ReStructure Mix Update (11/29/15) “Disco Connection” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Isaac Hayes

ReStructure Mix Update (11/29/15) “Disco Connection” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Isaac Hayes

The Isaac Hayes Movement is a session produced, arranged and engineered by Isaac Hayes. The second album titled “Disco Connection” contained the title track - one of the mid-70s exciting tracks that were more of an underground sensation. “Disco Connection” follows the bass line that disco music endured throughout the late seventies along with dramatic sweeping strings which also became one of hardcore disco’s elements. It is quite a mover and still brings back that period of experimental dance music which shifted from soul to disco.

I have taken the album version of “Disco Connection” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix by request of Pivaral Jorge of Facebook. I have stripped down the track and used some of the elements that click the most. More of the excitement and a few more breakdowns to give the body a break from that “disco connection”.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Pivaral Jorge – thanks for keeping disco music alive and your dedication to making it a daily dose.

“The Gossip Song” by Lipps Inc. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“The Gossip Song” by Lipps Inc. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Lipps Inc. is the disco project from producer Steven Greenberg who gave us the icon “Funkytown” in 1979. The group’s second album from 1980 was another success on dance floors with their cover version of Ace’s “How Long” and the second single “The Gossip Song”. The vocals of Cynthia Johnson upfront there is a strong characteristic among Lipps Inc. early releases. This track is a play on the talk that occurs behind the scenes with little fact. A catchy chorus rings out as powerful as Cynthia style has a nice Broadway-like quality.

I have taken the 1985 television movie “Malice In Wonderland” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Alexander as Hollywood gossip columnists Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons. The duo and their power to control the careers of celebrities eventually studio executives are given a stage here. More of an emphasis on the theme of the song and the fun gossip fare of the two columnists and their personal stories.

The film was directed by Gus Trikonis

Featuring scenes from the film “Malice In Wonderland” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (11/27/15) “Baby Love, Sweet Sweet Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wilton Place Street Band

ReStructure Mix Update (11/27/15) “Baby Love, Sweet Sweet Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Wilton Place Street Band
Wilton Place Street Band is a disco project from 1976 from producer Trevor Lawrence. The first single from Wilton Place Street Band created a stir on radio and discotheques with a funky-disco arrangement of “I Love Lucy Theme” – appropriately titled, “Disco Lucy”. It was one of the big novelty tracks of that year. “Baby Love, Sweet Sweet Love” is the follow up single in 1977 which plays out in the “Disco Lucy” arrangement with a romantic affair taking stage. One of the great productions which defines the evolution of disco music from the early 70’s to the mid and later late 70’s the disco boom.

I have taken the original 12” version of “Baby Love, Sweet Sweet Love” and created a ReStructure Mix adding a new disco-techno intro into the lush strings, horns and funky guitars. More of the track is exposed in some minor looping to create some new breaks to pick up on the groove and then more of the disco sugar.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/26/15) “Girl In The 80s” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

ReStructure Mix Update (11/26/15) “Girl In The 80s” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – France Joli

France Joli released her fourth album in 1983 “Attitude” – produced by Pete Bellotte and Giorgio Moroder. It was a new transition from the disco of the late 70s and the funk feel of her “Now!” of the previous year. A new pop age of dance music was taking Moroder’s keyboards and sequencers into a pulsating aerobics sound. “Girl In The 80’s” is the first single which follows the formula of many of the 80’s anthem like dance songs. France plays well in the song with her yearning vocals and ability to make her tracks sweet and alluring. The production plays out Moroder’s 80s sound and gives a simple display of the time period.

I have taken the 12” remixed by Brian Reeves and reworked a lengthier version of “Girl In The 80’s” and segued more of the intro effects throughout the ReStructure Mix. A simple reworking of the energy and theme. France completes more of her verses here in a new way.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/24/15) “Helping Myself” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kendra

ReStructure Mix Update (11/24/15) “Helping Myself” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kendra

Kendra is a studio session from Canadian disco producer, Jerry Cucuzzella whose work also includes projects by Suzy Q. Sandy Steele, Sweet Brandy and Plastic Surprise. The early 80s electronic disco sound was the continuation of those dance floors that could not get their feel of the rolling sequencers and the nightlife themes to move to. “Helping Myself” was released in 1983 as a single and shared a bit of success with the disc jockeys that were programming the Canadian disco genre. It was later included on the 12” cover of Suzi Lane’s “Harmony” by Suzy Q in 1985.

