Tim Free and the Fantastic Free Birds was formed in late 2018 in time to perform for Alexandria Winterfete. The band is made up of four musicians who were already great friends and even includes a father/son team.
Though just over a year old as a combined group, The Fantastic Free Birds have already become known for their onstage antics and high energy set lists. They not only cover such material as Bob Seger,Journey, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Doors, Louisiana Leroux and Stevie Ray Vaughn, but they are also prolific songwriters in their own right, with many of their original works immortalized on various recordings already released.
Band founder, Tim Free (keyboards, guitars, and vocals), is a multi-instrumentalist and has 4 full-length recording projects to his credit, along with a vast alumni of great bands and artists with which he’s performed. He began showing interest in making music at the age of two, and started playing piano and singing in church at the tender age of six. Since that time, he has performed all across the United States, in front of governors, presidential candidates and crowds, great and small. He has appeared on national TV and his songs have been played on radio stations all across the south.
Tyler Free (bass and vocals) is the son of Tim Free and has played on stage with his dad, as well as other groups, since he was in elementary school. He and his older brother formed the Christian band, “Daybreak,” in 2006. He went on to play for “My Deadly Beloved” and “Aaron’s Project,” the last being a collaboration with his older brother, Aaron. Tyler is also the bass player for the youth band at Word Of Grace Church in Pineville, where he faithfully attends.
Philip Edwards (drums) began playing in a high school garage band in the seventies. He was co-founder of Seventh Cry and has been playing praise and worship for Simms Cornerstone Church with Lew and Patsy Lasyone for the past 15 years. He is also owner of Edwards Custom Jewelry in Alexandria.
Jim Standley is originally from Oak Ridge, Louisiana and has been playing guitar since the age of twelve. His father often played country music records of Ernest Tubb, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams in their home. Jim’s mother played piano and occasionally substituted for their church’s organist. As a child, Jim had the great blessing of seeing the blues duo of Po’ Henry and Tookie play at an event in his hometown. This was a turning point, which created an interest in the blues that has continued to this day. Jim has recorded two albums with the Baton Rouge rock band, The VOID, and has fronted the blues trio, High Water Blues Band.]