Universe City -

Universe City was an American funk band that released a self-titled album Midland International in 1976.

Members: Jerry Powell, Thomas Stevens, Billy Burstion Jr., Gregory Press, J.J. Cancel

Background

Universe City emerged in New York as a five-man vocal group with Jerry Powell, Thomas Stevens, Billy Burstion Jr., Gregory Press, and J.J. Cancel. Midland introduced the group in a January 1976 trade announcement and carried the self-titled LP into February release coverage.

Universe City

Universe City released their self-titled album in 1976 on Midland International Records. John Davis arranged nine originals for reeds, synths, and orchestral brass, performed with trumpeter Joe Davis, French hornist Joe De Angelis, guitarist Craig Snyder, and string arranger Don Renaldo.

A1. “Central Park” (5:03)
A2. “’Cause She Wants Me To” (3:10)
A3. “Can You Get Down” (5:45)
A4. “You’ve Changed” (2:54)
A5. “Touch Me” (3:03)

B1. “Give It Up” (3:25)
B2. “Serious” (5:27)
B3. “I’m a Winner” (2:52)
B4. “Call It Evil” (2:53)
B5. “Fools” (5:20) — George Duke

Universe City recorded vocals and rhythm for Universe City at Generation Sound in New York with engineer Neil Ceppos. The group completed the album at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia with John Davis and engineers Jim Gallagher and Carl Paruolo.

Michael Kanarek created the cover art, which places a neon script title above a pastel space-city cluster set against a black star field with ringed planets and comet streaks. The rear sleeve repeats the star field and sets the group portrait inside a rounded luminous border, with the text block above and side markers flanking the image. Kanarek also did contemporary sleeves for Cedar Walton (Beyond Mobius) and Silver Convention (Madhouse).

Midland International issued “Can You Get Down” (b/w “Serious”) as a 12-inch promo on catalog number DJL 1-1677

Discography: