For two days the main back-up singer, Fanja, took over the lead vocals. But with her voice returning, today Monique picked up the mic again – partly for the benefit of a TV crew that was here filming – though she kept off the high notes.

Meanwhile, we’ve had other setbacks. The saxophonist showed up a couple of days ago with a cast on his arm (motorcycle accident) and doctor’s instructions not to hold an instrument. The replacement we lined up came by today. He’ll be fine. True, he only has a soprano sax. But he says he can borrow a tenor. And he showed he could cover a critical alto part with the soprano. In the quest for perfection sometimes you have to compromise.

More seriously, during today’s rehearsal Miary, one of the guitarists, was drunk. To make matters worse, he’s Monique’s nephew. It was uncomfortable when she told him off in front of everyone. But she had no choice. When he tried to appeal to my kindly nature, calling me “Tonton” (Uncle), I also played the heavy. I felt bad for Monique and the rest of the band. Especially for Miary’s girlfriend, the hard-working Fanja.

On the other hand we’re starting to sound really good. Even me. We’re building that band camaraderie, starting to have a history together, developing rudimentary in-jokes. Or maybe it just seems that way to me. After all, the musical world here is small and close-knit. These guys have played together in various combinations for years. I’m way the outsider. But despite being the butt of occasional jokes – or maybe because of this – I’m feeling accepted. Which for a musician might be the most important thing of all.

* * *

Rain again today. We might as well be in Belgium. Or Portland. But at least we’ve recovered from the flu.