BTMSQ was originally founded in 1988, named in honor of big band saxophonist and pianist Billy Tipton, following the post-mortem revelation that Tipton was actually a woman who lived as a man for more than 50 years. Many believe that this allowed Tipton to pursue a career in the male-dominated world of jazz.

Not to be bound by convention, the Tiptons similarly do their own thing. With a repertoire that ranges from New Orleans second - line to jazz, Afro-Cuban to Balkan, klezmer and beyond, the Tiptons create some of the wildest sounds ever to come out of a sax quartet. Their dynamic, playful concerts feature high-energy interaction between members, and a repertoire that touches on soulful music from around the world.

"The Tiptons have built a solid reputation as a stellar live band, capable of alternating ferocious with delicate, driving with subtle."
Martin Johnson, PULSE!

"Looser than the 29th Street, more in than out as ROVA, and hipper than World, this sax quartet is a groove."
Mark Corroto, SOS Jazz

Info via barkinglegs.org. Photo by Thomas Dumont.