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| favorite ukulele |
Ia Ora Na Dominique, can you tell us about yourself, your region and your background?
Ia Ora Na, my name is Dominique Barrot, I was born in January 1969 in Narbonne in the Aude in mainland France where I spent my childhood and my youth. I am studying auto mechanics and maintenance of automated mechanical services. During this period I practice football, rugby, athletics and pétanque. In 1989, I did my military service in Salon de Provence, Dijon and Narbonne in the Air Force, at the end of this year I left for work in the Paris region where I returned to the SNCF and I become a train driver! I still am to this day. After 15 years, a transfer allows me to return to my region of origin. I practice running for more than 25 years in competition (25 marathons, a 100 km different races and trails). I became a racing host in the 2000s and joined the courses at a café theater in Narbonne, Le Citron Givré. This will be followed by the creation of a piece co-written with 3 companions that we will play for 4 years with an evocative title “Vent de folie en psychiatrie”. Based in Carcassonne, I share with my wife the passion for rugby which is part of the local culture. In December 2014, I realized my dream, a trip to Polynesia! Come to Tahiti and spend a Christmas at the beach! Having never practiced any instrument before, I bring back a Polynesian ukulele bought at the port of Papeete.
How did your passion for humor and the ukulele come to you?
For humor, I think that genetically, I was served with my father and my grandfather! But also by great actors such as Fernandel, Bourvil and Louis de Funès, among comedians, there is obviously Coluche and Elie Sémoun closer to us (I would perform some of his sketches on stage, as an amateur of course) . I've seen a lot of comedians on stage, I'm also a fan of Yves Édouard Malakai (rugby player too)
For the ukulele, I had planned to bring one back from Polynesia. I own a few instruments without ever having taken the time to learn how to use them. Some time after my return from Polynesia, I decided to write a humorous show about this magical journey and to incorporate ukulele music into it. Not finding a teacher to teach me this instrument, I turn to the internet and YouTube where I get in touch with a lot of people who will advise me. It's a new passion that will be born with the ukulele! I make some amateur videos on YouTube with the title: learning the Polynesian Ukulele.
What memories do you keep of your stay in French Polynesia? Can you tell us what you liked the most?
I keep my whole trip as an exceptional memory, from Taravao, Vivish Point, Matira Beach to Toahotu, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti and Moorea. The meeting with the Polynesians, the plants, the fruits, the food, the Hinano and especially the dance and the music. I wrote in a notebook the story of my daily life in December 2014. When the one man show that I wrote will see the light of day, it will allow me to relive this trip.
For what I like the most is the Polynesian life, I must be the only train driver to work with flowered shirts! With my wife we manage to grow Tiare, the smell is bewitching. It's hard for me to pinpoint a very precise moment of what I liked the most. But to conclude, I didn't get a tattoo, but in return I contracted the chikungunya virus!!! I felt the first pains the day before my departure, it remains an unforgettable memory!!!
Can you tell us about your musical inspirations?
I like different styles of music, from French chanson, Cabrel, Lavilliers, Renaud, Brassens, Brel, Cali, after that goes from international rock to reggae!!! I also discovered the Polynesian music of Te Ava Piti and Teiva LC and its marvelous Te nehenehe o te natura
What is your favorite ukulele song?
I discovered Te Ava Piti, with Pahoho, during a meeting on a visit around Taaha with the Tahitian tattoo artist Patu Mamatui with whom I spent an unforgettable day, who was there as a tourist with his ukulele. Souvenir of a petanque game on the motu Atger. I would add the song Te pua noa noa which is magnificent.
One last question for the road, who is your favorite artist?
I would say Francis Cabrel, whom I have listened to since very young and who still continues to make magnificent songs today.
To conclude, I think the ukulele is the ideal instrument to start music. It is very accessible financially and its learning quite easy. A little desire and let's go for a BRINGUE!!!