They play a variety of genres, including gospel, bluegrass, micro-big band, and Balkan, as well as whimsical jazz and nocturnal Funk. The Tiptons have been touring Europe since 1993. There have been 10 recordings. The Tiptons are based in New York, Seattle and Eau Claire and perform original compositions and arrangements for world music on saxes and clarinets. They also play drums/percussion and voices. The Tiptons have concerts that span musical territory, from jazz, Afro-Cuban, Balkan, Klezmer, and New Orleans to jazz, Afros-Cuban, Balkan, Klezmer, and beyond. The Tiptons’ energetic, fun concerts feature high-energy interaction among members and a repertoire that includes soulful music from all over the globe. They were originally called the Billy Tipton Memorial Sax Quartet. Since then, they have shortened their names and expanded their repertoire. BTMSQ was established in memory of Billy Tipton Memorial Sax Quartet, a big-band saxophonist/pianist. This was after it was revealed that Tipton was actually a woman who had lived as a man for over 50 years. Many believe this was what allowed Tipton to continue her career in jazz, which is dominated by men. The Tiptons don’t conform to convention and do their own thing. Their music has been heard on US National Public Radio as well as National Radio stations from France, Italy, Croatia and Germany. They have composed music to play on a saxophone quartet, 3 busses and for the national radio stations in France, Italy, Croatia and Germany. The Tiptons Sax Quartet performed at many venues and music festivals around the world, including Donauinsel Festival in Austria, Carega Jazz Festival in Italy, TAKTLOS Festival in Switzerland; The North Sea Jazz Festival in Canada; Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in USA; Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Canada; MIMI Festival in France (USA); Bumbershoot Music Festival in USA); The Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival in USA (USA); The Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival in USA); The Coleman Hawkins Festival in Campo Festival in Italy); Festival (Switzerland); Festival in Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); and Festival Belleville in Italy (It Festival in Italy); and Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); and Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); and Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); and Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville Festival in Italy); Festival Belleville (Itonado Festival in Italy); and Festival in Italy); and Festival in Italy (Iton). from http://thetiptonssaxquartet.com
