ReStructure Mix Update (1/26/16) “Starknight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob Salton

ReStructure Mix Update (1/26/16) “Starknight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Bob Salton

Bob Salton who is Italian producer and disc jockey Domenico Ricchini gave us one of the Italo-disco classic’s titled “Starknight” in 1982. The feel of this rolling piece helped to introduce the wall-of- sequencers and keyboards taking over in disco music during the early 80s. It was an innovative period and many of these numbers helped to keep dance floors alive and also influence high energy music. “Starknight” has the edge of both Moroder and Cowley in a new dose.

I have taken the 12” vocal and instrumental of “Starknight” and created a new ReStructure Mix with a new breakdown of the exciting elements of this Italo-disco mover. The original arrangement is quite fierce however I braved several breakdowns to not only give the new remix some cool down breaks and deliver it in a new way.

“Man Size Love” by Klymaxx – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Man Size Love” by Klymaxx – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Klymaxx is a 80s funk band who brought the 80s a new street groove along with a woman’s sassy edge. “Man Size Love” is from their 1986 self-titled album and was also featured in the film “Running Scared” – produced by Bruce Swedien, Dick Rudolph and Rod Temperton. It plays out with the ladies working on a love affair that pleases and accentuates just what the innuendo plays out in more than one way. It is one of the horn driven funk pieces that welcomed the gals back into their own style and groove.

I have taken the 2011comedy “Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star” starring Nick Swardson and Christina Ricci and played out a ‘small’ innuendo using our adult film star as the focus of this Disco Video Mix. It is playful and is more of a pictorial of the silly but sensational career of this small town man-child.

The film was directed by Tom Brady

Featuring scenes from “Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/14/16) “Good Morning Midnight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – First Choice

ReStructure Mix Update (1/14/16) “Good Morning Midnight” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – First Choice

First Choice set the furious disco era a fire with their 1978 album “Hold Your Horses” which featured a six set program. Each track produced by various producers including Norman Harris, Thor Baldursson and Tom Moulton. The girls, Annette Guest, Debbie Martin and Rochelle Fleming delivered the sound of First Choice in a classic, yet new way. “Good Morning Midnight” is a beautiful disco serenade from the side A medley and is one of the full Salsoul Orchestra sound. It is an exciting number that has a touch of Latin flavor along with a 40s Broadway celebration feel.

I have taken the album version of “Good Morning Midnight” and worked it into a new ReStructure Mix to give myself a longer version and a more underground feel with the fabulous arrangements intact. It is one of those songs that make you feel good and paints a damn good picture of what dance floors were in the 70s!

ReStructure Mix Update (1/14/16) “And The Beat Goes On” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Whispers

ReStructure Mix Update (1/14/16) “And The Beat Goes On” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Whispers

The Whispers are a soul group from the late 60s and throughout the 70s who left a string of ballads to keep any romance alive and in 1979 their anthem “And The Beat Goes On” did the same for dance floors. A big funk record and one big Dick Griffey transitional song for a group taking part in the disco and dance phenomena of the period. This one makes it seem easy for groove to take over and relay the intended message.

I have taken the 12” version of “And The Beat Goes On” to replay the beats and groove in a new way for this ReStructure Mix. It is a bit more adventurous in looping and breaks and is intended to move it into a whole new realm. One of the big dance floor hits on my club and another reason why disco/soul and dance music has been so lasting.

ReStructure Mix Update (1/13/16) “You’ve Got Something For Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Zulema

ReStructure Mix Update (1/13/16) “You’ve Got Something For Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Zulema
Zulema is one of the voices of the 70s which brought the sound of soul and the power of disco’s funky edge to a peak. “Z-licious” is her 1978 album produced by Van McCoy and contained some of the material which helped to make underground disco music exciting. “You’ve Got Something For Me” is one of the tracks which contained the energy of a developing disco sound and the touch that Zulema brings to her music that lasts and lasts.

I have taken the 12” version of “You’ve Got Something For Me” and re-worked a ReStructure Mix to bring this gem to the forefront again. The flowing music is accented with Zulema’s powerful voice and then given a dance twist with the Latin touch. It has always been one of the pieces that I found for the dance floor who knew what they wanted.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to Nick and Lindsay – and thanks for requesting this fabulous piece. You boys know your disco music and the women who make it turn! Thank you.

“Lady Of The Night” by Ray Martinez and Friends – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Lady Of The Night” by Ray Martinez and Friends – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Ray Martinez and Friends is a project from Mr. Martinez from 1980 with the sound which echoes the excitement of disco and Latin rhythms. A return to the beautiful arrangement and creative edge which helped to make disco a sensation during the early and mid-70s. “Lady Of The Night” is a single which features a lovely 40s nightclub feel and haunting vocal that even to today paints a canvas made for memories and dancing.  One of my favorite pieces of disco music ever and a lifesaver for the early 80s as it delivered the pure disco concept and another wonderful production from Mr. Ray Martinez (Amant, Passion, Foxy, Sassy, and George McCrae).

