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Tradition

Tradition are a United Kingdom-based reggae band. They enjoyed success with UK reggae audiences in the late 1970s, and were signed by RCA Records. They split up in 1983 but reformed over twenty years later.

History

Tradition formed in Brent, North West London in 1976, initially as Special Brew. The original line-up comprised Chris "Buff Head" Henry (bass guitar), Paul "Echo" Thompson (keyboards, vocals), Tony "Drummie" Matthews (drums), Michael Johnson (guitar), and Grace Reed (vocals). Reed and Johnson left early in the band's history, to be replaced by Les McNeil and Paul Dawkins (bass). In 1977 the band signed to Venture Records, and released early singles including "Moving On", "Rastafari", and "Summertime". They were also one of the headline acts on the Anti-Nazi League's 'Rock Against Racism' tour.

In 1978 they released a discomix 12-inch single of "Why Why". The band built a reputation through their live performances, backing singers such as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, Honey Boy, and Culture, and were also used as a studio band by producer David Tyrone. They won the Best Single award from Echoes in 1978 for "Breezin'", and they signed a short-lived deal with RCA Records...

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Reggae

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From the archive

Career timeline

Stories about Tradition from the JamaicansMusic archive, oldest first · 2012–2015

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  1. 2012

    Culture

    Jamaican Style Steamed Fish with Crackers

    Steamed fish with crackers is a truly traditional ground roots Jamaican meal. As an island nation, Jamaican cuisine features an abundance of seafood favourites, but this recipe is at the top of most lists. The spicy dish features fresh provisions and a plethora of herbs and seasonings, simmering down to a savoury sauce that is not only delicious, but rumoured to enhance the libido.

  2. 2013

    Music

    The Emergence of Jamaican Hip Hop - Part 2

    "I think there is a fear that if local hip-hop gets too popular it may take hold and the youth may choose to express themselves in this genre as opposed to the traditional reggae or dancehall." – Inztinkz, Jamaican Hip Hop producer.

    Press Releases

    Rockhouse Hotel Presents Monthly Acoustic Concert Series

    Rockhouse Hotel & Spa and Pushcart Restaurant in Negril are pleased to announce the second installment of their monthly outdoor, acoustic, concert series. Each month, Rockhouse will honor Jamaica's rich musical tradition by presenting important artists spanning the decades and genres of ska, reggae, and dancehall.

  3. 2014

    Music

    Akua Kamau pays tribute to Jamaican and African heritage with Instrumental EP pays

    Clocking in at 7 songs of high quality, the new EP from Akau Kamau is a release that is formed around the themes of Jamaican and African traditions and, in the artist’s words, ‘Ancestral Reverence’.

    Music

    Zvuloon to bring diversity to Sumfest stage on International Night 2

    Zvuloon Dub System, a renowned reggae band out of Israel, will bring an interesting mixture of Ethiopian beats, jazz and funk fused with, and encouraged by, traditional reggae to the Sumfest stage.

  4. 2015

    Music

    Jah9 celebrates earthstrong with ‘Gratitude’

    May 23rd is generally celebrated as Labour Day in Jamaica. We have a tradition of working together on this day in the community and beautification projects.

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