andrew & the tree circa 1993 (clockwise):
JJ Tindall (Drums), Eric Markowitz (lead gtr/vocals), Matt Tyndall (Bass), Jeff Kowal-kowski (Keys), Andrew Robb (gtr/vocals).

andrew & the tree was formed in 1991 to perform music from Andrew Robb's critically acclaimed solo album, "as-if".

The band did regular shows at the legendary Club Lower Links in Chicago, with a lineup that featured AJ Robb on Gtr./Mandola, Eric Markowitz on 12-string Gtr, Dan Halvorson on Electric Cello, and Jeff K on Percussion. The sets were theatrical, with the music ranging from minimalistic to dense, seemingly free-form jams. This lineup recorded the first "andrew & the tree" album, the highly original "Vita Activa".

In '93 the band added a the rhythm section team of JJ Tindall & Matt Tyndall, now featuring a more propulsive sound that they carried on stage as a Trio.

They went on to record 2 more albums: "Saints Preserve Us" in '95, and "State of the Union" in 1997.

New Mp3 download from "State of the Union" is the must-have, "Unhinged": a sprawling pshychedelic epic with jazzy overtones:

"Unhinged"

The hear/download sample tracks, see reviews, etc., from andrew & the tree:

"as-if"
"Vita Activa"
"Saints Preserve Us"
"State of the Union"

Also, here's links to JJ Tindall's Poetry & Music:

JJ Tindal.com
JJ Tindall on You Tube

...and, connect to the experimental music world of tree-collaborator Jeff Kowalkowski:

Jeff K Music
Jeff K Video

...then, there's the long standing collaboration between Jeff K & Eric Markowitz:

The Milkwood Foundation
Eric Markowitz' Chamber Pot Orchestra

What did Critics say about andrew & the tree?

Chicago Sun-Times: ...there is a rich Gypsy soul to andrew & the tree, who address rhythm patterns with challenge, scope, and integrity."

Chicago Tribune: ... "Rag-tag and exhuberant, the band gets under your skin and stays there."

Illinois Entertainer: ..."the original and challenging music andrew & the tree offer makes for a more interesting and satisfying listen than most of what you'll hear out there today."

This singular recording, or sound diary, was done Lo-Fi in a coachouse attic, deliberately avoiding the sterility of recording studio environments. The result was an emotionally powerful, and uncanny soundscape that was immediately recognized by the critical community, and fans, as something very special.

More on "as-if">>>

"Vita Activa". a truly unique recording, features politically poignant lyrics and unusual intrumentation.

More on "Vita Activa">>>