I have created a Disco Video Mix for “Lady Of The Night” blending scenes from the 1992 film “Mambo Kings” starring Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas. A drama of a pair of Cuban brothers who are aspiring musicians who come to America to revive their careers. Taking the nightclub sequences and light drama into this Disco Video Mix to paint a new part for this disco gem and keep this wonderful song alive.

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated with respect to Mr. Ray Martinez with thanks and lots of love.

The film was directed by Arne Glimcher

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

“(Mamacita) Donde Esta Santa Claus?” by Charo – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“(Mamacita) Donde Esta Santa Claus?” by Charo – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Charo took disco music a step further on the camp meter with her wonderful persona and a little help from The Salsoul Orchestra. Her 1978 disco track “(Mamacita) Donde Esta Santa Claus?” – produced and mixed by Tom Moulton is the festive edge for any holiday and is one of the fun pieces of disco novelty from the late 70s.

I have created a horror/camp Disco Video Mix with Charo’s seasonal piece along with the 1984 slasher film “Silent Night, Deadly Night” to frame a playful farce using Charo in a new light or dark side. It is intended as the holiday “left overs” and an opportunity to take the flip side with a chuckle.

The film was directed by Charles Seller

Featuring scenes from “Silent Night, Deadly Night” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

ReStructure Mix Update (1/7/16) “Theme from Star Trek” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Van McCoy

ReStructure Mix Update (1/7/16) “Theme from Star Trek” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Van McCoy

Van McCoy is a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer whose work spans further beyond disco music. However the big focus for us dance fans remains with his classics such as “The Hustle”, “Soul Cha Cha” and “Love Is The Answer”. His 1976 album “The Real McCoy” featured a funky version of “Theme from Star Trek” which follows the funki-fied formula of transferring a hit sound or score with rhythm and the disco strings which made the mid-70s explode.

I have taken the album version of McCoy’s “Theme from Star Trek” and dressed up a ReStructure Mix to create not only a lengthier version, but also bring more of the crescendo of the original theme by Alexander Courage (co-written by Gene Roddenberry). This brings the intro back a few times to meet the melody over and over and adds some slight techno effects to once again bring that disco drama to life.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/28/15) “Too Blind To See It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kym Sims

ReStructure Mix Update (12/28/15) “Too Blind To See It” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Kym Sims
Kym Sims took the lead in house music’s peak of pop-crossover tracks with “Too Blind To See It” in 1992. Produced by Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and polished with the elements which shifted dance music in the mid-80s with earlier influence of the Paradise Garage sound and feel. A catchy number from start to finish and framed perfectly with a sampled riff from the ladies First Choice and their garage classic. This salutes to 90’s dance music gives Kym’s classic another chance to display what it is and was.

I have taken the 12” “Hurley House” vocal and instrumental to weave a ReStructure Mix with a touch more of the stomping feel of an underground disco piece and yet holding onto the original sound. This one has that catchy chorus and of course that Hurley production which made us believe again that dance music was and will always be here to stay!

ReStructure Mix Update (12/27/15) “Grand Illusion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

ReStructure Mix Update (12/27/15) “Grand Illusion” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Donna Summer

Donna Summer introduced a new side of her vocal talents in 1980 with her project “The Wanderer”. Donna along with Giorgio Moroder moved her sound into the 80s with an electronic dance rock edge. Many of the tracks from the session are the 80s transition from disco music to a new pop-rock feel. “Grand Illusion” is one of Donna’s creative moments where Moroder accompanied her incredible range with a strange but alluring moog and synthesizer treatment. An early morning or slight rock-new age feel and along with Donna’s experimental touch makes a statement.

I have always wanted to bring “Grand Illusion” into a new arrangement and direction. This ReStructure Mix brings it to a new level with Donna’s mystique sound and Moroder’s electric fantasy. I have added a few new elements to even out the rhythm and beat and focused on keeping the original feel intact.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/15) “Tale Of Three Cities” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Salsoul Orchestra

ReStructure Mix Update (12/18/15) “Tale Of Three Cities” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – The Salsoul Orchestra

The Salsoul Orchestra is the movement in disco music which provided a transition from soul and funk into a phenomenon. Lead by Vincent Montana Jr. and many of the players from Philly recordings (Bobby Eli, Ron Baker, Norman Harris, Earl Young, and John Davis) this studio session became the mark of a new era of dance floor excitement. “Tale Of Three Cities” is a piece from the first album released in 1975 and plays out much like jazz slowing over a disco beat. One of the big moments for the ensemble and disco music to lure those who were searching for something to look and feel up to.

