John Scott Cree
Band Story
John Scott Cree
Early Years (1956–1965)
Raised in Ash and Aldershot (born Farnham), Cree explored musical beginnings with drum lessons alongside his father and piano training. He received his first guitar from Santa and played in early school bands before performing solo gigs by 1965 at church halls in Ash and Guildford pubs.
1967–1969: Trio Work & Folk Scenes
He joined the JP Trio and occasionally substituted in local covers groups like The Keynotes. By 1969 he had moved to Dover, gigging with several jazz ensembles like Frank Horton Trio and the Bill Barnacle Quartet, and performing with the Martin Brown Band and the Ian Shawcross group.
Early ’70s: Jazz & Folk Residencies
In 1973, Cree joined Crawley’s New City Jazzmen, then settled in Horley (1973–77) performing folk-repertoire at the Chequers and at folk clubs, including two appearances at the Cambridge Folk Festival.
Mid?’70s: Recordings & Pye Records Breakthrough
In 1975, he recorded a quirky single—a take on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”—later picked up by Pye Records in 1977. He released two singles, followed by the LP Wivabandon Oneezone (1978/79, Pye NSPL-18598), with side two recorded live at Brighton Polytechnic. The LP is now collectible, fetching around £25 used.
Radio & Live Exposure
His Pye tenure included interviews on Noel Edmonds’ Radio 1, BBC’s Tommy Vance, Alexis Korner on BFBS, and Richard Digance on Capital Radio. He opened for acts including Chris Rea, Iron Maiden, The Pretenders, and held residency at the Half Moon in Putney.
Post?1979: Bands, Festivals & Later Works
Dropping the “Wounded” prefix, Cree became resident at Horley’s Brambles and played in the Mid-Life Crisis Blues Band, Fair Trade/Reelstrings, Civil Minds, Old Hat, Les Onions, Pendulum, and was a fixture at Broadstairs Festival for 20+ years with the Phatt B’stards. In 1998 he released Superfluous Man on Flams Records [FCD?002] and published an e-book of the same name.
Discography & Publications
Albums include Superfluous Man, Vinyl Tour, Wivabandon Oneezone, One for Bod, Now Then (with Ron Trueman–Border), and Indirigible. He has also contributed to Reelstrings, George Wilson, New City Jazzmen, and John Parker recordings. His book, A Superfluous Man: The Book, chronicles his musical journey.
Current Status
As of 2024, Cree remains active in live performance. Some of his children are also professional musicians, performing under names like Gatekeeper, Kase?1, and in the band Bachelor Jack.
John Scott Cree has had a varied and enduring career—blending folk, jazz, rock, comedy, and blues across nearly six decades. From teenage school gigs to Pye Records backing, radio exposure, and long-term festival appearances, he’s cultivated a rich catalogue and loyal following. His later works (Superfluous Man, etc.) reflect a mature artist with deep community roots and multigenerational musical legacy.
Early Years (1956–1965)
Raised in Ash and Aldershot (born Farnham), Cree explored musical beginnings with drum lessons alongside his father and piano training. He received his first guitar from Santa and played in early school bands before performing solo gigs by 1965 at church halls in Ash and Guildford pubs.
1967–1969: Trio Work & Folk Scenes
He joined the JP Trio and occasionally substituted in local covers groups like The Keynotes. By 1969 he had moved to Dover, gigging with several jazz ensembles like Frank Horton Trio and the Bill Barnacle Quartet, and performing with the Martin Brown Band and the Ian Shawcross group.
Early ’70s: Jazz & Folk Residencies
In 1973, Cree joined Crawley’s New City Jazzmen, then settled in Horley (1973–77) performing folk-repertoire at the Chequers and at folk clubs, including two appearances at the Cambridge Folk Festival.
Mid?’70s: Recordings & Pye Records Breakthrough
In 1975, he recorded a quirky single—a take on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”—later picked up by Pye Records in 1977. He released two singles, followed by the LP Wivabandon Oneezone (1978/79, Pye NSPL-18598), with side two recorded live at Brighton Polytechnic. The LP is now collectible, fetching around £25 used.
Radio & Live Exposure
His Pye tenure included interviews on Noel Edmonds’ Radio 1, BBC’s Tommy Vance, Alexis Korner on BFBS, and Richard Digance on Capital Radio. He opened for acts including Chris Rea, Iron Maiden, The Pretenders, and held residency at the Half Moon in Putney.
Post?1979: Bands, Festivals & Later Works
Dropping the “Wounded” prefix, Cree became resident at Horley’s Brambles and played in the Mid-Life Crisis Blues Band, Fair Trade/Reelstrings, Civil Minds, Old Hat, Les Onions, Pendulum, and was a fixture at Broadstairs Festival for 20+ years with the Phatt B’stards. In 1998 he released Superfluous Man on Flams Records [FCD?002] and published an e-book of the same name.
Discography & Publications
Albums include Superfluous Man, Vinyl Tour, Wivabandon Oneezone, One for Bod, Now Then (with Ron Trueman–Border), and Indirigible. He has also contributed to Reelstrings, George Wilson, New City Jazzmen, and John Parker recordings. His book, A Superfluous Man: The Book, chronicles his musical journey.
Current Status
As of 2024, Cree remains active in live performance. Some of his children are also professional musicians, performing under names like Gatekeeper, Kase?1, and in the band Bachelor Jack.
John Scott Cree has had a varied and enduring career—blending folk, jazz, rock, comedy, and blues across nearly six decades. From teenage school gigs to Pye Records backing, radio exposure, and long-term festival appearances, he’s cultivated a rich catalogue and loyal following. His later works (Superfluous Man, etc.) reflect a mature artist with deep community roots and multigenerational musical legacy.
Band Members
John Scott Cree
John Scott Cree
Location: EUROPE: United Kingdom: England
Genre: Ballad