before Questlove, there was Buddy Miles (1947-2008)

"Look at the pythons brother"
Long ago, when we lived on Lindenwood, I would pour through my mom's record collection, looking for some gems unknown to my generation. In her coffers I discovered The Jacksons (Post-J5, pre-MJ) for the first time, along with Kraftwerk, YES, Bob James, etc. The Holy Grail of those times were two albums: Donny Hathaway's "Extension of a Man"...and Buddy Miles' "Them Changes." Can you imagine finding "Down By The River" on accident?

Buddy Miles wasn't an icon, to be sure. But he was a mythic figure in the pantheon of rock music. You may not know much about him. I won't bore you with a bio. Here's what I remember:
* He played with Jimi Hendrix until he (Hendrix) died in '70
* He played drums
* He went to jail (don't let the smile fool you). San Quentin.
* He did those California Raisin jingles in the '80's. Now you remember him.
* He made "Down By the River" (Be on my side, I'll be on your side, Baaaaby)

"Down By the River" was one of the songs that gave birth to PureMusic. When I went to church, I would listen to them sing about going to the river to be baptised. But it sounded too corny, you know, like it wasn't real. Then I heard this, and even though it had nothing to do with baptism, it was so doggone COOL. I wished it was gospel. Go find "Down By the River" right now. Preferably the 13 min. version.

I won't say too much, besides that Buddy Miles changed the way I listened to music. He died last Tuesday. I don't know OF WHAT, and it doesn't matter. I was driving home from church and just found out. Sadness. Go find the song. and when you listen to J.Kwest or BreevEazie and think "man these guys sound like REAL music" and we're talking about LIFE, thank Buddy Miles for me.

Cause he'll strangle you with his pythons if you don't.