Topaz

The Zoo Crew, those free-spirited hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are dropping the needle on "Topaz," an instrumental gem from Journey's self-titled debut album, released April 1, 1975. This track, a progressive rock standout, showcases the band’s early instrumental prowess, a departure from their later arena-rock anthems. According to a post on X, "Topaz" is one of the seven tracks on the album, clocking in at 36:57 total runtime, highlighting the band’s experimental roots with its intricate guitar riffs and jazzy undertones. The song, penned by lead guitarist Neal Schon and rhythm guitarist George Tickner, captures a raw, exploratory vibe, reflecting Journey’s initial focus on virtuosic musicianship over vocal-driven hits. Zoo Freaks, as the station’s devoted listeners call themselves, are likely grooving to its psychedelic energy, a perfect fit for the Crew’s vinyl-spinning ethos.

Not much direct interview material exists about "Topaz" specifically, but Neal Schon has spoken about the band’s early days in various retrospectives. In a 2011 interview with Guitar World, Schon recalled how the debut album was a chance to “stretch out and experiment,” with tracks like "Topaz" allowing the band to flex their jazz-rock fusion chops. He noted the influence of Santana, where he and keyboardist Gregg Rolie previously played, infusing the song with a Santana-esque groove. Fans on the Journey Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Topaz" as a hidden gem, with one member sharing a story about hearing it live in 1975, describing it as “a mind-blowing jam that felt like it could go on forever.” The lack of vocals makes it a unique canvas for the Zoo Crew to layer their trippy commentary, keeping the Zoo Freaks locked in.

Journey began in San Francisco in 1973, born from the ashes of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. Neal Schon, a teenage guitar prodigy, and Gregg Rolie, Santana’s keyboardist and vocalist, teamed up with bassist Ross Valory and rhythm guitarist George Tickner, later adding drummer Prairie Prince (replaced by Aynsley Dunbar before the debut). The band was initially managed by Walter “Herbie” Herbert, who envisioned a progressive rock outfit. According to their bio on journeymusic.com, they were signed to Columbia Records after a series of Bay Area gigs, where their instrumental focus caught the label’s ear. Their early sound, as heard in "Topaz," leaned heavily on Schon’s searing guitar work and Rolie’s jazz-inflected keys, setting them apart from the pop-rock trajectory they’d later embrace with Steve Perry’s arrival in 1977.

Follow Journey on their official platforms to stay updated: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s community through groups like the Journey Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing vinyl stories, or explore fan sites like Journey Tribute for tour archives and trivia. The Zoo Crew’s spin of "Topaz" is a nod to Journey’s roots, and these platforms keep the band’s legacy alive for new and old fans alike.