TREE WITHOUT LEAVES features keyboard-driven progressive rock from musicians based in Madison, Wisconsin; Nicosia, Cyprus; and Augsburg, Germany. Keyboardist, guitarist and composer Jim Ford founded the project after the demise of his Madison-based band, Hundredfold. The purpose of TWL is to tell stories, to explore lyrical and musical ideas within the context of hard-driving rhythms and virtuoso instrumentation.

Ford, who teaches European history as an adjunct professor at Viterbo College and Marian College of Fond du Lac, received training in classical and jazz piano at the California Institute of the Arts. Although he began his career in rock music in the early 80s as a drummer for a metal band, Ford switched to keyboards once he heard bands like UK and ELP. Subsequently, he continued his earlier training at the piano, since this genre allowed him to weave classical and jazz elements into a rock format. In addition to Hundredfold, Ford served as keyboardist in Morora.

Matthew Kallonas, a British Cypriot vocalist and songwriter, is about to record a solo CD entitled "Never To Be Lonely" which will feature six of his own compositions. His soft and sensual vocals provide a nice complement to Ford's dissonant and percussive compositions. An accomplished keyboardist, he dutifully fills in the sound in live performances, undergirding Ford's keyboards and lead guitar work during instrumental sections. He will soon return to Europe and embark on a solo career with the full and enthusiastic support of TWL.

Jeff Maas, a former Madison-based cartographer and graphic artist, has returned to his native Northwestern Wisconsin, where he works as a Community Development Planner. When not working he runs, makes art, practices bass guitar and stick, composes music and reads. Jeff has played the bass guitar since age 15, and the stick since the age of 28. Mick Karn, John Wetton, Trey Gunn, and Tony Levin are his main influences and he also greatly admires the work of Andy Summers, David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Stan Ridgwway, Future Sound of London, Russell Mills, Robert Rich, Mr. Bungle, Joe Pass, Dave Brubek, Charles Mingus and Portishead (along with many, many others...)

TWL would not be possible without the creative input of Teri Parris, Jim Ford’s sine qua non. She is not only the band’s photographer and website creator, but handles promotion and diplomatic relations. TWL wishes to thank also the Cypriot community in Madison for its unwavering support. The band is grateful to supporters in the Augsburg area, Woischland, as well.

The group's name not only conveys the members' love of the natural environment, but specifically evokes that enchanting and melancholy season, autumn. On a metaphoric level, the tree represents the individual, who, forlorn of friends and acquaintances over the years, still remains firm against the storm and, by a combination of grace and force of will, does not bow under the pressure.