ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/13): “Ain’t Nobody” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chaka Khan

ReStructure Mix Update (3/30/13): “Ain’t Nobody” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan (Carole Yvette Marie Stevens) recorded “Ain’t Nobody” with Rufus (Andre Fischer, Bobby Watson, Chaka Khan, David "Hawk" Wolinski, John Robinson, Kevin Murphy , Richard Calhoun and Tony Maiden ) in 1983 - from the LP “Stompin’ At The Savoy”.

I have taken the album version and created a ReStructure Mix with a new intro and more dreamy feel to the intro and a few more loops and effects to give it a new moment. It is one the well-known tracks with Chaka’s voice and is certainly a hot contender as one of the most hypnotic love songs off the 80’s with the funk intact.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/13): “Power and Reason” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

ReStructure Mix Update (3/29/13): “Power and Reason” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Machine

Machine is a disco band formed by August Darnell - who was a part of the group Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band (“Cherchez La Femme” ) in the mid 70s. The big disco hit for Machine in 1979 was an innovative song titled, “There But For The Grace Of God Go I” - which took dance floors layers above the then present time with it’s energy and motivation.

I have taken the 12” single “Power and Reason” from their second album titled “Movin’ On” - which is a powerful and funk-driven song and recreated a ReStructure Mix to outline the song again with the statement and energy it brings. A wonderful production which always reminded me of a Norman Whitfield masterpiece with its funky moog synths and funky-kickin beats.

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/13) “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alma Faye Brooks

ReStructure Mix Update (3/27/13) “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Alma Faye Brooks

Alma Faye Brooks is a vocalist who hit the disco scene in 1977 with her hit, “Stop, I Don’t Need No Sympathy” (a disco cover of Lyn Roman’s 1973 single) and immediately became one of the soulful and exciting voices on the club scene. Her follow up single “If You Love Me Like You Say You Love Me” from the same year was releases as a 7” single. It was unfortunate that a 12” single was never issued - this was one of the great missed love songs for the dance floor.

Alma also is featured as lead vocalist on the classic Bomber’s hit “(Everybody) Get Dancin’” from 1978. This performance is unaccredited - but you can definitely feel and hear Alma’s fantastic emotion and delivery.

The production is executed beautifully by Dominic Sciscente and Michel Daigle - known for Alma’s 1979 album “Doin’ It” and disco groups, Space Project, Black Light Orchestra and also the production for “Love Buzz” by Voggue.

I have taken the 45 rpm ‘vocal’ and ‘instrumental’ to recreate a longer and ReStructured Mix for this missed jewel. It is bittersweet and orchestrated with the disco feel which brings to mind a classic soul feel.  A new break and some extended verses are added.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay - my great disco contacts in Australia who make this music feel like new again. Thank you for requesting a ReStructure Mix of Alma’s wonderful track.

“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Rick Dees (Rigdon Osmond Dees III) is a comedic performer who marked disco history with his forever silly track “Disco Duck:” in 1977. It is one of the crazy parodies of a genre of music which becomes one of the stamps of what was to come for the style of music that practically every artist dipped their feet into. So the theme is quite appropriate.

I have taken the 1986 science fiction/comedy film “Howard The Duck” starring Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins. The film is based on a Marvel Comic Strip character about a duck from outer-space. The film follows through with a big taste of the 80s. It is a crazy Disco Video Mix only intended to keep the silly-side of disco music alive and a little bit of history.

The film was directed by Willard Huyck

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

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/13) - “Light A Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peppermint

ReStructure Mix Update (3/26/13) - “Light A Light” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Peppermint

Peppermint is a disco/high energy project from German musician, engineer and producer, Helmut Rulofs - who also brought us tracks by Gilla, Harry Baier, Vanilla and Touch. His 1985 club hit is an uplifting disco-ditty with a nice rolling sound and celebratory feel. It is one of the electronic disco tracks of the time you would hear from club-to-club during the time.

