I Was Real

Description

An experimental duo from the New York scene, 75 Dollar Bill consists of drummer-percussionist Rick Brown and guitarist Che Chen. Before carving out a prominent place in the independent music scene with their previous album, Wood/Metal/Plastic/Pattern/Rhythm/Rock (2017), 75 Dollar Bill spent years honing their music. The fruits of this labor can be heard on this third entirely instrumental album that explores new musical horizons while remaining true to the group's interest in unusual rhythms and microtonal melodies. I Was Real is made more powerful by the presence of eight additional musicians (saxophones, double bass, viola, Casio keyboard, percussion, and hi-hat), appearing in various combinations throughout the nine tracks that make up the record. It also demonstrates the strength of a duo reduced to its simplest expression. Requiring numerous diverse techniques, I Was Real was recorded over four years in four different studios. These studios are used as instruments on several tracks, reminiscent of the musical collages from the group's early days.