NEWEST!WE'RE BACK! In The Tradition returns to the stage in 2022-23 In the Tradition Presents "A Jazzy Kwanzaa Night"
When: Fri., Dec. 30, 2022 7:30-10 p.m. Ashe;!
Detroit’s In the Tradition Jazz Ensemble will add musical warmth to the Kwanzaa holiday season in a performance, "A Jazzy Kwanzaa Night," at Aretha’s Jazz Café, 350 Madison St., on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. The band will offer up original compositions written by band leader Olujimi (O-loo-gee-me) Tafataona, as well as traditional jazz standards. “We invite our loyal followers, as well as first-time patrons, to join us as we celebrate Kwanzaa by giving creative expression to the Fifth Principle of Nia (Purpose),” said Olujimi.
Once again In The Tradition is deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the In The Tradition family. Our website designer, and long time close friend Fred Dean Hicks passed away on Janurary 30, 2019. Fred and his business partner, website designer Pierre Allen, created our first website six years ago. Fred, Pierre and band leader Olujimi Tafataona have known each other since elementary school. As a major inspiration and dear friend he will be dearly missed. May he Rest In Power. Our heartfelt sympathies also go out to his children, grand children and the entire Hicks Family. We were truly Blessed to have him walk in our midst. God be with you all.
We the members of In The Tradition always look forward to the celebration of African History Month. It puts us in touch with our spiritual cells and further strengthens our ancestral alliances. This month is a natural for us and we look forward to kicking off our events for the rest of the Year!
Introducing our latest recording "Ancestral Alliances". Released September 10th 2017 to much anticipation, this recording lives up to it's promise. Not to be missed are the songs "War Is Here", "We Cry Freedom", "Footprints" and "Assata". Click on the CD cover to hear samples and/or purchase.
Thank You to all of you who came to our 24th Anniversary/CD release party celebration. You all made it such a memorable experience, one that we will cherish forever! Thank you to Mayflower Congregational Church for your love and support, andl thank you to the community for being there for us. You made it possible. God is good! Stay tuned for our next event. We hope to see you there. God Bless!
In The Tradition was nominated for a 2017 Detroit Music Award in the Band category, and two of our band members (Olujimi Tafataona and Kenny Gill) were nominated for individual Awards in the Outstanding Musician category. On behalf of the entire group we offer our humble gratitude for the nominations and the recognition of our musical efforts. In The Tradition is: 1. Mark Berger, Baritone Saxophone, Saxophones, Bassoon, Woodwinds; 2. David Cheney, Drums, Percussion; 3. Dr. Kefentse Chike, Djembe, Congas, Percussion; 4. Karim Tabu Gideon, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Mellophonium, Brass; 5. Kenneth Gill, Trombone, Euphonium, Brass; 6. Aurora Harris, Spoken Word; 7. Imari Akua Jendayi, Vocals, Violin, Shakere, Kalimba, Ballophone, Percussion; 8. Foluke Shearer, Piano, Keyboards; 9. Olujimi Tafataona, Saxophones, Flutes, Woodwinds, Composer, Arranger, Leader; 10. Alex Webb, Acoustic and Electric Basses.
Congratulations to In The Tradition's Olujimi Tafataona (Saxophones/Flutes) and Kenneth Gill (Trombone/Euphonium) for being nominated respectively for the Detroit Music Awards in the Outstanding Musician category for 2017! LONG LIVE the indomitable creativity that dwells in the Afrikan Spirit!
"Our appearance in Muskegon on February 25th 2017 was a wonderful experience and our time with the audience was so enriching. We also got to spend time with our friend Ruth of Ruth's Deli and soul food Palace and our friend Charles Fair of the MBA Journal. The day was so spiritual for us. Until we meet again!"
Join In The Tradition as we continue to commemorate African history. The commemoration continues at the Hackley Public Library, Saturday February 25th, 316 W. Webster Ave, in Muskegon, Michigan. The music begins at 2 o'clock and all are welcome. Long live the indomitable creativity that dwells in the Afrikan Spirit! Ashe!
February has been deemed African History Month, and In The Tradition (The foremost African centered jazz group in the world) would like to invite you to come out and celebrate it with us at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library this Sunday at 2 o'clock p.m. The library is located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township Michigan 49032. Everyone is welcome to come and partake and enjoy the spirit of upliftment and African Unity. We hope to see you there. Ashe!
We are proud to announce to our friends, family and fans that In The Tradition has been nominated for the 2016 Black Power Music Award. The celebration will take place in Atlanta Georgia in November of 2016. We are humbled and honored to be nominated for such a beautiful and prestigious award. We'll see you in Atlanta. Ashe!
SIRIUS is our latest release on the AFJ label. Its been well received in the Jazz world. All around the world SIRIUS has opened up to rave reviews.
Released in 2009, The Tradition Continues showcases the unique writing style of Olujimi Tafataona Every track highlights the fused combination of Afrikan rhythms, the syncopation of Bee-Bop and Jazz. Enjoy!
From the language of Swahili comes FIKIRA, which translates to "thought, the state or condition of thinking". FIKIRA features compositions written for the consious mind. Come along on a journey to fill your body and soul with FIKIRA!
On July 15, 2014, Olujimi Tafataona was interviewed on the blogtalk radio program "NU DAY" by Empress Phile Chionesu. The subject of discussion was the influence of John Coltrane and the spiritual aspects of his music. To listen, click the above picture.
Chet White from the internet radio station, The Jazz Network Worldwide, interviews In The Tradition. Click the picture to listen.
On Oct. 21, 2016 Maxine Michaels, renowned jazz deejay for radio station WRCJ interviewed Imari Akua Jendayi of In The Tradition and the Detroit Ladies of Jazz.
Click to Listen.Interview with Olujimi at The Origins of Jazz Explored at Pine Bluff, AK Arts Center.
" In The Tradition. "