Alba - "Only Music Survives"
Baby Records (France)
1985
Produced by Roberto Gasparini and Lino Nicolosi

Alba is an Italo-disco project featuring Dora Carofiglio (Suzanne Meals, Novecento, Jackie Moore, Valerie Dore) and her husband and producer Licola Nicolosi.

"Only Music Survives" is an anthem dance number that encompasses an emotional feel of mid-80s dance music and the Italo-disco epic sound. It is truly on the powerful tracks from the producer/singer and arrangers. Although much of the song is a mystery the contracts and those affiliated display the talents of tracks like "Forever" by Suzanne Meals and "The Night" by Valerie Dore - pointing at the talents of Carofiglio and Nicolosi.

Shakatak - "Down On The Street" / "Holding On"
Polydor Records
1984
Produced by Nigel Wright

Shakatak is Bill Sharpe, George Anderson, Jackie Rawe, Jill Saward, Keith Winter, Nigel Wright and Roger Odell - a UK funk ensemble with an 80s feel and a touch of jazz.

Their 1984 LP "Down On The Street" was the album with the title single which created quite a stir on dance floors with it's groove aiming towards the sound of funk and electronic dance edge. It was an instant hit for the band and is now one of the wonderful pieces to look back on to pay homage to this powerful group of musicians and performers.

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REISSUE: “Let's Fly" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Paradise Express

Herb Jimmerson was the genius behind Paradise Express - his masterful keyboards along with an ear for progressive electronic music made his wife, Vi Ann a powerful voice in disco music.

Following their first LP in 1978 (which included a remake of the Paul Jabara dance classic "Dance") did "Let's Fly" emerge onto the dance. At the time, this project was a breath of fresh air. 2 tracks form the LP were in heavy rotation on many dance floors: "Let's Fly" and "You Set Me On Fire". With Vi Ann wonderful vocals and Jimmerson's sharp electronic arrangements these tracks were instant hits.

I have taken one of my all-time favorites, "Let's Fly" and ReStructured it with a new intro and spaced out more of the elements in the song.

Dedicated to Herb Jimmerson and Vi Ann for sharing their wonderful talents in disco music.

REISSUE: “Tequila” by Bo Boss – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Bo Boss is Paolo Minioni, Massimilano Di Carlo and Roberto Masala – a trio of Italian writers and producers who created a few very progressive dance landmarks in Italo-disco history. Their studio project Bo Boss covers The Champs oldies-favorite “Tequila” in a robotic-like approach and gives the song a whole new essence.

I have taken the 1985 comedy-adventure film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” starring Paul Reubens and singer, E.G. Daily and pasted the famous “tequila-dance” scenes along with the new beat of the classic. It gives Pee-Wee a whole new spin on the disco version and also an opportunity to see this uproarious movie once again.

The film was directed by Tim Burton

Fearturing scenes from “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Jimmy Lifton - "I'm A Man"
Atlantic Records
1986
Produced by Bruce Nazarian

Jimmy Lifton covers The Spencer Davis Group's rock-classic "I'm A Man" - years later after Macho made it a disco classic with an electronic and horn ensemble. This Miami edged version is a nice take on the classic and gives us once again a reason to flex our muscle and move-our-feet.

Jimmy Lifton is known for work done with house artist Bridgette Grace ("Just A Memory") and he works here with Brice Nazarian - a guitarist who worked on many project along side Mike Theodore.

This post for Gary of Baytown, Texas - a great memory here my friend

Etta James - "Miss You"
BMG
2001
Produced by Donoto James and Sametto James

Etta James passed on January 20, 2012 - as one of the greats of jazz, blues and soul she has left a big space in music history for us to enjoy and examine.

Her dance cover of the Rolling Stone's "Miss You" in 2001 is an electronic venture with some remixes centered around the period and the dance floor at the time. Remixes by Illicit, Ivan Pavlin, I. Malcolm Francis and Giuseppe D are featured on this promo 12" single. Which was also featured on the "Queer As Folk" soundtrack of the same year.

More of the tribal beats stomp out the favor of this cover version - but Etta's vocals can be heard with the soul and feeling that she always gives her music.

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REISSUE: "Do You Love What You Feel" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Rufus and Chaka

Rufas and Chaka released "Masterjam" in 1979 - an project produced by Mr. Quincy Jones and mixed by Bruce Swedien. The formula here worked like a transitional gem from funk to disco.

"Do You Love What You Feel" was the first single that was released from this LP and took over dance floors with it funky dance floor beats and Chaka's incredible presence. This song stomped out some of the most powerful dance energy with the essence of pure funk.

I have taken the track and edged out more of the beats along with a bit more looping and beat chopping than any gourmet kitchen could spice up. It is a whole new arrangement and still holds true to the sound of the disco mix.