I have taken the original 12” version and have worked a ReStructure Mix to create an alternative version with more chopping than The Cooking Channel but just as delicious as those disco chorus girls unite to salute a rodeo like showdown. It is pure fun and the mix is intended to keep the sound of 80s high energy on your mind and your feet moving!

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/13) - “Whistle Bump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Deodato

ReStructure Mix Update (3/25/13) - “Whistle Bump” - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Deodato

Eumir Deodato is a musician, composer, arranger and producer who has given us work from 1964 - through current as well as successful projects from Kool & The Gang, Juicy, and Con Funk Shun. His original work has always stemmed in the jazz arena. Known to bring in instruments which were cutting edge and innovative for his easel of work. His 1979 album “Knights Of Fantasy” was a big event for me since “Shazam” and “Whistle Bump” were two of my personal favorites and movers on my dance floor.

I have taken the 12” single version of “Whistle Bump” and have given it a ReStructure Mix as a breakdown to the funky guitars, bongos and keyboards. It is a bit extended and also some additional percussion is added to enhance the funky-driven track.

“I Can Fly” by Rainey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“I Can Fly” by Rainey – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Rainey is an artist who released a single titled “I Can Fly” in 1985 – as a part of the soundtrack to the film, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”. It was produced by Jay Levy. It is a song of freedom and personal growth as the film depicted a teenager breaking free from her overly-religious father to show her talent as a dancer.

I have taken the 1953 Walt Disney classic, “Peter Pan” and created a short montage of the magical flight sequences to embellish this 80s dance classic. It is an uplifting trip to give the joys of childhood a special place in the adult world of the dance floor.

The film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske and Jack Kinney

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

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/13) - “Delicate Jan” by Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

ReStructure Mix Update (3/22/13) - “Delicate Jan” by Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008

Lucrethia & The Azoto 14,008 is a Italian disco project from 1978 - arranged by the incredible Celso Valli who also gave us great disco work from Passengers, Tantra, Azoto, Nuggets, Cassandra, Future State and Matia Bazar. One of my favorite producers and musicians. Anyone who has heard the Tantra - Double Album would agree that he is one of the most creative.

“Delicate Jan” is a winding disco track that speaks of the wonderful lady, Jan who captivates and allures men and women with charm and sensual traits. It was featured on a Disconet Issue and is from the album, “Dance Skination”.

I have taken the 4:52 album track and created a whole new view of the song with a new ReStructure Mix adding many new breaks and a new energy. It is my tribute to Mr. Celso Valli and the ReStructure Mix in a whole. You may find yourself signing joyfully just how wonderful and incredible Jan is!

“Dancer Dance” by Pussyfoot – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Dancer Dance” by Pussyfoot – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

NOTE: MINOR NUDITY

Pussyfoot is a disco project produced by Mick Flinn (Design, Sponooch) and features vocals by Donna Jones (New Seekers, Springfield Revival) and features an electronic sequencer arrangement very similar to the big Donna Summer hit, “I Feel Love” and sensual vocals riding the melody. The track was featured in the US on a Disconet issue and quite a big hit internationally during the late 70s and early 80s.

I have taken the 1995 sexy-drama “Showgirls” starring Elizabeth Berkley and Gina Gershon and blended to appropriately create the ‘dancer action’ and exaggerated drama of show-business on the Vegas strip. It is a camp-cult classic now and fits perfectly into the disco realm as heard and seen.

The film was directed by Paul Verhoeven

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

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Jussi Kantonen- thanks for his recommending this film as a Video Mix and also for his energy in keeping obscure and artistic disco music alive today!

"Shot In The Night"- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul Parker

"Shot In The Night"- Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paul Parker

Paul Parker is a disco/dance artist who began his recording career alongside producer/artist Patrick Cowley during the dance music resurgence in the early 80s. His big club hit, “Right On Target” is the proof and long tern standing of the power of his vocal and music longevity.

