The Tiptons

Wed., April 16, 9 p.m., $8, Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

by Shaun Brady

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Published: Apr 9, 2008

jazz

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Big band saxophonist and pianist Billy Tipton lived and worked as a man for more than five decades, the fact that he was biologically female was revealed only after his death in 1989. The Seattle-based Billy Tipton Memorial Saxophone Quartet, led by Amy Denio and Jessica Lurie, adopted his mantle soon thereafter. The Tiptons' four female horn players obviously assume some sympathy in the always male-dominated world of jazz, even if they don't feel the need to cloak their sexual identities. If it's gender politics you're after, though, there's not much of the stereotypically feminine about the Tiptons, despite the lack of a Y chromosome. Having shortened their name since adding a drummer/percussionist (who currently happens to be male), the group weaves meaty, funky melodies out of their horns and voices, conjuring a global carnival atmosphere out of New Orleans, Balkan and klezmer influences. The Tiptons will alternate sets with the Philly-based Elliott Levin Ensemble.

Wed., April 16, 9 p.m., $8, Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131, chrisjazzcafe.com.

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