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Interview: Biscuit Rouse pays tribute to Buddy Miles with upcoming album

 

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications
 

You might be somewhat unfamiliar with Philly’s percussionist/songwriter/vocalist/producer/musical director James “Biscuit” Rouse, as he’s often been behind the scenes… or more so, behind the drum kit. 

 

Biscuit has either collaborated with or toured with names including: Miss Lauren Hill, Stevie Wonder, Vivian Green, Syleena Johnson, Chaka Khan, J.T. (Kool and the Gang), Ashanti, Usher, Kelis, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Chubby Checker, Vernon Reid, Kelly Clarkson, Jerry Wonda (Fugees), Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, Pharrell Williams and many others. 

 

After being involved in so many projects as a musician, both on stage and in the studio, and holding a BA degree in Jazz Performance and Music Tech (Temple University), Biscuit Rouse is releasing a new full-length album titled Biscuit & Buddy this fall, out Sept. 13. The first single “Them Changes” is out now and the next single “GI Gina” will be released Aug. 2. 

 

The 11-song album is primarily a tribute record to Biscuit’s most admired inspiration: fellow drummer/vocalist/guitarist/producer George “Buddy” Miles (Electric Flag, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Bootsy Collins, Neil Young) who passed in 2008. The phenomenal bluesy, jazzy, funky, soulful  album will also have three original songs—“Gi-Gina,” “Shine,” “Enough is Enough”—arranged in the style and spirit of Buddy. 

 

The recently released “Them Changes” video directed by music producer/engineer/videographer Andre Betts “aligns with the lyrical narrative of the song, set in a modern-day NYC club that adds depth and resonance to the storytelling.” 

 

In this interview with OOTB, Biscuit discusses Buddy’s impact on him as a musician, his original song inspirations and more.


Watch the video for “Them Changes” 


 

When did you start pursing this project and how long did it take from start to finish? 


I started this project in 2018 during a tour run with Vernon’s Band of Gypsies. I finished the project in completion Jan. 2022.


In what primary way did Buddy influence you the most? 


He’s a big black man whose presence commands the stage front, being a front to a side man. His energy, heart and passion comes out in his singing and playing.


Why did you choose “Them Changes” as the lead single?


It’s his most iconic song, I had to do this song.


You have three original songs on the album. How did the collaborative writing process go with the band and what inspirations were drawn for the lyrics?


I’m friends with everyone on the project and worked with them in other situations. I stressed to everyone the goal is make people listen, feel, and dance!


“Shine” was inspired by watching my then three-year-old son play and just be happy to be outside and enjoy the sunshine. The guitar motif was inspired by a gtr exercise David Fiuczynski (Screaming Headless Torsos/ Berklee College of Music).


“GI Gina” is inspired musically by Prince’s Mutiny. Lyrically, my writing partner and I brainstorm about past relationships.


“Enough is Enough“ is inspired by Living Colour and watching the state of affairs our country was in during 2016-2020. Our democracy is at stake and we have to protect it.


Do you plan on taking this album on the road to perform live? 


Yes, the goal is to travel the world several times over with this project.


Follow Biscuit Rouse:

https://www.jamesbiscuitrouse.com

https://www.instagram.com/biscuitrouse

https://www.facebook.com/jamesbiscuitrouse

 


 

Comments

  1. Great interview. But Miles was one of the great. Can’t wait to listen to more.

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