This ReStructure Mix of “Helping Myself” takes pieces from both the original 12” vocal and instrumental. I have delayed the intro with more of the fast and robotic keyboards and reset some of the chorus into a new arrangement and a more flowing version. It was a favorite of mine with a great “whistle” effect riff that always caught my attention, as well as my packed dance floor.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/14/15) “Hold Tight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vicki Sue Robinson

ReStructure Mix Update (11/14/15) “Hold Tight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Vicki Sue Robinson

Vicki Sue Robinson’s third album “Half and Half” from 1978 contained the dance track, “Hold Tight” - a follow up single from her big 1976 classic, “Turn The Beat Around”. Vicki had already set a stage in clubs for herself as a voice which would deliver the promise of a great dance experience. “Hold Tight” brought the layer of disco music alive with a heavy dose of percussion and swirling disco strings.

I have taken the 12” inch version of “Hold Tight” to work on this ReStructure Mix with a new intro and reassembling the arrangement. It plays out with more of the softness from the lush string breaks. The original production gives the raw feel of the club scene with many breakdowns and this period was the last before electronic era. A great piece of work and one which I still cannot let go once started.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/13/15) “Let You Come Into My Life” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Douglas

ReStructure Mix Update (11/13/15) “Let You Come Into My Life” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Carol Douglas
Carol Douglas began a career in disco music in 1975 with her classic hit, “Doctor’s Orders” from “The Carol Douglas Album”. Following this club favorite in a time when dance floors were audiences and direction of pop music, her sound was never short of the soulful sweetness which gave disco music songs that still bring the uplifting and simple message of love. “Let You Come Into My Life” is a track from Carol’s 1978 project “Burnin’” - produced by Ed O’Loughlin and John Davis and also conducted and arranged by Michael Zager. It was always one of my favorite dance numbers from the album since it speaks out with a melodic tone of a love gone wrong and speaks as an after though of lessons learned in love. A bit scorn but very uplifting.

I have taken the extended album version of “Let You Come Into My Life” and have created a ReStructure Mix pulling the beautiful disco and soul arrangement to a new stage. I have taken instrumental breaks and scattered them with new breaks among Carol’s beautiful confession. The lengthier version gives way to more rearranging of the original created by three of disco music most incredible talents: Carol Douglas, Eddie O’Loughlin, John Davis and Michael Zager.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/6/15) “Let’s Make Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (11/6/15) “Let’s Make Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane is one of the most exciting bodies of the disco sound. Her music personifies a sensual and alluring edge and creates an ethereal experience. Her debut album “Rough Diamond” from 1978 exploded on dance floors everywhere and filled dance floors with a driving disco groove and Madleen’s unique sexy approach. One which captured my heart and also turntables during her rein throughout the late 70s and 80s. “Let’s Make Love” is a track from the project which pours our Madleen’s heart to a lover whom she gives her heart freely. This one was always a favorite of mine and plays out with the funky guitars, beat and those sweeping strings which made disco its own in the mid-70s.

I have taken the album version of “Let’s Make Love” and have worked a ReStructure Mix to take this invitation from Madleen deeper and also more playful with the help of the sex symbol of film in a cameo. This remix plays with the breaks and exceptional horns a bit more as well as adds a few new breaks. A great new fun way to lure your feet back into Madleen’s magic.

Dedicated to Ms. Madleen Kane – thank you for being as wonderful as I always imagined you would be.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/5/15) “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick Astley

ReStructure Mix Update (11/5/15) “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Rick Astley

Rick Astley is a pop-singer from the mid-80s produced by the hit machine, Stock, Aitken and Waterman. His first single “Never Gonna Give You Up” solidified the singer as the period’s big dance floor favorites as well as a voice that worked the formula of the producers like a glove in hand. It was dance music as exciting as it gets. The hit single was instantly shadowed by several tracks from the first album, “Whenever You Need Somebody” which gave dance floors a non-stop parade of great hits.

I have taken the “Cake Mix” and “Instrumental” from the original promo 12” and recreated a new ReStructure Mix to mark this hit in a new way. A new use of the chorus and those pure sounding synthesized bass of Stock, Aitken and Waterman. It is a salute to this sound and also a continuance of my own love for this artist and the nights of crowded dance floors and happy faces.

ReStructure Mix Update (11/4/15) “Que Sera Mi Vida (If You Should Go)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gibson Brothers

ReStructure Mix Update (11/4/15) “Que Sera Mi Vida (If You Should Go)” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gibson Brothers

Gibson Brothers are Alex, Chris and Patrick Gibson a Latin disco group formed in France. Their big hit “Que Sera Mi Vida (If You Should Go)” is a disco classic celebrated as one of the most uplifting and genuine disco sounds of the late 70s. It has truly survived not only the test of time with the energy and rhythms of disco music, but it also has their unique vocals which make the experience lasting and worthwhile.

