The Free Flight Band played for 20+ years, mostly in Anne Arundel County at such establishments as the Oxbow Inn, Windows on the Bay, Cheshire Crab, Sam’s Waterfront, and Fergie’s, just to name a few. The band was known for their tight harmonies on many songs by artists such as CSN, Beatles, Eagles…
Roots of the group began in 1975 with guitar/vocal trio Fresh Produce of Ed Sparks (acoustic guitar, bass, harmonica), Jim Bergendahl (lead guitar), and Ray Keating (guitar). Keating left in ’76, later adding bassist Don Knieriem (1977-80).
In 1984 Jim and Ed recorded the EP “Airborn” at Paul Weager’s Nye Timbers Studio in Severn.
Bassist Steve McCoy joined, later leaving for college.
In 1985 they changed the band name to Free Flight. Joel McGuire (ex-Spies) joined as drummer (later expanding to guitars, keyboards, and electronic percussion), and Steve returned as bassist (adding guitar, harmonica). This lineup recorded the album “Wind on the Wing” at Nye Timbers Studios in 1986.
Jim left the band in 1986 and the group continued as a trio. In 1993 the trio recorded the album “Uncharted Skies” at Ed’s personal Pepperland Studio.
Free Flight was one of the first bands in the area to feature sequenced drum tracks. The trio had a full band sound, with members switching off between multiple instruments throughout the night. Ed played concurrently with Sparks & Raymond duo, with Steve later joining to make it a trio. Joel went on to do solo work (see Spies)…
1984(EP) Nye Timber Airborn
1986(CS) Nye Timber Wind on The Wing
1994(CD) (indie) Uncharted Skies
