Drum Major

While the Experience might be Jimi Hendrix's better-known backing crew, few would disagree that the Band of Gypsies was the better-playing. And while Hendrix provided the Gypsies' six-string pyrotechnics, the heart of the group was Buddy Miles and his supremely in-the-cut drums. Miles wrote and sang the classic "Them Changes"...

By Jonathan Zwickel

November 24, 2005

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While the Experience might be Jimi Hendrix's better-known backing crew, few would disagree that the Band of Gypsies was the better-playing. And while Hendrix provided the Gypsies' six-string pyrotechnics, the heart of the group was Buddy Miles and his supremely in-the-cut drums. Miles wrote and sang the classic "Them Changes" with Hendrix and went on to release his own brilliant, psychedelic-soul album of the same name. After his stint with the Gypsies, Miles beat skins for classic-rock monuments like Santana, Stevie Wonder, and David Bowie. Schooled in soul and blues, facile, with rock 'n' roll flourish, Miles wields a stunning range behind the kit and a soul-driven voice to go with it. Along with recently deceased, massively respected bluegrass fiddler Vassar Clements, he just recorded an album with the Boxrockers, a Jacksonville-based jam-rock outfit. They'll join him at Churchill's for this performance, so expect a full-blown rock 'n' soul freakout.

Buddy Miles plays with the Boxrockers and guests Tony Smotherman, Bob Chuwa, and the Remnants at 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, at Churchill's Hideaway, 5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $15. Call 305-757-1807.

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