance floors. It is presented here in respect and appreciation.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/15) “Won’t You Let Me Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/15) “Won’t You Let Me Love You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Sylvester

Sylvester returned to the San Francisco high energy sound in 1982 with his Megatone album “All I Need”. Featuring the big single “Do You Wanna Funk” (along with Patrick Cowley the power of this project brought back the pumping bass synthesizers and rolling energy of the sound of disco as it progressed in the late 70s. Produced by John Hedges and James Wirrick. “Won’t You Let Me Love You Tonight” is the last track on the album and received play in many of the clubs who desired the disco/gospel edge of Sylvester’s style.

I have taken the album version of “Won’t You Let Me Love You” and worked a new ReStructure Mix with a new direction – using much of the pieces which I always found exciting and infectious. A new intro and a focus on the elements which make this song a favorite and also a fine example of the greatness of Sylvester’s work.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/15) “Music” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – M.A.3

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/15) “Music” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – M.A.3
M.A.3 (also known as Menage A 3) is Shuki Levy and Deborah Shelton. This project from producer, songwriter and Haim Saban from 1978 featured a medley of Bee Gees songs titled “Bee Gees Mania” – and appropriate for Shuki and his vocal falsetto. The album was released on the Canadian label, Able Records and had a limited release. “Music” is a track which was recorded by French artist, France Gall in 1977 – recorded in French. This cover version carries a funky and sweet feel with sweeping strings and a abstract and powerful performance by Shuki Levy. It has the feel of a great early morning classic from dance palaces.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix to give some of the fanfare a new stage. Adding a few new pieces from familiar disco classics and also pound a bit more energy into this melodic anthem.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/15) “Blue Steel” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rinder & Lewis

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/15) “Blue Steel” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rinder & Lewis

Laurin Rinder and W. Michael Lewis created a world for disco music in the mid-70s with an edge of lounge jazz and the underground disco beat and percussion of the period. Their work always displayed an imaginative feel with a place for the infectious groove. “Warriors” is their second album from 1979 with several tracks which remain classics among followers and great material for the true disco underground. “Blue Steel” is a piece of light disco jazz with their synthesizer and keyboard reaching an eerie edge. One of the great mixtures of their talent was in tracks as this.

I have taken the album version of “Blue Steel” and worked this ReStructure Mix to give homage to both it and the artists. It uses some new drum tracks and a reedit to piece with more mystic in a trance/lounge feel.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to W. Michael Lewis for his incredible talent and also for remaining true to a sound which remains one of the most uplifting and definitive of a great era.

ReStructure Mix Update (2/27/15) “Palace Palace” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Who’s Who

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/15) “Palace Palace” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Who’s Who

Who’s Who is a disco project from Daniel Bangalter (Daniel Vangarde) who also brought us productions from Gibson Brothers and Ottawan. The studio group is the sound of the high-beam of disco music where every effective element in both production and mix are utilized. A cymbal crash for a new electronic energy at the peak of disco history. “Palace Palace” is from their 1979 album and was a huge club hit with dance floors still moving as fluently to disco music as underground music during the early 80s. A great disco hall hit with lots of energy and breakdowns of simple riffs making them hypnotic and booty-shaking.

I have taken the 12” version of “Palace Palace” and created a ReStructure Mix adding a new feel to the arrangement – focusing on the ricochet loops and a few new breaks. It is a salute to those disco instrumentals which kept the floor moving over and over during those hot sweaty nights of disco pleasure.

ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/15) “High Cost Of Loving” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Jiani

ReStructure Mix Update (2/25/15) “High Cost Of Loving” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Jiani

Carol Jiani is an artist and vocalist who appeared when we needed her most. “Mercy” is a dance floor classic from 1981 which brought back an underground disco sound back. Her album “Hit ‘N Run Lover” along with the title track created a stir that only feet who experienced could witness. A pulsating synthesizer and raw percussion working at emotion and a groove. “High Cost Of Loving” is a single from the project which dominated my charts during 1981 and a few years following. A great falsetto from Ms. Jiani and a few facts about love in the early 80s.

I have taken the album version and created ReStructure Mix to pay tribute to the awesome production from Joe LaGreca and that Denis LePage sound which moved us in the 80s in a new way. It gives a longer play with those rolling sequencers and bass which point out the Canadian high energy sound in the making.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to Ms. Carol Jiani – not only for being one of my favorite and unique vocalists but for also displaying a human rights advocate voice which in itself deserves an award. Thank you, Carol

ReStructure Mix Update (2/23/15) “Jump” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ring

ReStructure Mix Update (2/23/15) “Jump” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Ring

The Ring is a disco project from Marcus Barone, Holly Oas, Jimmy Young, and Russell Blake – responsible for one of my favorite underground disco tracks of 1979 – “Savage Lover”. This ensemble created the sound of the oncoming 80s – giving disco music a new venture in both theme and style. Less of the orchestrated disco arrangements and more of the electronic feel that would take over in the 80s. “Jump” is the second single from the project and one which helped my dance floors continue to move to the disco fusion towards the end of the mainstream “disco fever”.

