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Trombone player Bugs Beddow has been a purveyor of quality R&B in Detroit for more than two decades and with his current band for nearly 10 years.
A source of trombone-driven, get-your-rear-off-the-seats party music -- original and covers, featuring acts like Tower of Power, KC & the Sunshine Band and the Commodores -- he’s shared a stage with artists as prestigious as Blood, Sweat & Tears, Boz Scaggs, Eddie Money and Robert Cray. Metromix spoke to Beddow about his career, the Bugs Beddow band’s Friday afternoon set and more.
Try to keep yourself from dancing.
How long have you been playing music?
I’ve been playing trombone since third grade and flute since 1969. I’ve been singing along with CDs and to the radio for as long as I can remember. The Bugs Beddow Band has been around since 1982. The format that it’s in now has been together since around 2000.
How would you describe the sound of the band?
Trombone-driven rhythm and blues and funk. There are plenty of vocals, horns and dancing. It’s very Detroit. We’ve taken our Motown roots and globalized it with funk from the San Francisco Bay Area, and blues people like Stevie Ray Vaughan.
What does the Cityfest mean to you? Have you played it before?
The last time I played there was in 1994. It’s been a few years. It’s a wonderful cross-cultural gathering of Detroiters. We get to experience a wonderful range of musical styles and culinary delights.
Do you have anything special planned for the day?
I think we’re doing 75 minutes, so I have 75 minutes of blistering R&B and funk. We’ll be doing two new songs, too.
Are there any other bands on the bill that you’ll be checking out?
I’ve been invited to the WDET tent on Thursday. I’ll be there from 6 to 9 p.m., so I’m sure I’ll see a variety of different groups. I’ll probably walk around and try to catch as many different types of things as I can. I love all kinds of music. I teach music as well.
Do you think this is a healthy time for R&B in Detroit?
I do. We’re well-received. My group plays about 150 dates each year. Our music is all live, without any electronic trickery. People appreciate that, as well as the fine musicianship that my band delivers.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Our next album will be all original compositions in rhythm and blues and funk vein, and it’ll be out in the next eight months. I’ll probably be recording it at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak.
The Bugs Beddow Band plays the Jazz & Blues Stage at 5 p.m. Friday.
