disco pastiche - reflect yourself

disco pastiche - reflect yourself

"Gimme Some" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Jimmy 'Bo' Horne - https://youtu.be/DN18ASYvVg0
“They Only Come Out At Night" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peter Brown - https://youtu.be/hdKUAYOHBcY
“My Girl” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – 1 Plus 1 - https://youtu.be/ONqNNHHW2p8
"Fire In My Heart" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Madleen Kane - https://youtu.be/IRk2Wa6wTVU
“Relight My Fire" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Dan Hartman - https://youtu.be/zC_W4YbwrnU

ReStructure Mix Update (3/7/18) “Lightning Strikes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – SFX

ReStructure Mix Update (3/7/18) “Lightning Strikes” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – SFX

SFX is a band from San Francisco and produced by disco producer Marty Blechman who also brought us work from Sylvester, Patrick Cowley and Modern Rocketry. The sound of San Francisco disco is here with all of the attributes which made a disco renaissance possible in the early 80s. It was obvious dance floors were still on fire. SFX takes Lou Christie’s classic “Lightning Strikes” and revamps it with the swirling synthesizers and bass beats with a light rendition which fits perfectly into the 80s high energy feel. This one was placed behind others from the Megatone label in a time where many were crossing over to a pop-rock edge. It still points to a great period for me and the music which kept the beat alive.

I have taken the 12” version of “Lightning Strikes” and reworked a ReStructure Mix using parts of the original by Mr. Lou Christie and also reshaping the synthesizers into a new arrangement. It is a tribute to the birth of high energy out of disco’s ashes.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/18) “Make That Move” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shalamar

ReStructure Mix Update (3/5/18) “Make That Move” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Shalamar

Shalamar is Jody Watley, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel. Their disco hits “Uptown Festival” and “Second Time Around” are classics from the disco era and their 1980 project titled “Three For Love” delivered a new sound for the trio. Produced by Leon Sylvers, III and portrays the sound of 80s funk in a polished manner. “Make That Move” is the single which follows closely to “Second Time Around” as the electronic funk edge pulls the trios lovely voices. Shalamar brings the 80s into a fresh new sound and also maintains the respect that is deserved.

I have taken the 12” single of “Make That Move” and edited a ReStructure Mix for a tribute to Shalamar and the 80s funk scene. The guitar elements are reworked in several parts of this new arrangement keeping intact the original groove with just a touch of drop-outs and breaks for a new option.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/4/18) “Walking In The Neon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Richard

ReStructure Mix Update (3/4/18) “Walking In The Neon” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Peter Richard

Peter Richard is an Italo-disco artist with one of the 80s most hypnotic and experimental pieces of its time. The project is arranged by Celso Valli who is responsible for many classic Italian dance tracks from Tantra, VISA, Lama and Azoto. This one weaves a sci-fi feel with a deep bass loop which brings to mind the genius of Giorgio Moroder when placed in the electronic dance arena. Percussion is pounding out an ethereal space journey which takes place on the dance floor. A masterpiece from the Italo-disco catalogue.

I have taken the 12” version of “Walking In The Neon” and recreated another trip into disco heaven. More percussion is lightly added to the underground feel of this track and of course it is extended to give the followers of such a long lasting high.

CERRONE IS MINE! - We’ll see who gets to the dance floor first...

CERRONE IS MINE! - We’ll see who gets to the dance floor first...