I have taken the original album version of “Tale Of Three Cities” and re-worked a ReStructure Mix to place this funky arrangement in a new form. Lots of drum pattern effects and lasting strings. It is a beautiful number which deserves another opportunity to play out what good rhythms sound like.

This ReStructure Mix is dedicated to D.C. LaRue – thank you David for all of your talent and work…and for requesting this quiet giant for remixing.

“Fire” by Madleen Kane – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Fire” by Madleen Kane – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Madleen Kane made a transition into 80s dance music from 70s disco as if a red carpet were waiting below a mirror ball all along. In 1985 the project “Cover Girl” introduced her soft and sensual delivery and gave dance floors more of what this fabulous chanteuse could deliver. “Fire” is a cut from the project that contains pulsating high energy synthesizers and wicked keyboards as Madleen describes a desire for her lover. Produced by Ian Anthony Stephens who is one of the big forces in the rejuvenation of 80s dance music with projects from Hazell Dean, Paul Parker (who co-writes on this album), Marsha Raven and Pamala Stanley.

I have taken “Fire” and paired it with the 1941 screwball comedy “Ball Of Fire” from 1941 – starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. The plot involves a professor who meets and falls for a nightclub singer during his research project. Barbara is more of the main frame here and her great picturesque image on the silver screen. Thanks to Madleen’s number she is transformed a bit closer to our nightclub scene.

The film was directed by Howard Hawks

Featuring scene from “Ball Of Fire” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

“Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

“Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” by D.C. LaRue – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

D.C. LaRue’s album “Cathedrals” from 1976 painted a wonderful entrance for this unique artist. The big title track became a mark in disco history for D.C. as his vision and sound were always creative and polished. “Deep, Dark, Delicious Night” is another tracks from the album which brings to mind a period of imagination which added a lure for the nightlife scene and growing disco boom. The song beckons you into the nightlife where dancing is not the only desire and the opportunity for a new romance is always present.

I have taken scenes from the 1983 erotic horror film, “The Hunger” starring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon and created a darker side of desire in this tale of vampires. The immortal heroine played by Catherine is the focus of ‘the hope’ in a twist. It plays out more of a montage and works with D.C.’s masterful stage-like performance.

The film was directed by Tony Scott

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

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/15) “Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

ReStructure Mix Update (12/13/15) “Grazing In The Grass” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Meco

Meco Monardo is one of the big sounds of the disco ball on any dance floor. His big dance hit from 1977 was the orchestrated disco version of “Star Wars” which remains one of the exciting moments in pop culture where pop music met film with a new attitude and sound. His fifth album “Moondancer” from 1979 is one of the quiet pieces but not for any reasons of its content. This one remains true to the galactic theme with a funky edge, jazz feel and heavy disco rhythms.

I have taken the short album version of Meco’s cover of Hugh Masekela
S 1968 hit. This is a nice trumpet blaring dance call with lots of the original feel and some great drum work. This ReStructure Mix not only extends this nice work – but also gives it a touch of the original.

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/15) “Get Another Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chantal Curtis

ReStructure Mix Update (12/12/15) “Get Another Love” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – Chantal Curtis

Chantal Curtis is a French vocalist who also known as Michele in an earlier recording session from 1977 is titled “Magic Love” from producer Pierre Jaubert. This was the voice of mature disco pf the late seventies as it polished itself into a chic nightclub feel and formula. “Get Another Love” was released in 1979 and hit at a time when disco music had reached a peak and also saturated the market with so many new artists and acts it was easy to get lost or overlooked. The single from the same titled album is a classic among many disco collectors and fans. It was a bold yet sweet piece that also is rare to find a home for a harmonica among the groovy keyboards, bass, beats and Chantal.

I have taken the 12” vocal mix to recreate a ReStructure Mix of “Get Another Love” and applying the chop and paste arrangement to give it a new overhaul and experience. The song still holds my heart and feet hostage and I was happy to re-frame this one!

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/15) “Stay With Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – India

ReStructure Mix Update (12/2/15) “Stay With Me” – Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix – India

India is an electronic dance project from disco producer Jacques Morali – who also gave us Village People, The Ritchie Family, Dennis Parker, The Lovers, Patrick Juvet and Phylicia Allen during climb and peak of disco music. This stripped down production is a great transition for Morali whose past work always featured arrangements layered with strings, horns and rhythm sections. The 80s brought a new challenge since major labors no longer supplied the budget for such work. India always reminded me of the 80s rock edge scene with a Steve Perry vocal and pulsating aerobics rhythm. It does however have the sweetness of the disco feel and the wonderful light rock edge with added synthesizers work very well.

I have taken the 12” long version (originally mixed by Mr. Steve Thompson) and created a lengthier and flowing ReStructure Mix using more of the bridge and breaks as a piece of the new arrangement. It has a few new surprises and those filled in spots that bring the fantasy of disco music alive again.

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.