This ReStructure Mix takes the 12” version and mixes up beats, claps and that classic sequencer break which causes many dances to find themselves in the dance zone. It is one tracks I have always wanted to break up into a mover and shaker version – and it always emphasizes the feeling that disco brings. Keep on movin’!

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Marcus Barone! Thank you Marcus for your magic touch which still makes us feel good.

“Showdown” by Arpeggio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Showdown” by Arpeggio – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Arpeggio is Jessica Williams, Fred Sawyers, Jerry Scott and Jason Reed. A disco ensemble from Simon Soussan (Shalamar, French Kiss, The Simon Orchestra and Charisma). The sound of pure disco reaches it most fulfilling with all of the bells and whistles (literally) which made dance floors feel at home. “Showdown” is a track from the second Arpeggio album titled “Breakout” from 1980. A nice high energy disco number with the soulful ensemble bringing the disco beat a sweet note. One of my favorites of the period and so infectious it still moves quite well.

I have taken scenes from the 1968 Italian/American Western epic, “Once Upon A Time In The West” to create a “showdown” in a new way. The stance here is for Claudia Cardinale whose beauty is worth the duel. It plays out a fantasy for the disco number which I love to create.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to the lovely Jessica Williams of Arpeggio in thanks for her friendship, kindness and the talent which continues to bring happiness to many.

The film was directed by Sergio Leone

Featuring scenes from “Once Upon A Time In The West” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Suzy Q is a Canadian disco artist from Jerry Cucuzzella and a new electronic dance sound formulated for a new dance era. The early 80s serenade of pulsating sequencers and rolling keyboards brought to life another episode of dance fever to the 80s with projects like Suzy Q. “Computer Music” is one of my favorite 80s high energy tracks and plays out with all one could need from a dance song – a great vocal which echoes into the night with the mystique and power needed to evoke a new energy.

I have taken “Computer Music” into a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1979 musical science fiction film “The Apple” – where performances by our lead muse plays out like a Dee Dee Jackson fantasy. This one scores with the fast and furious dance segments and reminds us just how powerful dance music is when you let it flow.

The film was directed by Menahem Golan

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

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/15) “Beyond” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herb Alpert

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/15) “Beyond” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Herb Alpert

Herb Alpert released “Beyond” in 1980 following the huge success of his disco single “Rise” from 1979. “Beyond” is a trance-like dance track which layers echoed pieces of Alpert’s signature sound. A rolling sequencer brings this track to an innovative point as many tracks like this followed in the mid and late 80s. One which always worked for early morning programs or themes dance sets.

I have taken the 12” version of “Beyond” and blended a new ReStructure Mix adding a few new percussive effects and prolonging the jazz-dance journey. It plays out a path longer using more of the rolling patterns to mold a destination for those who like to take a trip here and there.

“Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Love Potion #9” by Rinder & Lewis – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder are the sound of disco music in the transition from Philly to a more underground form in production and execution. Their music and productions brought a whole new experience to discotheques in a familiar sound but a new package. “Warriors” is their 1979 project which is the most uniform disco sounds for 1979. A cover of The Searchers 1963 song “Love Potion #9” done in the Rinder and Lewis style – blending pulsating sequencers and flowing string arrangements over a light groove. This Disco Video Mix is more of a salute to their underground influence and talent.

This Disco Video Mix takes the film “Love Potion #9” from 1992 based on the rock ‘n roll classic. It stars Tate Donovan and Sandra Bullock as scientist finding the potion for a lonely life and eventually love. The film has been reedited to suit our song and uses more of the gypsy woman played by Anne Bancroft to bring the song to life.

The film was directed by Dale Launer

Featuring scenes from “Love Potion #9” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Is There More To Life Than Dancing” by Noel – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Is There More To Life Than Dancing” by Noel – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Noel is an artist who began as a new wave act and then performed in a disco project along with musicians and producers Ron Mael and Russell Mael (known as Sparks). The 1979 album titled “Is There More To Life Than Dancing” explored an electronic venture similar to the sound of Giorgio Moroder with a much more ominous feel. The title cut is the center of this Disco Video Mix and plays out with an almost fearful realization of how hypnotic the dance floor was in the late 70s.

I have taken scenes from the 1948 film “The Red Shoes” – a British film based on the fairy tale “The Red Shoes” by Hans Christian Anderson. The film stars Moira Shearer and Anton Walkbrook – the ballet sequences and her obsession with her craft place a nice color over the disco song.

The film was directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

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