Tonight Tomas Fujiwara & the Hook Up perform the world premiere of music from the third record, After All Is Said, at Cornelia Street Cafe, 9 pm, 2 sets. Below is the fourth and final installment of an interview conducted with Tomas over the past few weeks.
Interview
Cisco Bradley: If you had to pick five non-contemporary records that most impacted you what would they be?
Tomas Fujiwara:
- John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
- Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus
- Miles Davis: Four and More
- Wayne Shorter: Speak No Evil
- Charlie Parker: Bird with Strings
Cisco Bradley: What five contemporary records have had the greatest influence upon you?
Tomas Fujiwara:
- Wayne Shorter: Beyond the Sound Barrier
- Gerald Cleaver Uncle June: Be It As I See It
- Kendrick Lamar: good kid, m.A.A.d. city
- Michael Formanek: Small Places
- Meshell Ndegeocello: Comfort Woman
Cisco Bradley: This time of year, you must have one eye on the NBA Playoffs. What are your predictions?
Tomas Fujiwara:
First round East winners: Hawks, Cavs, Bulls, Wizards
First round West winners: Warriors, Memphis, San Antonio (I’m not convinced by the Clippers), Houston
Second Round East winners: Hawks, Cavs
Second Round West winners: San Antonio, Memphis (I think they’ll wear the Warriors down physically)
Eastern Conference Champ: Cavs
Western Conference Champ: San Antonio
Champion: San Antonio (We’ve learned to never count them out)
The Spurs still have it, and peaked at the right time. The Cavs rely too much on a great inexperienced player (Irving), a great and poorly utilized player (Love), and a proven implosion-waiting-to-happen (JR Smith). Plus, they have a rookie coach who hasn’t been particularly impressive. Popovich is going to take it to him.