I have taken the 12” disco version onto the ReStructure Mix sound for another rekindle of this disco magic. I have taken parts of the wonderful original and have given it a new spin. A whole new arrangement moves this one even more than intended. There is plenty of looping to give that lasting essence on some of those fantastic hooks.

Dedicated to all of the fans of disco music who not only groove to it – but more importantly ‘love it’!

ReStructure Mix Update (11/3/15) “Upside Down” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Coo Coo

ReStructure Mix Update (11/3/15) “Upside Down” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Coo Coo

Coo Coo is an Italian high energy disco project from Max Coo and Steve Coo – produced by Mauro Farina, Guiliano Crivellente and Florian Fadinger. An uplifting and happy sound that exceeded the late 80s into a few new genres of dance music all focusing on a lighter edge of disco music. “Upside Down” is their first single from 1988 which is a stomping good time with some light fare and a rolling synthesizer pulsating energy and a happy refrain. One of my favorite periods during the house music boom as it helped to keep a lighter side of dance floors alive.

I have taken the 12” “Full Power D.J. Mix” and pieces of the “M.Y.O.M. Version” into the ReStructure Mix arena and created a new version to bring back the joyful sound of Italian high energy. There are some new breaks and looping effects to make a dance moment last longer and some accentuated percussion to bring the track again some showcase.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/15) “Hot Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slip

ReStructure Mix Update (10/25/15) “Hot Jungle” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Slip

Slip is a disco project from German producer Tess (Fancy, Timerider) from 1983 whose memorable tracks were covers of disco classics “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and “Harmony” – their single “Hot Jungle” was always a favorite of mine. It is a simple electronic piece that uses a simple chorus riff surrounded by keyboard takes. It has the emphasis on the sexy cover and theme of woman’s apparel piece, ‘slip’.

I have taken the piece “Hot Jungle” from the “The Slip EP” and created a new ReStructure Mix to celebrate the high energy period of disco history and also the great Manfred Alois Segieth (Fancy) and his wonderful contribution to disco and Italo-disco music.

“Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Erotic Soul” by Larry Page Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Larry Page Orchestra is a disco project from Larry Page who a former pop singer and record producer from England of the late 50s and 60s who made the transition to disco in the late seventies “Erotic Soul” is the album from 1977 and along with Chris Blackwell (Max Berlin, Tschai Prender)created a lounge-feel disco sound. I have always admired the beautiful strings in the title track, “Erotic Soul” as well as the pounding drums and percussion.

I have created a Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1954 adventure film, “Elephant Walk” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Dana Andrews. The story of a herd of angry elephants who wreak havoc on a tea plantation in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for blocking their migrating path. The beauty of Elizabeth Taylor is the main force here along with the care and respect for all animals on this planet.

“Erotic Soul” works as a new disco theme replacing the classic, “Baby Elephant Walk” by Henry Mancini.

The film was film was directed by William Dieterie

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

“Glide” by Musique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Glide” by Musique – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Musique is a disco group from Patrick Adams and Christine Wiltshire with all of what disco music was made of during the mid and late 70s. Much of the productions were roaring with a Barry White-esque orchestral feel as well as a funk edge with the stomping disco beat on other tracks. This is a project which filled all of the needs of dance floors around the world for its time. Today the sound is classic among followers and many tracks remain fresh and exuberant as the day they were recorded. “Glide” is from the “Musique II” album released in 1979 and is one of the four favorites of mine from the album. It has the feel of a rush of ecstasy and the graceful sound of a symphony. Along with Christine Wiltshire on vocals the sound is my choice.

I have taken the song in a Disco Video Mix to not only salute Mr. Patrick Adams and Ms. Christine Wiltshire – but also keep this beautiful music alive.  The 1945 film “It’s A Pleasure” starring ice skating Princess Sonja Henie is the background for this melody and works along the theme of not only disco’s lilting sound – but the wonderful escape and freedom it creates.

The film was directed by William A. Seiter

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

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Mr. Patrick Adams and Ms. Christine Wiltshire – the world needs your sound again!

“Tubular Bells” by Champs Boys Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Tubular Bells” by Champs Boys Orchestra – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Champs Boys Orchestra is a disco project from produced Patrick Boceno who also gave us C.D. Band (“HooDoo VooDoo”. His 1976 single “Tubular Bells” is a clever mash-up of Mike Oldfield’s classic theme from the horror film “The Exorcist from 1973 and disco’s own “Love To Love You Baby” by Donna Summer from 1975 – a nice use of the bass guitar track and Oldfield’s haunting instrumental. One of the early disco mash-ups which became an underground classic during the late 70s and early 80s.

