March 4, 2015
Pierre Barou Explores the Roots of French Saudade Music
Pierre Barouh Explores the Origins of French Saudade Music
A quintessential free spirit of French culture,Pierre Barouh.
While well-known in Japan for his role and the theme song in the film "A Man and a Woman," he also maintained deep friendships with Japanese cultural artists from the 80s and 90s, including those from Moonriders and YMO.
Furthermore, his independent music label "Saravah," founded 40 years ago, has significantly influenced the Japanese music scene with theFrench Saudade MusicandFrench Bossahe introduced to Japan.
Now 73 years old (in 2007), Pierre Barouh is releasing his first original album in nine years, "Daltonien."
The album includes collaborations with Japanese artists, and it's truly remarkable that he continues to send such positive energy to our country.
A hall concert, his first in 15 years, is scheduled for September 17, 2007 (Monday, holiday) at Ebisu Garden Hall.
With guest artists like Yukihiro Takahashi of HASYMO and Kahimi Karie, it promises to be an unmissable event for fans.
Before his visit to Japan, we had the opportunity to speak with Pierre about the origins of French Saudade Music and his musical journey.
Text by Hitoshi Kaneko (This Magazine)Photos by Junko Miura
What inspired you to pursue music?
When I was about 13 or 14, I saw a film called "The Devil and Daniel Webster" at a small cinema below my house.
I was deeply moved by the song sung in the film, and from that moment on, I decided I would express my life through music, words, and images.
What kind of music and musicians did you listen to when you were young?
When I was little, my mother and grandmother were always singing at home.It was Ladino music.I started listening to other music during my adolescence.
I started listening to other music during my adolescence.
Which artists and musicians have musically influenced you?
Billie Holiday, Georges Brassens, Charles Trenet... the list is endless.
You traveled extensively when you were younger. Which place left the most lasting impression, and why?
Every place holds memories, but
I am so engrossed in living in the present that I rarely have time to dwell on the past.
How did you discover Brazilian music? Why were you drawn to Bossa Nova, or what is known as Saudade Music?
I first heard Brazilian music in Portugal in 1959, from Sivuca.
At that time, João Gilberto had just released his first record.
So, the term Bossa Nova didn't even exist then, and no one in Europe had heard of this music.
João, Vinicius de Moraes, and Antônio Carlos Jobim.
The melodic lines, the beauty of the harmonies, and the profound poetry of the music created by these three.
It was all so rich and new, beyond anything I could have imagined.
It was quite unusual for the time, but why did you decide to launch an independent music label?
"A Man and a Woman" was an independent film.
To secure funding, Francis Lai and I tried to sell the publishing rights to songs we had written to cover the film's costs, but no one wanted to buy them because it was an unknown director and using songs in a film was an unthinkable idea back then.
So, I thought, "If no one will buy them, I'll do it myself!" and that's how Saravah Music Publishing was created.
When the film became a huge success, I initially intended to use the royalties to produce just two records, for two artists.
Those were records byBrigitte FontaineandJacques Higelin.But as I started producing them, artists with incredible talent who were unrecognized by the world began to gather around me.
That's how it all began.
That's how it all began.
What is the origin of the name "Saravah"?
It's a word used in a faith brought from Africa by Brazilian slaves, meaning "May you be well" or "Peace be with you."
If you say "Saravah!" to someone, they reply, "Saravah!"
You've been active not only in music but also as an actor. Did you gain anything musically or find inspiration from your acting career?
After the success of "A Man and a Woman," I received scripts from producers worldwide offering me film roles.
However, I turned them all down.
To be honest, I don't particularly enjoy acting.
"A Man and a Woman" was an independent production with friends, and I only appeared in it as part of the filmmaking process.
Therefore, I only act when a close friend makes a special request or when I am involved in the production myself.
There's information that you appeared in a Japanese drama. Could you briefly explain the reason and circumstances behind your participation?
My friend Jin Tatsumura (film director) invited me.
It was fun playing a Russian violin teacher (laughs).
