Believe That Was Me: An Existential Experience Starring Avant-Garde Minds, Pianist Matthew Putman, Bassist Hill Greene, and Drummer Francisco Mela

From the soul of 577 Records comes an epic collaboration from experimental masters, pianist Matthew Putman, bassist Hill Greene, and drummer Francisco Mela (who also plays the whistle in this one).  It’s synergy like never before.  The sounds you’ll hear in Believe That Was Me could only have been achieved by this specific combination of artists, setting, and time.

Although Greene and Putman have been collaborating since 2017, this release marks the first time Mela and Putman have played together – though you’d never know it, thanks to their intense chemistry.  This extraordinary album doesn’t only gracefully bridge the gap between intense melodies and classic avant-garde energy; it takes many trips over that bridge and back to unlock an existential experience.

The musicians were shook when they first heard the playback.  They almost didn’t recognize their own enviable talents!  And in that moment, the album title was born.  Believe That Was Me isn’t just an observation; it’s a reckoning.

These three men have roots buried in the heart of the 577 Records community.  They’ve all been a part of it for over a decade (since 2009 for Putman).  Their new album was recorded at the label’s studio in Brooklyn, home of the New York Forward Fest (NYFF).  There’s no doubt that Believe That Was Me was influenced by the enchanting location and lingering high vibes of this community of musicians and their supporters.  Even the cosmic sounds of NYFF’s iconic magical piano were injected into the recording through Putman’s fingers.

“We are proud to release this on vinyl and take our listeners into an aural adventure,” the trio says.  “The spiritual world is accessible through sound!  Here’s the proof!”

On September 5th, 200 first-edition LPs and 100 first-edition CDs will be available.  You can also enjoy it as a digital download from that date forward.

Matthew Putman, Hill Greene, Francisco Mela
Believe That Was Me

Matthew Putman - piano
Hilliard Greene - bass
Francisco Mela - drums, whistle

Recorded in Brooklyn, New York
Release: Sept 5, 2025
Total 12" vinyl time - 41:55
Catalogue number 5976-1

Art by Juliette Putman
Graphic design by Sergio Vezzali

Vinyl: Beautifully designed limited edition vinyl LP with printed inner sleeve

TRACKS:

SIDE ONE
1. Keys to Soul and Sounds 10:54
2. Joy and Belief 9:56

SIDE TWO
1. Believe That Was Me 5:05
2. Renewal and Forward 5:37
3. The Language of Free 5:38
4. The First Time in My Life 4:02

100% of profit from the sale of most of these albums
goes to the musicians

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