I have taken Champs’ Boys Orchestra and created an appropriate Disco Video Mix using scenes from the 1974 Turkish remake of “The Exorcist” and worked both covers into a quick glance at second take on some of the most horrifying scenes from the original William Peter Blatty/William Friedkin masterpiece.

The film was directed by Metin Erksan

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

“Slice Me Nice” by Fancy – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Slice Me Nice” by Fancy – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Fancy (Manfred Alois Segieth)is a German disco singer who brought us many familiar 80s disco projects as well as his own solo work with producer Anthony Monn. “Slice Me Nice” is from his first album from 1985 “Get Your Kicks” – a rolling electronic piece that has a nice vocal hook as well as a mystique within the theme. It is one of the well-known high energy pieces from the mid-80s and a favorite of mine from Fancy’s huge repertoire.

I have taken “Slice Me Nice” into a Disco Video Mix for a special Halloween edition “A Horrifying Disco Video Mix A-Day!” 2015. I have blended some disturbing scenes from the 2004 psychological horror film, “Saw” – which I never did watch but have heard of the horrible theme which kept me from it – but for this Disco Video Mix and ventured onto scenes for the theme “slice” and “saw” seemed quite playful. It took me quite some time to complete this since I could not see the clips very long – the blood and gore flicks were fun as a teenager but are like a roller coaster ride now in my mind set. Ewwww!

The film was directed by James Wan

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

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/15) “Don’t Wanna Lose You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

ReStructure Mix Update (10/19/15) “Don’t Wanna Lose You” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Madleen Kane

Madleen Kane (Madleen Frings) is one of disco music’s true originals. From the start of her career in club music in 1978 with “Rough Diamond” a persona of a new disco model was born. Her breathy and appropriate vocals are the sound which “people fall in love to in discotheques” – as Madleen once said herself in an interview. Many of her fans hold her dear to their hearts and souls as her music and talent has never failed to bring the true feeling of what disco music is all about: freedom and savvy.

I have taken the title track to the album “Don’t Wanna Lose You” from 19881 produced by Giorgio Moroder which was another big thrill for disco and dance fans everywhere. The piece always reminded me of a love song with a light country feel and of course Madleen wonderful vocals. I have created a new ReStructure Mix to bring this one back into the spotlight. The album version was the only mix available and a fade in intro made it difficult to spin unless it began a set. This ReStructure Mix gives a new riff driven version with more of Madleen! Who could want more?

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/15) "Summer Breeze" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Baiser

ReStructure Mix Update (10/18/15) "Summer Breeze" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Baiser

Baiser is a disco project from producer Francois L'Herbier - who also worked on the follow up album from Voggue ("Love Buzz"). "Summer Breeze" is the single released in 1983 which is one of the most beautiful pieces from this year. It is a love affair starting in the summer sun and hoping for a promise of lasting emotion. A favorite among many connoisseurs of early morning music or a blend of electronic dance with a touch of contemporary jazz fusion. This piece also contains a lovely vocal from an uncredited studio singer which brings the song to another great level.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental into the ReStructure Mix realm to give the song a more underground feel and break up some of the wonderful keyboard and percussion. It was nice time spent also breaking the vocal into pieces and placing them into another romantic gesture for a whole new experience.

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “I Feel Love” (The Live Version) – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “I Feel Love” (The Live Version) – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer released “Live and More” at the height of her career and also the highest raging flames of disco nightlife. The 1978 release gave us a “live” performance of Donna at the Universal Amphitheatre on stage with her greatest hit up to this point. “I Feel Love” featured a dynamite live arrangement – and Donna purring those sensual chants over and over at her best. The three sided “live” recording is probably the best of any artist – Donna at her best.

I have taken the “live” track of “I Feel Love” from the “Live and More” double album to recreate a new ReStructure Mix that plays out the energy and excitement of the song and break it down in a new way. It is a tribute to the lady who never left me disappointed as a teenager being “shut out” and too young to enter discotheques in the mid-70s – but finding my imagination and love for Donna’s music and voice – all alone in my room with headphones!

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “Taste Of Bitter Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gladys Knight & The Pips

ReStructure Mix Update (10/16/15) “Taste Of Bitter Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight and The Pips released their project “About Love” in 1980 – produced by Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Another peak for Gladys, The Pips and Ashford and Simpson it focuses on the four letter word and emotions brought to a soulful level. “Taste Of Bitter Love” is a mid-tempo dance track that was one of the biggest in my club and is celebrated here with a new energy and arrangement. It is one of those moments again where Gladys shines wonderfully and brings out the feelings that make love and heartbreak one of humanities great rewards and lessons.

I have taken the album version onto the ReStructure Mix chopping block and present this gentle giant with a new intro and some breaks that drop in and out for energy. It is a great piece of work with that mixture of soul, disco and rhythm and blues.