My Music: Jack Bruce

Jack Bruce has played with music greats such as Dr John

Jack Bruce is a former member of ground-breaking trio Cream.

Cream, who also boasted Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker as members, were at the forefront of guitar bands in the 1960s, selling 35 million records, including classic tracks I Feel Free and Sunshine of Your Love.

He is a highly-respected singer, bassist, guitarist and cellist and is still recording and touring.

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What was the first tune you remember as a child?

The Runaway Train. It was used as the theme tune to a radio show by a guy called Jack Train.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Well, I can tell you the first record I ever stole - I wasn't so well off in those days.

It was The Golden Striker by the Modern Jazz Quartet.

What was the most recent record you bought?

Grace by Jeff Buckley. I love him to bits.

Which song by another artist do you most wish you had written?

Anything by Bob Dylan really - Knocking On Heaven's Door, Lay Lady Lay. I love Bob.

Is there any music you can't bear listening to?

Oasis. Their whining attitude sums up the whole of British naff culture.

You play bass guitar, piano, cello and acoustic guitar and you sing. Which satisfies you most as a performer?

Singing. It's transcendental.

You've played with some amazing names, from Frank Zappa and Lou Reed to John Mayall and Dr John. Is there any artist you would still love to work with?

Christina Aguilera. She's fabulous, she's got a voice to die for. So if she ever needs a bass player....

Not someone like Jimi Hendrix, then?

Oh, I did play with him. We were going to have a band. He was a great lyricist and composer. He was like Schubert to me.

Is a Cream reunion on the cards?

We've all suggested it before and each of us has taken our turn in saying, "no, I can't do it now". But it's more likely now than it's ever been and at least we're all still alive, more or less.

Your new album Shadows In The Air is the first of a trilogy. Why three?

If I'm allowed to make six I'll make six. I love the musicians. It's a love fest. We'll be touring in Europe, the States, Australia, Japan.

Did you ever meet the late great blues man John Lee Hooker?

I worked with him when I was a kid in the early 60s and played with him for three nights in London and in the north of England.

He was still playing two weeks before he died. I want to be like that.

What projects are you looking forward to?

Having this fantastic band with four drummers and Dr John and then sneaking off every now and again to do some naughty things.

Shadows In The Air is released on 9 July.