About your new album: what made you decide to take things differently?

Because I’ve always loved jazz, I’ve always loved blues; blues has always been my favourite – swing, I’ve loved rock and roll and so to be able to sort and say, you know what, it’s your tenth album – do something completely different; get a band in the studio. I'm so excited about the album, and it’s very nice to see so many people here today. A lot more than what I expected, that’s for sure.

You’re about to go on tour and do a show – are you looking forward to it?

Ah, very much so – you know when you see us. These songs sound good on the album, but it’s live when you’ll really hear it!

And how is your newborn daughter doing? 

She’s amazing, beautiful, thank you.

How are you enjoying being back in Cambridge?

Lovely, very splendid area – we actually ate at one of the local pubs here [a pub in Trumpington] just now.

It’s exam time for a lot of students; what advice would you give them all?

I know and I’m wishing them all the best and, as hard as it is – and I know some of you guys will have a nervous breakdown before exams – just focus on everything. When it’s over, it’s over, so stay focused, as hard as it is, and then it’s done. 

Would Cambridge be something you want for your children?

Of course! Everyone would love to be known for going to school in Cambridge!

How do you think you would have performed?

Me?! Probably not as well as my children would do – I’m from a different generation; I wasn’t as good in school, but I tried.