At the beginning of our conversation, let me go back to the time when you started your career as a keyboard player in the band Warm Dust. I wonder what do you remember from that time? The band existed only for two years, why?

I was actually playing drums in semi-pro bands while I was still at school. I left school at 16 and sold my drums and bought an organ in order to join a local soul band. I went to Germany around 1968 to follow in the footsteps of all the bands like The Beatles playing covers in clubs such as The Top Ten club in Hamburg. There two bands would alternate playing 50 minutes sets through the night. We became friends with the other band and became interested in the progressive rock movement of the time. We decide to join forces and form Warm Dust. Our great influences were bands such as Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. The music was quite strange with lots of different instruments such as flute ,oboe. We were very serious about it and lived and breathed the band living together with very little mone . Looking back it was hopelessly pretentious but we were very young and committed.

After this period, you become co-founder of the Ace band. One of your most popular singles from that time was the song "How Long?" released in 1975. How would you rate your early recordings from the perspective of the past years? What was the most valuable lesson you have learned at the beginning of your career?

HOW LONG was released in 1974 in England and has been played millions of times on the radio ever since so it must have had something. It's a very simple song but it has a true story. Unlike many modern recordings, which are made quite clinically with instruments recorded separately , How Long was recorded with the 5 piece band playing together in the studio. The emphasis was to try to capture a magic moment and feeling. if someone made a mistake we had to record the whole track again. There was no repairing like today.

I allowed myself to ask about those bands, because in my opinion they have shaped you as an artist. I mean, they gave you self confidence. Tell me, what was the reason that you have decided to begin your solo career? You wanted to feel independent, to be on your own?

When ACE disbanded I tried to develop as a musician by playing with as many different people as possible . I am completely self taught and I saw this as a way to progress. By playing with better musicians so I was often a side man but my favourite thing was to sing. Actually I wasn't that confident as an artiste but had to be brave and try to push myself.

When I listen to your albums, I have a feeling that you love to mix different styles of music. I remember the song "Just 4 Tonite" from the album "I Know That Name" (2008). It was a lightweight and extremely rhythmic song recorded in the style of reggae music. Do you often reach for the other music genres? What are your musical influences?

I like many different styles and genres of music and am comfortable in many different styles. This can be a good and a bad thing. From the public's point of view it can be difficult to categorize and artiste but my aim is to enjoy music as much as possible and try not to worry about that. My main focus today is to concentrate on my own situation with my band which I have had together for over 10 years but I still enjoy other diverse projects like SWR BIG BAND and of course Mr Clapton.

When we’re talking about your previous work it is hard not to mention the band Mike & The Mechanics. You've played with them in the years 1985-2004. I am sure that here in Poland, people associate you with the song "Over My Shoulder" – a huge hit, which came out in 1995. What do you remember from the recording session of this song? Did you have a feeling that it will become so famous?

When I wrote the song with Mike I thought he might consider it too lightweight as he comes from a more 'serious' background. I was quite surprised when it was chosen as a single but it is a popular 'fun' song. When I recorded the vocal I imagined we would add a solo guitar so i whistled during that section. Everyone loved the whistling so we kept it in.

Your last CD entitled "Good Feeling" was released in 2012. How would you describe this album? How does it differ from your previous recordings?

2012 was a good year in many ways both personal and professional. It seemed quite natural to write an emotionally upbeat album that would translate well to the LIVE touring situation.

“Good Feeling” was released a few months after your 60th birthday. I wonder how such a mature artist as you are is looking today at constantly evolving music industry? At the young and talented musicians who are putting their first steps? Well, you are in the good situation because you don’t have to prove anything to anybody…

I still feel there is more to do for my own satisfaction rather than for public or critical acclaim so I am still working very hard, probably harder than ever to keep the infrastructure together to enable me to keep going. I am an independent artist with no support (or interference) from outside record companies or whatever. This is a 'Good Feeling but demands a lot of time, energy and commitment.

In March 2013, you were helping to kick off Eric Clapton's 50-year anniversary tour for “Old Sock” album. You sang lead vocals on such songs as "Tempted", "How Long", and "High Time We Went". It was really amazing to see you guys together on stage. Where did this idea come from? Who was its initiator?

I have played on several of Erics albums and was delighted when he called to ask if I would like to join him on his world tour. He said he also wanted to feature me on some vocals and he chose the songs however, on the European leg of the tour he has chosen different songs. I am happy to comply with whatever he thinks is appropriate.

I'm curious, what are your plans for the nearest future? When we’ll be able to hear your new album?

I am thinking about it also but have no definite plan atm.

At the end, I would like to ask you one more question. Tell me, what would you be doing in your life if you hadn’t been a singer? What music means to you?

I have no idea. I dont have much talent for anything else so I am very glad that I had a bit of musical talent and also the courage and tenacity to persevere to make music my career which has been tough but also very rewarding.

Thank you for your time. It was an honor for us. I wish you all the best and much happiness in life.

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński