In September 2024, respected drummer, producer, and singer James “Biscuit” Rouse released a tribute album titled Biscuit and Buddy saluting one of his musical heroes, late Band of Gypsys drummer Buddy Miles. The album features interpretations of eight songs Miles recorded during his long career, plus three original tunes inspired by Buddy.
Videos by American Songwriter
Biscuit and Buddy included contributions from a variety of musicians, among them Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and bassist Doug Wimbish, as well as jazz guitar virtuoso Marcus Machado.
Now, Rouse is set to celebrate Miles again at a special concert at The Cutting Room in New York City. The show is scheduled for September 5, which would’ve been Buddy’s 78th birthday. Biscuit will be joined by various special guests, including Reid, Machado, Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun, and former Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto.
Besides performances, the celebration will include a roundtable discussion about Miles and his career. In addition, rare video footage of Buddy will be shown.
The event also will celebrate the upcoming release of Biscuit and Buddy on vinyl. Advance copies of the LP will be available at the venue. Tickets for Buddy Miles Birthday Celebration concert are on sale now. Visit TheCuttingRoomNYC.com for more information.
Rouse’s Comments About the Tribute Event
Rouse commented about the tribute show in a statement.
“There’s no other tribute like this—and no better person to do it than someone who understands Buddy’s legacy in his bones,” he said. “This isn’t just a show. It’s a celebration of a genius drummer, guitarist, singer, and producer whose music changed the game.”
Rouse added about the event, “I’m beyond thrilled. “This show isn’t just a performance—it’s a powerful tribute to an icon whose music and spirit continue to inspire. Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with energy, passion, and soul!”
More About Buddy Miles
Besides his drumming ability, Miles was an accomplished singer, guitarist, and songwriter. In 1967, he co-founded the blues/rock/soul group Electric Flag, which also featured famed guitarist Mike Bloomfield. When the group broke up in 1968, Buddy formed the Buddy Miles Express.
That same year, Miles played drums on a couple of tracks on the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s final studio album, Electric Ladyland. In 1969, Buddy joined Hendrix’s new group Band of Gypsys.
He later collaborated with Carlos Santana, John McLauglin, and a variety of other musicians, while also releasing albums as a solo artist and with the Buddy Miles Express.
In the late 1980s, Miles became the lead voice of The California Raisins, a fictional soul group created for an ad campaign to promote raisins. Buddy ended up recording a series of California Raisins compilations albums featuring covers of various vintage hit tunes.
Miles died in 2008 of congestive heart disease. He was 60.
More About Biscuit and Buddy Album
Biscuit and Buddy includes covers of multiple songs from the Buddy Miles Express’ 1968 album Expressway to Your Skull and Miles’ 1970 solo effort Them Changes.
Them Changes included a rendition of Neil Young’s “Down by the River,” and Rouse recorded a version of the classic song for Biscuit and Buddy. A music video for Rouse’s take on “Down by the River” debuted in conjunction with the announcement of the Miles birthday celebration.
Biscuit and Buddy is Rouse’s debut album. During his career, he’s served as the musical director for Miss Lauryn Hill, Syleena Johnson, and others.
He’s also toured with such noteworthy artists as Living Colour, Ashanti, Kelis, and Nile Rodgers. He also played drums and sang with the Reid-led tribute act Band of Gypsys Revisited.
(Photo by Jorgen Angel/Redferns)
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