75 Dollar Bill – I Was Real

Defying easy categorization, the sound that New York band 75 Dollar Bill creates on their already-classic 2019 double LP I Was Real mixes West African-inspired grooves and guitar tones with NYC minimalism, steady drones, an improvisational spirit and righteous jamming, the result of which is instrumental bliss of the highest order. A duo featuring guitarist Che Chen (True Primes) and percussionist Rick Brown (Curlew, Fish & Roses, Run On), the pair on their third album expands to include eight other players including former Pere Ubu and Red Krayola bassist Tony Maimone, guitarist Sue Garner (Fish & Roses, Run On), Jim Pugilese (Bobby Previte), and others. The group created nine hypnotic pieces that range in length from 3 to 17 minutes and are immediately identifiable by Chen’s shimmering 12-string electric guitar and Brown’s drum of choice, a plywood crate. – Randall