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“In The Tradition” began in March 1993 as the Christopher James / Charles Hopkins Quintet. The original personnel consisted of
Charles Hopkins, Trumpet/Flugelhorn;
Christopher James (Olujimi Tafataona), Alto/Tenor Saxophones;
Brad Shearer, Piano;
the late Robert Allen, Bass;
Brandon Parker, Drums.
At it’s inception the band performed regularly at Drew’s pub on the west side of Detroit, and was recognized as a formidable Hard-swinging Bebop ensemble that was faithful to the classic Bebop tradition and featured unique originals. The Band has performad at the “Arts, Beats, and Eats” Festival in Pontiac Michigan, the “Black Star Community Festival” in Detroit, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, The Detroit International Jazz Festival, Detroit African World Festival, and the “Detroit CitiFest” Just to name a few of the venues in which it has appeared. In December 2007 “ In The Tradition “ was the orchestra that backed the stage show “ The Spirit Of Hitsville “ , a musical tribute to Motown Record Corporation that premiered at the Gem Theater in Detroit. In 1997 the band was re-named “In The Tradition”. Musically it began to focus more and more on Afrikan rhythms and the music of the Afrikan Diaspora.
The current personnel consists of:
Brad Shearer, Piano;
Charles Hopkins, Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Mellophone;
Olujimi Tafataona, Alto/Tenor Saxophones, & Flutes;
Melanie White, Trombone;
Mark Berger, Baritone Saxophone;
Greg Cook, Bass;
Kefentse Chike, Djembe/Conga;
Imari Jendayi, Vocals;
Bobby Welch, Drums.
The band has released 3 CD’s , the first being the 2003 self-titled production “In The Tradition”, followed by 2007’s “Fikira”, and their latest gem ”The Tradition Continues!”.

Meet The Band




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