It's a lovely evening in LA, even if I'm not there to confirm it. But judging by the relaxed tone of Engelbert Humperdinck's voice, I am willing to believe it is.
These days Humperdinck, 75, has a lot to feel relaxed about: he still tours around the world, is set to release a potential hit-making new album, he will represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and has finally found a manager that he can trust.
Exactly what drives him to hit the road is proving increasingly difficult to pinpoint. Unfolding over 50-odd years Humperdinck has created a far-reaching appeal that has taken his concerts to Russia, the Far East, his native India and just about everywhere else on the planet. All this from an artist whose moniker sounds more like it was taken from a nursery rhyme rather than borrowed from a famous composer.
Describing, rather mystically, how he acquired his stage name, Humperdinck, who will perform at the Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday, told tabloid! over the phone from Los Angeles: "Tom Jones and I started off in the industry together. We both had the same manager, Gordon Mills, and he gave us both our stage names. Mine is that of a composer, while his was a movie character. That's how I began my career."
But Humperdinck is realistic. With more than 80 albums and record sales in excess of 150 million, he still fondly remembers the days when he was called Arnold George Dorsey, a smart 10-year-old, with nine brothers and sisters, born to a British father and Indian mother.
"My father was in the British army and was stationed in Madras [now Chennai]," he says. "So we had a wonderful upbringing. I spent 10 years of my life there and when we came back to England it was devastating because you came back into the cold, without having the wonderful sunshine and tropical weather of India.
"I went through all my little phases when I was young, and then came my pop phase, which had a huge influence in my life. I like music as it can heighten your feelings at a certain time. I love that sensation that when you're feeling down music can help you lift yourself."
‘Love being on stage'
Is that what he loves about performing on stage, that he can control the feeling of his audience?
"I really love being on stage, it's more like a hobby than a business," he says. "I just love walking on stage to have that reaction that I get — it's just wonderful to hear the people. Sometimes I play in a country where they don't even speak my language but the people know the song. And they sing along to the song. That's amazing. How does that happen? In places like Russia, to this day there are not many people who speak English, but they know the songs."
What are the songs that he plans to sing in Dubai? Is he excited about playing at the Madinat Jumeirah
"You know what, I performed in Dubai in the late '80s, but I don't recollect where it was," he says. "It was a long time ago. I've played in hundreds of places since, I can't remember. But what I do remember is that I had a great time.
"Dubai is such a creative place, with the repossessing of the ocean to make such beautiful buildings. It also has a great Duty Free [chuckles]. Yes, I'm really looking forward to playing in Dubai again.
"As far as the concert goes there will be new songs and old songs. Every year I change my show somewhat, but choosing songs for the show is a big headache for me as I've made so many albums. So, to try and choose some of the songs that people have made possible for me to hang on the wall as a gold, silver or platinum album. It's a hard job, but I try to do my best."
Traveller
He's not getting any younger, so where does that hunger to travel and perform still come from, I wanted to know.
"I'm a world traveller and I love travelling. The only thing that is difficult is the long lengthy journeys by plane, but when you get there it's wonderful. It's wonderful to be in a new place, see new faces."
Even though he's been at it for almost 50 years Humperdinck says he still gets a massive kick about going on tour.
"It [age] doesn't seem to change my feelings, although I have lessened the quantity of work that I do," he says. "But I still get that same buzz when I walk on stage. It's an amazing thing but I love what I do."
Which song does he love the most and which song does he wish he had a hit with?
"Perhaps Strangers In The Night, which was written by Bert Kampfert," Humperdinck recalls. "I went to his house in Spain and he played me three songs — Strangers In The Night, Wonderland By Night and Spanish Eyes. I recorded all three songs, but my manager at the time said to me, ‘You can't have Strangers In The Night.' And I said to him, ‘Why not, I've already recorded it and I think it's a hit song.' But he said to me [Frank] Sinatra wants it. So it went to Sinatra, for a prize by the way. I think my manager made something on the side [chuckles] by giving it to Sinatra and he had a No 1 hit with it although I had already recorded it. But you know what, I cannot find that original recording of Strangers In The Night. No one seems to know where it is. I'm afraid they may have just deleted it. But it's got to be somewhere. I regret not having the song, because I was the first."
I could not help asking him the stock question all journalists draw on in interviews — has he got anything left to achieve, any unfulfilled ambitions?
Humperdinck may fight shy of the trappings of stardom, but if there's any justice he deserves every gold record, every standing ovation, every honour, that he has achieved.
"My desire is only to make sure that I can improve what I'm doing at the moment," he says. " I suppose being given the title of King of Romance at the beginning of my career has something to do with it. It's been continuing for the last four decades or so. I don't think you can act being a romantic, it has to be within you and you have to be part of that nature in order to project the romantic flair."
It appears that even after all these years, Humperdinck still has the ability to keep a hold on his audience.
Quick fire with Humperdinck
Best concert?
"It's tough to answer, as I've had so many memorable concerts. But perhaps it would be the first concert I did at the London Palladium, after I had received No 1 recognition with Release Me. It was No 1 in 11 countries. That was the kickstart to many great concerts."
Favourite song?
"I really don't know. I would say it's my signature tune. which is Release Me. It still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up whenever I sing it. It started my life and it's a great song. The audience always sings along with it, sometimes I really don't have to finish it, they finish it for me. It's a great karaoke favourite. But wait till you hear my version of it."
Proudest moment?
"I've been fortunate enough to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, star on the Walk of Fame in Las Vegas and in my home town in Leicester, England. It's just great to have those special moments in my life."
Any regrets?
"I've had a few as far as management is concerned — I've changed managers six times. My son manages me now and he's doing a great job. He's one of three that I would say were good for me."
One lasting memory of youth?
"I think the memory of being raised with all my brothers and sisters and having my parents alive. I think that's the memory I would like to keep because it has fond memories for me."
