There’s something to be said about the dedication and longevity of Boston’s own Bim Skala Bim. With 30 years under their belt, they continue to gig locally, playing venues like The Middle East Downstairs as recently as this past summer, as well as continue to rock the European summer festival circuit (see Groezrock). Their last full length was Chet’s Last Call released in 201. This past December they shared a split 7-inch with King Hammond released as part of the Specialized series, benefitting Teenage Cancer Trust. (Duff Guide To Ska has great coverage of the Specialized series.) The Bim track is a cover of Madness’ “Night Boat to Cairo” featuring saxist Dave Hillyard of The Slackers. I haven’t heard it yet but Duff says:
Bim Skala Bim, with The Slackers’ Dave Hillyard along for the ride, turn in a more faithful version of the beloved and classic “Nightboat to Cairo” (though the bubbly Bim organ is instantly recognizable as theirs!). Of course, this track sounds terrific in their more-than-capable hands and is probably simply brilliant live.
You can buy that record from Jump Up Records.
In case you missed Bim last summer, they return to Johnny D’s and other northeast venues this month as part of their “New England Winter Tour.” Here are the details:
- Thursday, January 15, 8pm, The Brickhouse, Dover, NH, Buy Tickets
- Friday, January 16, 10pm, $15, 21+, Johnny D’s, Somerville, MA, Buy Tickets
- Saturday, January 17, 10pm, Free, Hope, Newport, RI, with Riki Rocksteady
- Sunday, January 18, 7pm, $12, Lucky Dog Music Hall, Worcester, MA, Facebook Event, with The Copacetics, Jah Fist, and Riki Rocksteady
There was originally a show scheduled for January 17 to benefit the Joe “Zippo” Kelley Memorial scholarship, but at this time the event appears venue-less as of January 2. We’ll update you if anything changes. Learn more at the Facebook event.
UPDATE 1/5/15 7:30 PM: The Rhode Island date has been moved from January 18 to January 17 according to the tour facebook event.
UPDATE 1/10/15 9:45 PM: January 18th is Wormtown Ska Fest and Bim is on the bill! Riki Rocksteady has been added to the Jan 17 gig.
Kudos to Bim Skala Bim for keeping the party going! Let us know in the comments which show you’re planning to check out.
Bim Skala Bim – “8-Track Mind” – Johnny D’s, 7/29/11
One of my personal favorite Bim songs off of their 1995 release, Eyes and Ears.