Interview: Jazz legend Acker Bilk

He said: "I'm looking forward to it, playing with Kenny and Chris. We've done stuff together for years, since before the old King died, King Canute. Well, since the 1950s anyway.

"We'll be doing our solo stuff as we can't stand each other's bands. No, I'm only joking about that. It's good for people to see three different styles of band. It'll be fun."

Acker - the name means friend in his native Somerset - turned 80 in January, while Barber and Ball are both 79. They still tour, although Acker claims declining health means he has had to scale back his workload.

He said: "I can't blow so well because I had throat cancer a few years back. It means I don't practice any more, I practice in my sleep."

Acker's best known tune is Stranger On The Shore, which was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1962. His signature song will be getting an airing at The Indigo2.

"It's my old age pension," said Acker. "I don't get tired of playing it and it will be in the show, near the end. I was surprised it was such a huge hit, although I sort of missed most of what was going on because we were so busy at the time touring the world.

"People do still come up and talk to me about it, although its older people mainly. I'm not so sure the youngsters know who I am."

The cricket-loving Acker is happiest sharing the stage with fellow jazz devotees, including the likes of Van Morrison. But he cites fellow clarinetist George Lewis as his favourite collaborator.

He said: "He was the man, the idol of the trad scene and I played with him a long time ago when he was touring in Europe. He'd flown over from New Orleans to appear on This Is Your Life. He was a great player.

"Van is alright. I've recorded a few things with him. People don't like him but he calls a spade a spade. Hopefully we'll do a few things again soon."

So does the man with over 60 years in the business feel trad jazz might have had its day?

He said: "Jazz comes and goes, It's in decline a bit now, but it just depends on the people. Once you get a thing going it just carries on and there will always be a place for trad jazz. It's very different to modern music, all that shouting and leaping about with your legs apart."

With no new material planned Acker fans will have to be content with a compilation album released next week, but he has no plans to retire from the stage.

He said: "No, as long as I can still play I'll carry on. I don't have the breath to record any new stuff but as long as I can blow the clarinet on stage I'll be up there."

The Three Bs play the Indigo2 on Thursday, July 23. For tickets visit theo2.co.uk or call 0844 844 0002.