REISSUE: "Sky High" by Jigsaw - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Jigsaw is an English pop band who found success in 1975 with their dynamite single, "Sky High" - the song was originally from a film titled "The Dragon Flies" (later titled "The Man From Hong Kong"). It made Top UK 10 that year.

"Sky High" is one of the earliest pop disco tracks I can remember with the early elements of swirling strings and orchestrations that give disco it's reputation. It has always has been a favorite of mine.

I have taken the 1979 comedy-spoof, "Airplane!" and placed piece of the hilarious scenes overt this classic dance track - the results are quite funny. The film was directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker - it was a take-off of the 70's disaster film genre focusing on the "Airport" series.

The film stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Peter Graves

Featuring scenes from "Airplane!" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Dedicated to Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker

"This Is Hot" / "Hey Mr. Magic" / "All I Want To Do Is Dance" / "Mr. Sunshine" - Pamala Stanley
EMI America Records
1979
Produced by Joachim Heider
From the LP "This Is Hot"

Pamala Stanley emerged from 1979 with a big dance floor hit, "This Is Hot" - it is amazing when I look back at how big this song was. It was almost like a fashion phase.

Although the single was huge, the album was more a favorite among disco collectors who were able to appreciate Pamala's wonderful vocal talents and beautiful material produced to a disco beat.

This is one of the artists who made it back from almost as she says, "out of hiding". There is a magic to this album as well as Pamala's talent and throughout time she remains one of the true sounds of dance music history.

Amos - "Only Saw Today/Instant Karma"
More Protein Records (UK)
1994
Produced by Amos and Andronicus

Amos is Amos Pizzey - a producer and creative director who also worked on project with Culture Club in the early 80s and remixed tracks by Madonna and George Michael. His electronic track "Only Saw Today/Instant Karma" is a stamp of the dance floor during the early 90s. Highly influenced by the house movement of the late 80s - the light bass of "Pump Up The Volume" and the twist of both themes and injection of a fearless rap.

This one was quite infectious during its time and gave a nice break during techno-Euro house sets for me. It is one of the single which stands out not only due to its weaving breaks - but also its uplifting message.

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REISSUE: “Trouble Maker" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Roberta Kelly

Giorgio Moroder and his Munich Machine ensemble were quite busy in the mid-70's. From Donna Summer's "A Love Trilogy" to "Four Seasons Of Love", these musicians were pumping out the most discriminating disco material in history.

Roberta Kelly was a likely candidate for the disco spotlight with her 1976 LP "Trouble Maker" - following her initial single in 1974 produced by Moroder and Pete Bellotte, "Kung Fu's Bank Again".

"Trouble Maker" is a groovy number. Funky and bouncy - it is everything that disco music is attributed to. Catchy melody and dramatic bridge. The bass line is a mesmerizing one, as Moroder created with "Get On The Funk Train".

I have ReStructured "Trouble Maker" adding a new percussion layer and some hand claps to make a definite statement in areas of the song.

REISSUE: “Woman Ad-Lib” by L.A.X. – Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

L.A.X. is a disco band produced by Jean Kluger and Ralph Benatar – the LP “Under Cover Lover” featured a track titled “Woman Ad-Lib” (which was released in France as “A Woman That’s Hot”. The song is a sexy tribute the the shapely beauty of femme and the rolling bass of disco in the late 70s.

I have taken the track and paired it with the1956 film “The Girl Can’t Help It” starring Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewll – using a few scenes of the dynamite and sexy lead star I am created an outline for the disco track. Quite a figure and outline – for any mix!

The film was directed by Frank Tashlin

This Disco Video Mix is dedicated to Loulou from The Netherlands

Featuring scenes from “The Girl Can’t Help It” – RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

Suzy Q - "Come On & Dance With Me" / "Fun Fun"
J.C. Records (Canada)
1989
Produced, mixed and recorded by Jerry Cucuzzella

Suzy Q hit the disco scene with "Get On Up And Do It Again" - which featured vocals by Carol Jiani - it wasn't long that he studio session brought success and a new disco group. Suzy Q then became Michelle Mills and later from '85-'87, Angie Vileno.

"Come On And Dance With Me" is the futuristic dance sound from the Cucuzella brothers and was obviously a missed single from the time - it is quite catchy and display a nice vocals from Angie. This at the latter end of Suzy Q's releases.

Nice electronics in the 80s fashion and plenty of diva!

Zalmac - "What's In It For Me"
The Sound of Brooklyn (TSOB) Records
1982
Produced by Al Mac and Zulema

Soul singer Zulema joins Al Mac (Albert E. Mac Dowell III) for an LP titled "Whatcha Gonna Do" which features songs written by the soul-songstress herself. The sound of the early 80s synth-funk is captured with the heart and soul of Zulema.

