The Bay area had not seen the likes of SHIM when it hit the scene in the latter '90s. Here was an honest-to-goodness avant-garde jazz ensemble that performed challenging original compositions, played brilliant solos and even delved into free improvisation. The band's first date was at the Salvador Dali Museum, and it's safe to say that the area's jazz intelligentsia was blown away. SHIM played a number of dates, and then disbanded quietly (so quietly, I can't recall when).
Now it's time for a reunion show. The band should easily pick up where it left off — these are, after all, ace musicians. For this show, SHIM will include original members David Manson on trombone (he writes most of the material), saxophonist David Pate, clarinetist David Irwin and drummer Jim Stewart. They'll be joined by trumpeter Bob Morey and special guest Charles Farrell, an absolutely monster keyboard player who lives in Tampa but rarely performs here. His presence ups the stakes and the excitement: SHIM has never performed with a keyboardist before. Sharing the bill will be Ray Villadonga's Peruvian Butt Singers ensemble, which blends jazz and world music with abandon.
SHIM w/Ray Villadonga's Peruvian Butt Singers, Fri., April 21, 8 p.m. @ the Salvador Dali Museum. 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. $10; $8 for students and seniors. Eric Snider
This article appears in Apr 19-25, 2006.