Scarecrow emerged in 2006, formed by three members of a popular Oxfordshire barn dance band who shared a common desire to develop our collective breadth of musical styles, instruments and influences. The band brings together the classical music of Rey Lear, allied to folk tunes from David Moore with jazz and blues influences from Gordon Raitt. The resulting “Scarecrow Sound” reflects these diverse abilities and influences in both the repertoire and arrangements of well known and sometimes more obscure songs and tunes.

Rey plays bass guitar, flute, whistle, recorder and lead vocals. Rey is also very active as a member of a classical quartet, a recorder ensemble and runs Brackley Choir. He has worked as a professional musician since graduating and has toured the Caribbean, worked on cruise ships and been involved in music education for most of his professional life. His influences include his Mum & Dad as well as Billy Connolly, Brahms and Liszt.

David plays whistles, bagpipes, flute and percussion as well as backing vocals. He is self taught on all his instruments. Interests outside Scarecrow include playing Pipe & Tabor for the Adderbury Morris men and occasionally with historical “costume” bands on the English border pipes and Hummelchen pipes. He has toured with bands and Adderbury Morris in Oman, USA, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Belgium and Romania. Influences range between Steeleye Span, Blowzabella, The Albion Dance Band and Show of Hands.

Gordon plays acoustic guitar and bouzouki, and lead vocals. Gordon is the force behind the distinctive “Scarecrow” sound; his arrangements of the songs and tunes result in the tight and unusual arrangements that we have become recognised for. In addition to his Scarecrow commitments Gordon plays bass guitar in a rock band. He has been influenced by many genres of music including Blues, Jazz, Folk and Classical.

www.scarecrowband.co.uk

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Gracenotes

Your resident artist and organiser is Matt Beeson