Q&A with Courtney Pine

Jazz legend Courtney Pine is back on the road ahead of his first album in five years. In our Q&A, the groundbreaking musician talks black panthers, Postman Pat and unfulfilled goalkeeping ambitions

Who would you like to see playing you in the movie about your life?

Denzel Washington.

What’s the punchline to your favourite joke?

They both contain seamen.

If you were to return in a future life as an animal, what would it be?

Black panther.

If you were playing in an escape room, name two other people (well-known or otherwise) you’d recruit to help you get out? The greatest mind in sport and also the smartest mouth ever who would be able to talk me out of any room:

Muhammad Ali. Plus the greatest lawyer of all time, Johnnie Cochran.

When was the last time you were mistaken for someone else and what were the circumstances?

In the Caribbean at the airport; apparently I looked like a family member of theirs called Peter.

What’s the best cover version ever?

Children In Need’s version of ‘Perfect Day’.

Whose speaking voice soothes your ears?

Angela Bassett.

Tell us something you wish you had discovered sooner in life?

Practice, research and diligence equals results.

If you were a ghost, who would you haunt?

Hitler.

Describe your perfect Saturday evening?

West Indian food on the beach watching the sun come down with my significant other.

If you could relive any day of your life, which one would it be?

My first day at William Wilberforce Primary School on Beethoven Street in London.

What’s your earliest recollection of winning something?

Shock, bemusement and the realisation that I had to work harder now.

Did you have a nickname at school that you were ok with? And can you tell us a nickname you hated?

No nicknames. I was an average student.

If you were to start a tribute act to a band or singer, who would it be in tribute to and what would it be called?

Black Impossible: a tribute to all the NHS, soldiers, doctors, scientists, musicians, and innovators from the African diaspora that still don’t get recognised for their contributions to making this a better world. And the postpersons (Postman Pat and his friends).

When were you most recently astonished by something?

The third lockdown and how people didn’t take it seriously.

What tune do you find it impossible not to get up and dance to, whether in public or private?

Chic’s ‘Le Freak’.

Which famous person would be your ideal holiday companion?

Elon (Money) Musk.

As an adult, what has a child said to you that made a powerful impact?

Run Pine, run!

Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise people?

I used to have an ambition to be a goalkeeper. I played in goal all throughout my school years as well as after I was thrown out of school because the music teacher didn’t want to teach me. Totally self-trained as a keeper, I got to play for Kingsbury but then the gigs up and down the country came in so I never got to represent England. But my daughter ended up playing as a striker for her mother’s nation, Saint Kitts And Nevis: proud dad!

When did you last cry?

My gran’s funeral in Jamaica.

What’s the most hi-tech item in your home?

iRobot.

What’s a skill you’d love to have learned but never quite got round to?

Drone flying.

By decree of your local council, you’ve been ordered to destroy one room in your house and all of its contents. Which room do you choose?

Garage.

If you were selected as the next 007, where would you pick as your first luxury destination for espionage?

Ethiopia would be my choice, having been there and met the people, experienced the culture and driven around Addis Ababa; so many layers to the nation. Shashamane is a city that fascinates many and is well worthy of espionage.

Courtney Pine, Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Wednesday 16 November; Spirituality is released on Destin-E Records, Friday 18 November.