I have taken his 1983 track “Shot In The Night” from his “Too Much Too Dream” project and have given the 12” remix a ReStructure Mix to bring the track new life. It has a longer intro with extended drums from the original track and also some added pieces from Patrick Cowley’s classic “Menergy”.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Mr. Paul Parker – who continues to bring us his wonderful sound even today.

"Red Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mary Wilson

"Red Hot" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson is best known as one of the founding members of the iconic Motown/girl group, The Supremes. Her solo career began in 1979 with a self-titled album featuring a sizzling track appropriately tiled, "Red Hot". The disco/funk track was arranged by Arthur Wright (Wright Bros. Flying Machine) who also worked on Paul Jabara's "Shut Out" project.

"Red Hot" was a big surprise for dance floors and clubs in 1979 and a real treat for true Supreme fans and Motown addicts. I was one of them and played this song out as it made many dancer feel the teasing energy of Mary's vocal.

I have taken the 12" remix and segments of the album version to create this ReStructure Mix which has more breaks and some pairing of a classic disco chorus to add some hardcore dance feel to the lounge style of this piece.

This ReStructure Mix is lovingly dedicated to my good friend, Rick Brissette of Lincoln City, OR and his non-stop love for the girls of style, song and figure of music. Thank you, Rick for keeping me back where music is now classic and the feeling is always new!

"Cathedrals" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. La Rue

"Cathedrals" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - D.C. La Rue

D.C. La Rue is one of my all-time favorite artists in disco music. From the early days of underground dance clubs and circuits comes the sound of disco music using the feel of edgy grooves and funky riffs. "Cathedrals" is D.C.'s album from 1976 - produced by Mr. La Rue and Aram Schefrin (Ecstasy Passion & Pain).

The single was a huge hit on early disco dance floors and helped to set the tone for a sophisticated and glam approach to disco music - my favorite flavor!

I have taken the Disconet Remix from 1980 and have given it a ReStructure Mix - playing with the keyboards and episodes of memorable one-night stands and flash backs to short-lived love and brought it directly to the place D.C. dared to compare. A flawless theme and recording.

Dedicated to Mr. D.C. La Rue and his continued support of disco and dance music even today - the heart can be heard in his music and love for a sound which brought out many fantasies and moving feet on dance floors trhroughout the 70s and even today.

"Crazy Legs" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donald Austin

"Crazy Legs" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donald Austin

Donald Austin (Donald Rae Austin) is a guitarist from the early 70s who also performed with Ron Banks, Denise LaSalle and Fuzzy Haskins. His funk album from 1973 titled "Crazy Legs" is one of my favorite "funky-fests" of the time. Some great grooves and the work of strings that make soul and funk music of the early 70s period a groovy experience.

The title track "Crazy Legs" is one I can remember hearing from my childhood and always finding mesmerizing. I have take the 2:38 album track and extended with a ReStructure Mix to outline the early funk which influenced the soul and disco genres.

Always reminded me of the porno-soundtrack feel - and marks an excellent moment for guitar werk!

“Did You See That Girl?” by Lime - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Did You See That Girl?” by Lime  - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Lime is a high-energy group from the early 80s – Denis and Denyse Le Page – well known for the fantastic light-hearted love songs and dance anthems they created. Their 1986 album, “Take The Love” continuing on the electronic dance formula that wore feet out throughout the 80s and 2002.

I have taken the track “Did You See That Girl?” from the “Take The Love” project and blended it with the 1966 television sitcom, “That Girl” starring Marlo Thomas and Ted Bessell – using the backdrop of the aspiring actress with the fun-loving high energy song.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Denis and Denyse Le Page

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

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

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

Arpeggio is a disco group created by producer Simon Soussan – featuring Jessica Williams, Fred Sawyers, Jason Reed and Jerry Scott. “Love and Desire” is the first album and disco hit from 1978. The group released a second album titled “Breakout” in 1980 which had two dance floor hits “Saturday Night” and “Showdown”.

