a glimpse at the past

I've spent the past days packing all my remaining records into boxes. Some haven't even been cleaned yet and at first I thought I'd never get through it. Moving with a record collection is a pain in the neck, ask any record collector, or better don't and save yourself from having to listen to a bunch of nerdy whining... transatlantic moves are a bitch though, believe me.

Anyway, that's not the reason for me to post. While cleaning up a few records from Benin a couple of days ago, I found a few old photographs that were tucked away in one of the record sleeves. They probably haven't seen the light of day in some 30 years. I was shown old band photographs before when meeting old musicians but I especially love the candid and private nature of these pictures.

Click onto each image for a better view

The first picture shows the Band Poly Rythmo with a few fans, the girl in front has probably the most beaming smile I've ever seen. I really wish I'd know the identity of the tall white mystery man. Someone has drawn a cross onto his chest which is what people do in Benin when someone dies. Friends and family go through all their photo albums and draw a cross onto all images showing the deceased.



Here's our mystery man again, this time he's sitting down with the owner of the Albarika Store label.



Another Poly Rythmo band portrait.



This is my favorite one. I don't really know which band this is. maybe also Poly Rythmo. The man with the (bass?) guitar could be Gustave Bentho. The drummer is not Leopold Yehouessi but Poly Rythmo had several drummers. I guess I'll find out by asking Gustave next time I see him.



I think I'm going to go on one last digging trip, once the container is packed and on its way to NYC. But please don't expect any more mixes anytime soon. My turntables are already packed up...