What are your impressions of Japan?
Japan is a country where tradition and the future coexist, where rationality and primitive animism coexist.
It's incredibly exciting.
You have a close relationship with Japanese musicians, including Yukihiro Takahashi, who will be performing with you, as well as YMO and Moonriders. You co-produced albums in the 80s, and Japanese musicians are participating in your new album "Daltonien." What are your impressions of Japanese musicians?
In the early 80s, many Japanese players I worked with were like diligent students who thoroughly reviewed their lessons, though the ones I worked with were different. It's completely different now.
Perhaps,
I believe Japan has some of the most original and highly skilled musicians in the world.
I believe Japan has some of the most original and highly skilled musicians in the world.
The album cover features a scene from Shinjuku. What is the concept behind "Daltonien," and what is the origin of the title?
As I wrote in the CD liner notes, "Daltonien" means colorblind. I am colorblind.
The title track, "Daltonien," is
A song about the meaninglessness of racism, stating that as someone who is colorblind, the skin color of the person in front of me doesn't matter.
The Shinjuku cityscape on the cover is one of my favorite places. Japan is truly a city where the old and new coexist.
The Shinjuku cityscape on the cover is one of my favorite places. Japan is truly a city where the old and new coexist.
Is the cat on the album cover your cat?
It's a kitten my youngest daughter found at a shrine. At first, it was so small it could fit in her palm.
It's a cat that responds when you talk to it (laughs).
What aspects should we pay attention to in your upcoming live performance in Japan?
I'm bringing Jean-Pierre Mas, my best musical partner, to Japan for the first time.
I wanted to create an evening of encounters, a once-in-a-lifetime event, with him, Tomohiro Yahiro, my excellent Japanese partner, the young Chindon musicians, and my friends Yukihiro Takahashi and Kahimi Karie, along with other guests.
As always, we'll perform with no arrangements and no rehearsals (laughs).
Like a tea ceremony, all that's needed is mental preparation; the rest unfolds in the moment.
We'll perform with the usual sense of excitement and anticipation.
So, please watch with bated breath (laughs).
Please give a message to your fans in Japan.
Thank you for always supporting me, an artist who is infrequent in my output and rather whimsical.
I am always inspired by Japanese culture and its people.
Next year marks 150 years of Franco-Japanese friendship. I plan to produce events celebrating this friendship through music.
In the future, my music label "Saravah" will introduce young Japanese artists. Please look forward to it.
DaltonienCD+DVD
Price: 3,000 YEN (tax included)
Release: Omagatoki
NOW ON SALE!
Pierre Barouh's first original album in nine years is now available!
Pierre Barouh Concert 2007
Date: September 17, 2007 (Monday, holiday)
Doors Open: 4:00 PM / Performance Starts: 5:00 PM
Venue: Ebisu The Garden Hall
Musicians:
Pierre Barouh
Jean-Pierre Mas (piano)
Tomohiro Yahiro (perc.)
Nobuyoshi Ino (Wood bass)
Maia (Backing vocal & Flute)
Chindon Brass Kingyo (Chindon)
Special Guests:
Yukihiro Takahashi
Kahimi Karie
Ticket Prices:
All seats reserved: 8,400 yen (tax included) No admission for preschoolers.
Ticket Outlets
Ticket Pia 0570-02-9999 P-code: 265-107
Lawson Ticket 0570-084-003 L-code: 33648
e+ http://eplus.jp
Organizer: Disk Garage
Sponsorship: Cultural Affairs Department, French Embassy
Planning: La Musee
Cooperation: SARAVAH / Omagatoki
Production & Invitation: MAKIMURA KENICHI / PROMAX
Sponsor: SG Trust Bank
Inquiries regarding tickets: Disk Garage 03-5436-9600 (Weekdays 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Day-of-Performance Ticket Information
Phone reservations for day-of-performance tickets start September 15 (Sat): 03-5436-9700 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
Sales planned at the venue from 3:00 PM on September 17 (Mon).