I have taken the single “Spellbound” from the “Love and Desire” LP and blended it with the 1954 Hitchcock psychological mystery thriller, “Spellbound” starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck – the film works on the love interest between psychoanalyst and the head of a mental asylum. It is one of the Hitchcock films that mystified me at a young age so using it with a romantic disco track was a twist – but wonderful to do.

The film was directed by Sir Alfred Hitchcock

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

"Morning Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Siren

"Morning Music" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Siren

Siren is a disco group from John Davis - who also gave us The Monster Orchestra ("Ain't That Enough For You". "Love Magic") and productions by Ruth 'Silky Waters ("Never Gonna Be The Same Again"), Philly Devotions, Universe City, John Travolta, Phyllis Hyman, Carol Douglas and Jet Brown. His sound hi is familiar with his John Davis and Monster Orchestra projects.

"Morning Music" is the flip-side to the 12" single "Open Up For Love" released in 1979. I have taken the 12" version of "Morning Music" and have given it a ReStructure Mix for an alternative version with an extended ware on the vocal verses and percussion breaks.

“Fly” by Pegasus – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Fly” by Pegasus – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Pegasus is a disco band produced by Jack Conrad (The Bottom Line) and had a minor disco hit titled, “Fly”. The big track was a percussion driven groove with lots of accented choruses whom were obviously quoting the theme from “Rocky” (“Gonna Fly Now”) with a new disco emphasis and energy. It was a big hot for me – since percussion is one of the big attractions to disco music.

I have taken an edited 12” version of “Fly” and paired it with the 1972 Blaxploitation film, “Superfly” starring Ron O’ Neal. The story of a cocaine dealer escaping the underground drug scene and the effects it had on the ghettos and its people. However, the original groovy soundtrack from “Superfly” by Curtis Mayfield should never be misplaced – this is only another view and edge on the action.

The film was directed by Gordon Parks, Jr.

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

"Bring It On Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love Unlimited Orchestra

"Bring It On Up" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Love Unlimited Orchestra

Love Unlimited Orchestra is Barry White's 40-piece extravaganza whose classic piece. "Love's Theme" from 1973 helped to introduce a whole new sound and energy into soul music. The sweepings and funky guitars are the classic staple of early 70s dance music slowly emerging into a form of disco music which took dance floors into a whole new realm of fantasy and grooves.

"Bring It On Up" is from the 1975 album "Music Maestro Please" and is the classic sound of this ensemble. I have taken the 4:23 minute version of this funky and sophisticated piece and have given it a new ReStructure Mix. Working on the beautiful arrangement in a new way and adding some play on the intro - which can be remembered by most jocks as the into to the infamous "Party" Mix by Mach.

“The Genie” by Patti Austin –Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“The Genie” by Patti Austin –Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Patti Austin is a pop/jazz vocalist who is well known in the dance community for her hits, “Rhythm Of The Streets”, “Do You Love Me” and “It’s Gonna Be Special”. From her 1981 album, “Every Home Should Have One” comes the single “The Genie” – produced by Mr. Quincy Jones.

I have taken scenes from the television sitcom from 1965, “I Dream of Jeannie” with Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman to create the fantasy this great dance track creates.

Featuring scenes from “I Dream of Jeannie” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“New York” by MCL – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“New York” by MCL – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

MCL (Micro Chip League) is Alexander Henninger and Ken Taylor – an industrial/electronic German duo who released their album “Code Numbers” in 1987. The group is better known for their single “Carmen (Danger In Her Eyes)” with Deborah Sasson in 1988. This is one of my favorite industrial and hardcore groups and sounds of the late 80s.

I have taken their track “New York” (also featured on Razormaid) and blended in in this Disco Video Mix along with the 1980 psychological thriller, “Cruising” with Al Pacino with the mysterious and dark edge of this piece. The film about a cop going undercover in the gay hardcore leaver and S&M scene works like a horror flick as ominous as the crashing and thumping synth and drum effects.

The film was directed by William Friedkin

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