James “Biscuit” Rouse Announces Buddy Miles Birthday Celebration

James “Biscuit” Rouse, photo by André Betts

On September 5, James “Biscuit” Rouse will celebrate the life and music of the great Buddy Miles with a special tribute event.

Staging at New York’s Cutting Room, the Philadelphia-born drummer, vocalist and producer’s Buddy Miles Birthday Celebration will feature a performance spanning the late Band of Gypsys drummer’s expansive catalog and a live interview on Miles’ legacy moderated by storied percussionist and former Modern Drummer editor Billy Amendola. The evening will be hosted by Q104.3 FM’s Maria Milito and mark both what would have been Miles’ 78th birthday and the vinyl release of Biscuit & Buddy, Rouse’s recent studio album.

“There’s no other tribute like this—and no better person to do it than someone who understands Buddy’s legacy in his bones,” Rouse shared. “It’s a celebration of a genius drummer, guitarist, singer, and producer whose music changed the game.”

Biscuit & Buddy landed in 2024 via Leopard Records as a focused and powerful new perspective on Miles’ career, which included work with John McLaughlin, Bootsy Collins, Carlos Santana and, of course, Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Band of Gypsys, among others. The 12-track collection features his classics like “Them Changes,” “Life is What You Make It” and his striking version of Neil Young’s “Down By the River,” which was recently paired with a new music video, as well as genre-bending Rouse originals like “GI Gina” and “Enough Is Enough.” Throughout, Rouse’s unpredictable and distinctive performance style is a testament to both Miles’ far-reaching influence and Rouse’s tremendous reverence for his musical inspiration.

“This tribute is personal,” Rouse said. “Buddy Miles was the blueprint—not just for the kind of drummer I am, but the kind of musician and musical director I strive to be.”

Tickets for the Buddy Miles Birthday Celebration are available now. Find more information on Rouse, whose past work includes connections with Lauryn Hill, Syleena Johnson, Nile Rodgers and contributions to George Burton’s 2024 album White Noise, at jamesbiscuitrouse.com/