“Call Me Tonight” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/uX5hqp6sk08
"Took Me So Long” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Cerrone - https://youtu.be/jcFAWXzatMw
"Trippin' On The Moon" by Cerrone -- Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/W5BtAm1N240
“Love In 'C' Minor" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Cerrone - https://youtu.be/ox2pqaEZtA8
“Cerrone’s Paradise” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/5qBzXrEat1c

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/18) “Your Good Lovin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

ReStructure Mix Update (3/3/18) “Your Good Lovin’” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

France Joli is the one disco music’s most exciting voices. Her big dance hit “Come To Me” from 1979 gave the closing of the disco era a crescendo. Her 1980 album “Now!” and her third was a turn for France to the sound which her label, Prelude Records was creating for the 80s – New York Funk. The production by Ray Reid and William Anderson (Crown Heights Affair) gave us an opportunity to hear France and her lovely vocals in a funky setting. “Your Good Lovin’” is the second single from the project following “Gonna Get Over You”. It is another great love song which gives us some slick keyboards and funk beats and was produced by Darryl Payne and Eric Matthew (Sharon Redd. Gary’s Gang) and features an arrangement by Giuliano Salerni (Ultimate, Strange Affair, Bonnie Boyer).

I have taken the original album version and recreated a ReStructure Mix using the loop edits for a new approach. I have extended it for more of France’s outstanding performance and of course the backing vocals of Fonzi Thornton and Dolette McDonald. A funk fest made in New York and branded the same!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/18) “Mother, Look What They’ve Done To Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amanda Lear

ReStructure Mix Update (3/2/18) “Mother, Look What They’ve Done To Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Amanda Lear

Amanda Lear’s “Sweet Revenge” project from 1978 is a disco-opera of our heroine whose soul is taken by the dark side for the fortune and fame of a Hollywood career. A touch of modern day Faust set to disco beats and rolling synthesizers. The production by Anthony Monn is an innovative twist for the mysterious tale being weaved through songs where Amanda gives a hypnotic performance of lusty, temptation and regret. This one is ahead of its time as it portrays an early morning dance feel with the main tracks, “Follow Me” which is a classic.

I have taken the album version from the side one medley of “Sweet Revenge” – where obviously the title exclaims that Amanda has over shadowed the grip of evil in this tale. The original is extended in this ReStructure Mix and contains pieces of those in the lead of the tale and following to complete the fantasy. It is one of the pieces from Amanda which make her aura as tempting as Faust.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/18) “Come Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vivian Vee

ReStructure Mix Update (3/1/18) “Come Back” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vivian Vee

Vivian Vee is an Italo-disco artist who worked with producers Claudio Simonetti and Giancarlo Meo. Their work in the late 70s and early 80s helped to bring Italo-disco to the forefront and lead the way for the high energy explosion. “Come Back” is the third single from her 1979 album “Give Me A Break” – where the title track dominated the clubs in early 80s. This single a love song begging an estranged lover to return for more love or closure. It is a similar sound as the electronic work which Simonetti and Meo helped to launch in the Italo-disco genre early on. Vivian has a melodic performance again here and although her words at times are not so clear it is still a pleasant experience in her delivery.

I have taken the 12” version of “Come Back” and redesigned the flow of the song for this ReStructure Mix. Taking the percussion from breaks and segments of the track to enhance others. This is great piece not only for the breakdown of recreating disco music electronically but also for the thrill of its energy and direction.

READY FOR THE BOOGIE - Dance-a-nista!

READY FOR THE BOOGIE - Dance-a-nista!

"Kung Fu Fighting" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Carl Douglas - https://youtu.be/-4MxAZ-kW54
"Lady Bump" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Penny McClean - https://youtu.be/Pb7AIsmwMdk
"Pick Up The Pieces" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Average White Band - https://youtu.be/Sh7YxNf9q7Q
"You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Leo Sayer - https://youtu.be/ovsoFu751IQ
“Heaven On The 7th Floor” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Paul Nicholas - https://youtu.be/_P3RKy0t69I

ReStructure Mix Update (2/26/18) “Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers

ReStructure Mix Update (2/26/18) “Bustin’ Loose” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers

Soul Searchers began their recording career in 1972 and expressed the funk in an early description of guitars and horns. Their shift in 1979 as Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers became one of the biggest moves to disco-funk in the early 80s. Their big hit “Bustin’ Loose” was an early path for funk following the close of pop-disco during the late 70s. This funky excursion into a realm of freedom of moving ones assets to the groove became one of the soul anthems of the time.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Bustin’ Loose” and re-vamped a funk-fest using the bass lines which echo into the bongo breaks for more of disco-funk edge. The chorus is still intact as it calls out the first dancers to break out of their molds and get loose. This is a tribute to the funk and its part in dance music history.

disco chipe - programmed for dancing

disco chipe - programmed for dancing

“Striptease” by Cerrone by Bob Sinclair – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/wX6IVP__pLY
“Tiger Tiger (Feel Good For A While)” by Gregg Diamond’s Bionic Boogie – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/4xYO0TCtRMY
“Hitchcock Makes Me Happy” by Azul Y Negro – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/mhypYVRVdIo
“Computer World” by Kraftwerk – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/fvjku8wTibc
“Fashion” by The New York Models – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/5cNFFL0a8P0

ReStructure Mix Update (2/22/18) “Nights Of Arabia” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miro Miroe

ReStructure Mix Update (2/22/18) “Nights Of Arabia” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Miro Miroe

Miro Miroe is a 80s synth-pop duo whom were a shift into a new era of dance music. Berenice Nally and Ian Ritchie create the Arabic feel in “Nights Of Arabia” from 1982 and weave an adventure into a desert romance. This track is their second single and was one of the synth-dance numbers which roll over and over a hypnotic rhythm which interplays with a force that is powerful and move the feet and mind.

I have taken the US 12” version of “Nights Of Arabia” and created a ReStructure Mix which plays on the pulsating bass synths and keyboards which interlock and then reverse to a new adventure. It is one of the new wave infused pieces that I recall serving to a packed dance floor so this reworking is a dedication to the 80s synth-pop sound and the power it brought to help introduce high energy music.

2 FROM THREE - The Energy From The Ladies Lingers On!

2 FROM THREE - The Energy From The Ladies Lingers On!

“Reflections” by Evelyn Thomas – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/l1tftltwFt8

“Sorry, Wrong Number” by Evelyn Thomas – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/sfxlHmRI2Ls

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Linda Clifford - https://youtu.be/LId2NEng4CE
"If My Friends Could See Me Now" by Linda Clifford - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/ZlEUEiT4_kQ

“I Have A Destiny” by Denise Mc Cann – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/x0QLMPPKNBw
“Tattoo Man" by Denise McCann – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/9cMxhNzxA0M

ReStructure Mix Update (2/21/18) “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller (formerly Crystal & The Team)

ReStructure Mix Update (2/21/18) “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Nina Schiller (formerly Crystal & The Team)

Nina Schiller is one of the voices of the early 80s from the San Francisco disco resurgence movement whom brought a beauty to dance music. It was producer, Bill Motley who also created Boys Town Gang (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”) in the wake of period where a lack of high energy dance music was missing. Not only were the pounding disco drums scarce but the beautiful string and horn arrangements also. Motley created that feel once again with a single from Crystal & The Team in 1981 along with DJs Craig Morley and Mike Lewis. The single “(Won’t You) Dance With Me” was a fast rolling dance number which featured vocalist Nina Schiller on lead vocals. Her delivery was a great move for the number and created an underground audience for this swirling sound.

I have taken the original 12” vocal and instrumental versions on Moby Dick Records and weaved a new lengthier ReStructure Mix with a few new touches to make this classic another event. The beautiful and operatic vocal is still intact with Nina’s fabulous delivery.

D-SPY - mission: disco

D-SPY - mission: disco

“Right On Target” by Paul Parker – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/S5uNFmVhBVY
"Hit 'N Run Lover" by Carol Jiani - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/JEJcvfYDht8
"Love Spy" by Mike Mareen - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/04nnv_Fnk7Q
"Agent 406" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Lime - https://youtu.be/UX-UcLeD60c
"Secret Agent Man" by Ultimate - ReStructure Mix and Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/rFuKiAaj5qs

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/18) “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

ReStructure Mix Update (2/15/18) “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston took the 80s in her hands and heart with many of her ballads and pop-dance tracks. Not long after her first recording with Michael Zager Band on his “Life’s A Party” album did the voice of this chanteuse let the world know of its power. Her second album was another big surprise featuring the pop dance single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – produced by Narada Michael Walden. A smash for Whitney and those many fans that were becoming dependent on her music.

