EVER since his uncle Dave taught him to play piano as a young child, Jools Holland has never lost his intense fascination with music.

You might imagine him becoming a tad jaded after three decades in the business, but even the harshest cynics could not fail to doubt his seemingly boundless enthusiasm.

The former Squeeze star may well be mixing in lofty circles these days yet he’s not lost his ability to effortlessly blend in with all kinds of acts, as fans of his Later show will no doubt agree.

"For someone who’s doing what I do I think I’ve got the best job in the world and the show has run successfully for 15 years now - we’ve built up an incredible archive with it," explained Jools.

Its winning mix of mainstream chart bands alongside some of the most inventive and alternative musicians around has been a major asset for the BBC. Clearly, old Uncle Dave is certainly owed a few pints after passing on his skills to his nephew.

"Uncle David is now in Hythe, not hiding," quips the keyboard star.

"He taught me the boogie style and I have never looked back from there. I became obsessed with it - one of the greatest things about the piano is how you can play it all your life and yet it still remains a mystery. The more you learn the more mysterious it is."

Though he’s a seasoned traveller with his former band and the world-renowned Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with which he relentlessly tours, it’s apparent that his recently-adopted home in Kent is treating him well.

For the last couple of years he has made Cooling, near Rochester, his base and is well settled with his wife Christabel, a sculptor, whom he married in their home village in 2005.

The couple have a teenage daughter and both have children from previous relationships.

Though he was born in London, Jools, 49, has family members all over Kent and says its somewhere he feels very much at ease. Underlining this, he is revelling in his role as Deputy Lieutenant for the county. From our conversation, it’s clear there’s far more to it than rubbing shoulders with the great and good.

"It’s an honour and privilege to be part of something that has a positive effect on promoting Kent. I have done quite a lot of work with the Prince’s Trust and there are a lot of people in the county who are doing a lot of good work that might go unnoticed."

An ever-popular choice at the Rochester Castle concerts, he revisits home turf once again with a charity gig raising funds for the cathedral, which he is keenly anticipating. Although he’s more used to festivals or smoky rock and jazz venues, the prospect of playing in such pristine surroundings is one which is intriguing him.

"I’ve never played Rochester Cathedral before but I have heard its choir which is fantastic.

"It sometimes gets left behind Canterbury Cathedral but I think it’s an equally important building. The music there is also just as important as the place itself. The Dean has done an incredible job of raising funds for the building and they are on the way to their target."

Such a splendid venue is a long way from the experiences of his youth. He cut his musical teeth as a teenager grafting with low-paid gigs in the East End with Squeeze.

"I have lots of fond memories of the band, especially as it took us over to America," he recalled.

Plenty of water has flowed under the bridge since he amicably left the now defunct band at the end of the 1980s for his solo career. With more than 16 albums under his belt and millions of record sales, there’s plenty for him to feel contented with.

His fame has allowed him to indulge a passion for classic cars, but it’s a hobby which will never have the same kind of hold over him as his impressive collection of pianos. Does he have an ultimate career highlight from his eventful days on the road?

"I’ve been very fortunate to play with some of the greatest people in the world. I was really pleased that Dionne Warwick chose to cover What Goes Around, which is a song I’d written in Kent."

Whether it be in a church or a field, witnessing Jools and his orchestra play is a life-affirming experience which is not to be missed.

Jools is at Rochester Cathedral on Tuesday, March 20 with Sam Brown and Ruby Turner, Beverley Knight and the cathedral choir. Prince Charles will be in attendance. Tickets £15-£45. Box office 01634 817930.

Jools also plays the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall on May 17. Box office 01892 530613.