For those unaware, the much anticipated full-length album debut of Gary Topper & Symmetry is available as of this week. The Bebopper’s Guide To The Galaxy from Quasimodal Records through Select-0-Hits offers seven original compositions by Topper performed by Symmetry, his 10-piece “little big band” that released their Night Shade EP earlier this year.

Topper is well known to music insiders for his work backing a huge range of notables including Keith Richards, Al Green, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Nancy Wilson, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Jimmy Buffet. His association with these and other legends including Solomon Burke, Paul Rodgers and Toots Hibbert combined with the fact that he’s long been a sought-after arranger and has played on numerous film soundtracks including You’ve Got Mail.

After a lengthy residency in New York, he returned to his native Memphis and assembled Symmetry, an aggregation of some of the Bluff City’s most versatile and sought after players with centered around a six-piece brass section plus bass, guitar, keyboard and drums. Topper is the album’s arranger and co-producer with Ellen Caldwell and is heard on tenor and soprano saxes as well as flute and clarinet. The album was recorded in Memphis at Archer Recoding and mixed at Sam Phillips Recording Service.

Side A:
1. Hyperspace Detour (4:59)
2. We Apologize For The Inconvenience (5:16)
3. Flying Over Islington (5:15)
4. Z’s Revenge (6:29)

Taking the vinyl record out of its sleeve, spinning it to inhale that new record smell, and then placing it on the turntable, dropping the needle, Side A opens on the intensely profound, expressively rhythmic nature of Hyperspace Detour and then brings us the adorably ambient, joyful an soulful We Apologize For The Inconvenience, the sweetly Disney-esque hued stillness of Flying Over Islington, before the well-rounded and melodiously infectious Z’s Revenge is brought forth.

Side B:
1. Don’t Panic (6:55)
2. Medicine Man (full version) (7:01)
3. Marley’s Dream (7:55)

Flipping the vinyl over, Side B opens on the free-flowing musical majesties of Don’t Panic which is itself backed effortlessly by the enigmatically charming soiree Medicine Man (full version), the music coming to an all too soon close on the decadent elegance of the smoothly cultured Marley’s Dream.

Symmetry’s lineup is a who’s who of accomplished performers, many of whom have shared stages with icons such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, and Keith Richards. Their breadth of experience in multiple genres shines through in these performances. The collective chemistry is unmistakable; every track feels alive, propelled by musicians who listen deeply to one another and respond with instinctive precision.

The Bebopper’s Guide to the Galaxy is edgy yet accessible. Its playfulness and sophistication create a compelling and exhilarating listening experience. It invites listeners into a sound world that is unmistakably Symmetry’s – bold, expressive and fresh. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this LP offers a compelling glimpse into the evolving artistry of one of Memphis’ most distinctive musical voices.

Official Purchase Link

www.garytopperandsymmetry.com