I have taken the 12” versions of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and took the pop-edge deeper into the percussion and beats. The dub was one of the echoing of the house movement where the beats became the foundation for a mix. This ReStructure Mix is a part of the 80s edition to celebrate the period which continued to keep the disco aura alive.

SUPER NIGHT - The music is you

SUPER NIGHT - The music is you

“Gloria” by Laura Branigan – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - http://www.discovideomix.com/vide…/laurabranigan_gloria.html
“Woman Ad-Lib” by L.A.X. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/C5EBpr1RlEk
“Workout” by Cerrone – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/iacToZz7vjw
“Autumn Changes” by Donna Summer – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/-yJlOeZOVxs
“Computer Music” by Suzy Q – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/_AnYUYsao0k

ReStructure Mix Update (2/13/18) “Take A Stand” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jackie Moore

ReStructure Mix Update (2/13/18) “Take A Stand” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Jackie Moore

Jackie Moore is a soul singer who began her recording career in 1973 and later found herself in 1979 with a huge disco hit titled “This Time Baby” written by Leroy M. Bell and Casey James (Bell & James “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night)”. Jackie is well known for her soulful recordings from the early 70s display the heart and soul of this woman where these disco hits give us more. “Take A Stand” is once again an emotional performance from Jackie where love that was once warm is now fighting to stay alive. The follow-up is from “This Time Baby” is appropriate however timing on release prevented it from having the success. Fans of Jackie and great soul divas will make it this one a personal hit. The production, arrangement and reality are from the genius of Bobby Eli (Eli’s Second Coming, MFSB, The Salsoul Orchestra and John Davis and the Monster Orchestra.)

I have taken the album version of “Take A Stand” and worked to keep this one alive with the existing emotion and a few new percussion touches and extending the bass guitars licking at the beat and its percussion pattern – which I have added a few extra pieces to. A tribute to the powerful sound of Bobby Eli and Jackie Moore.

DISCO STREAK - You Can't Stop The Beat!

DISCO STREAK - You Can't Stop The Beat!

"Don't Stop The Train" by Phyllis Nelson - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/Xatju1qwi5k

"Disco Express - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Plastic Surprise - https://youtu.be/JZaEUW7hE3s
“Disco Choo Choo” by Nightlife Unlimited – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera - https://youtu.be/pWwcW9v55j8
"The Love Train" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Crystal Glass featuring Kristi B. - https://youtu.be/1jVysfiHGps
"Chattanooga Choo Choo" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Tuxedo Junction - https://youtu.be/eMA33dhg9Zw

ReStructure Mix Update (2/11/18) “The Beat Goes On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Orbit featuring Carol Hall

ReStructure Mix Update (2/11/18) “The Beat Goes On” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Orbit featuring Carol Hall

Orbit is an electronic studio group produced by Don Was, Jack Tann and John Lewis. A beat box tribute to the pop classic “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher from 1967 is the first single to bring Orbit into the dance floor. This cover features Carol Hall on lead vocals as a successful transition from the original to a slick new electronic feel. Dance floors were surprised by the creative edge used in this track and its echoes brought two more covers of classic pop and rock tracks in the early 80s. This one always worked for me as a dub or peak funk number on any night.

I have taken the 12” vocal, dub and acapella to pound out a street wise ReStructure Mix using the Sonny and Cher original to wrap this mix into a complete effort. The beat box syncopation and fabulous vocal from Carol Hall recap this dance floor gem from the early 80s for another banging dance.