In the Tradition (Arthur Blythe album)

In the Tradition is an album by alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe, released in 1979 on Columbia Records. The album is noted for its reinterpretations of classic compositions from the jazz avant-garde, specifically tunes associated with the Black Artists Group (BAG) of St. Louis, as well as compositions by other influential figures in the progressive jazz scene.

The album features Blythe's distinctive alto saxophone sound alongside a notable ensemble of musicians including James Newton on flute, Abdul Wadud on cello, Ahmed Abdullah on trumpet, Bob Stewart on tuba, and Steve McCall on drums.

The tracklist includes compositions such as "Bushman Song" and "My Life" by Julius Hemphill, a prominent member of BAG, as well as "Theme for Milford" by AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) co-founder Muhal Richard Abrams, and "Miss Nancy" by BAG affiliate Oliver Lake.

In the Tradition is regarded as a significant recording in Blythe's discography and is lauded for its fresh and innovative approach to established jazz material, showcasing both the legacy of the BAG and the innovative spirit of the late 1970s jazz scene. It is often cited as an example of how contemporary musicians were engaging with and reinterpreting the avant-garde jazz traditions.