Pop

Buddy Miles. Known, to his less than legion fans as Brotha Bud, Buddy Miles, to a lesser extent than Jimi Hendrix, has begun to appeal to both blacks and whites. Buddy dabbles in many instruments, masters none, and is primarily known as rock's most primitive drummer, a real master at percussive noise. What's carried Bud through something like seven albums, dating from his Electric Flag days, is Funk, and it's not hard to figure out how he got that. Musically, though, it's the result of time put in with big soul bands, like Wilson Pickett's, and at times Buddy does a reasonable Otis Redding. One thing is definite, what he's got, Edgar Winter really wishes he had, too.

Paul Butterfield's Better Days. I've got Butter at the top of this bill only out of loyalty. If you're going, go to see Bonnie Raitt, a woman who plays the blues very well, and hope she plays "waring Blender Blues," and see Little Feat, talented, but less than heralded. As for Butter, hope Better Days has improved over their appearance of last summer, when Amos Garret couldn't play a simple blues phrase on guitar, and old folkie Geoff Muldaur proved he could no more sing the blues than Diana Ross can sing Billie Holiday.

All the phone call said was that Heian and friends would be jamming/dancing to funky R&B and jazz. At Quincy House on the 21st. Heian is the best University-connected band playing, and may well be the best band, big or otherwise, on this side of the River Charles. You shouldn't miss this, because jamming is almost purely improvisational. Musicians always find their best licks in the open atmosphere of a jam. And these people are damn sure musicians.

Buddy Miles. Friday, April 20, The Orpheum Theater. At 7:30 & 10 pm. With Earth, Wind and Fire.

Paul Butterfield's Better Days. Saturday, April 21. The Orpheum Theater. At 7:30 p.m. With Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat.

Ry Cooder. Sunday, April 22. Jordan Hall. With Sleepy John Estes.

Heian. Saturday, April 21. The Quincy House Dining Room. From midnight. 50c for the Quincy House Arts Festival.