"What's In It For Me" is a track leading the electronic funk sound that became the Kashif sound. The vocal moves this song past the dance floor and creates a mark once again for Zulema.

Favorite! A track that always sounds underground-fresh!


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REISSUE: "Queen For A Day" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Donna Summer

"Once Upon A Time" was a double LP set that catapulted Donna Summer to the top of any discotheques "great expectations".

This was one blockbuster production. A time when disco music was in its most creative stages. The Cinderella-like fairy tale set to a disco beat was perfection for Ms. Summer. It also proved her vocal ability and range as an wonderful accomplishment.

"Queen For A Day" is the pivotal point of our disco dance-floor story and no more perfect for a time when Donna makes her comeback in 2008 as "The Queen Returns" - and not just for a day.

This is also one of Giorgio Moroder most finest moment when blending with Bob Esty's magic orchestral movement in "Once Upon A Time".

I dedicate this ReStructure to "RAINmaker ReStructure Mix" who does not have to change the credits - "Music is all ours!" - good energy to you all...

REISSUE: "Phantom Of The Opera" by Harajuku - Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

From the 1974 Brian DePalma film "Phantom Of The Paradise" is footage used for the 1992 Harajuku techno/dance track "Phantom Of The Opera".

A match made for each others dramatic sound and visuals. The horror-thriller/musical film was a strange but great rock interpretation of the classic "Phantom" story. And now brought together with some of the most stunning scenes.

The Harajuku track was released on Dance Street Records and produced by The Really Useful Group -- it is a cover of the Andrew Lloyd Webber piece.

Featuring scenes from "Phantom Of The Paradise" -- RENT THE DVD!!!
Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons

"Tailgate" / "Funk Machine" / "After The Dance" / "You Gotta Dance To My Music" - 21st Creation
Gordy Records
1978
Produced by Hal Davis, Iris Grody, Brenda Sutton and Michael B. Sutton
From the LP "Break Thru"

21st Creation is a band consisting of musicians, producers and arrangers together in a new era of music. The single "Tailgate" from the album received some radio airplay and also brought the sound of early 70s soul to a new bass and beat.

Taking part in the creation of this album were like Willie Hutch and Gene Page

Rhyze - "Rhyze To The Top" / "Party Of Parties"
20th Century Fox Records
1981
Produced, arranged and conducted by Paul L. Kyser

Rhyze is a soul/disco from Jersey City, NJ - "Jojo" McKnight, Charles Holmes, Ellsworth Anderson, Kenneth Hicks, Kevin Barbee, Richard Menter, Roscoe Taylor and Vince Jackson

Disco music in the early 80s in major US clubs shifted to a more soulful edge. Bands like Rhyze who brought the new dance era a touch of fresh beats with the essence of soulful vocals.

"Rhyze To The Top" is the third single from Rhyze and from their LP with the same name. The horns and vocal arrangements make this track work well.

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REISSUE: "Risky Changes" - Glenn Rivera ReStructure Mix - Bionic Boogie

Greg Diamond produced projects by Andrea True Connection ("More, More, More" "N.Y. You Got Me Dancing"), Gloria Gaynor and George McCrae using his production and arrangement skills to create a whole new sound of disco music.

In 1977 his production of Bionic Boogie was one of the most exciting in disco history. Using top musicians and a vocal ensemble consisting of Jocelyn Brown, Cissy Houston, Luther Vandross and Gordon Grody this production is a powerhouse.

"Risky Changes" is being ReStructured here using some bongo tracks to pull out more energy from the killer bass line and piano piece looped till the cows come home.

This one goes to to Mr. Diamond who left us with some fantastic music to remember him by.

REISSUE: "Cutie Pie" by Lime - Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera

Lime released "Take The Love" in 1986 - it is the sixth LP for Lime from a 1981 through 1986. Denis and Denyse LaPage set a standard in 80's high energy and disco scene. Their simplified, yet effective keyboard arrangements created many nights of non-stop dancing.

"Cutie Pie" is a single from the LP which was a flip side to the 12" single "Did You See That Girl?" - it was a big hit in my club and has a very catchy vocal riff.]

I have taken the 1956 now-cult classic film, "The Bad Seed" with Nancy Kelly and Patty McCormick as used the sweet on the surface child as the realm for "Cutie Pie". It is a bit demented in it's turnover message - but I feel hilarious and strange.

The film was directed by Mervyn LeRoy

Featuring scenes from "The Bad Seed" - RENT THE DVD!
Disco Video Mix by Glenn Rivera
Produced by Ken Emmons