The Sixth Street Quaternion
qua-ter-ni-on [kwuh-tur-nee-uhn]
–noun
1. a group or set of four persons or things.
The Sixth Street Quaternion or 6StQ as the group is known began in a small row house, 767 on South 6th Street, Philadelphia in 1996. 6stQ was conceived by four jazz musicians, Jon Fresen, Jon Miller, Chip Moyer and Art Stephano. Great musicianship was required of course, however the boys wanted more. It had to be for real, real music, and a real expression of ideas.
The band grew and prospered because these four, ”the quaternion” cared about jazz, their fans and each other. No wallpaper for this intrepid troupe. Extended solos and gutsy virtuoso performances, the order of the day. However something was missing the group was somehow incomplete.
As winter turned to spring in 1997 singer and actress, Deborah Billups joined the quaternion at the TIP TOP CLUB in south Philadelphia one night where the band played often. It was the sound legends are made of. Ms. Billups’ vocal styling took that audience though the full range of emotion and left them patting their pockets for a cigarette.
Now the group is led by Art Stephano, and features Deborah Billups, Drummer Ken Vogel, guitarist Tony Forliano and Dave Renz on tenor sax. In 2010 6StQ released their debut album SUMMER NIGHTS. The CD is packed with 11 original songs written by award winning composer Dave Renz. The album is available on amazon.com, iTunes and can be heard internationally on UK Jazz Radio, and Accu Jazz Radio.
The Sixth Street Quaternion is truly something special. For commercial clients such as restaurants, hotels wineries and clubs 6stq will draw thirsty fans wherever live jazz can be heard. 6stQ is also available for private and corporate events worldwide.
© 2011 6StQ