Albums

Cajun Tradition

“A Tradition of Excellent Cajun Musicianship”

Quick Intro

Cajun Tradition—fronted by accordionist and founding member Jamie Berzas—are a Louisiana band rooted deeply in Acadiana’s dancehall heritage. Operating since around 1979, their lineup has included Madeline Berzas (drums, triangle), Lee Manuel (fiddle, guitar, drums), Mark Young (guitar), George McGee (triangle, spoons, guitar), and Glenn Richard (accordion, bass guitar, rhythm guitar). Their 2004 album À la vieille façon showcases their traditional authenticity through ballads, two-steps, and instrumental dance numbers.

In-Depth Profile

Formed in 1979 by accordionist Jamie Berzas and guitarist Mark Young, The Cajun Tradition emerged from Mamou, Louisiana with a mission to preserve and perform authentic Cajun music long before the genre gained national popularity. At a time when Cajun culture was often imitated or exploited, The Cajun Tradition stood apart—grounded in community, musicianship, and a deep respect for heritage.

The group began by playing local dance halls, nightclubs, and iconic Cajun restaurants including Randol’s, Mulate’s, and Belizaire’s. Their performances upheld the tradition of excellence in Cajun musicianship, drawing on fiddles, accordions, guitars, drums, and the rhythmic charm of the triangle and spoons. Their sound captured the heart of Cajun dance culture—lively two-steps, heartfelt waltzes, and the communal joy of a Saturday night fais-do-do.

In 1984, The Cajun Tradition performed at the World’s Fair in New Orleans, and in 1987, they brought their music to Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee for the Cajun Music Festival. That same year, they were honored locally with the title “Musicien du Bal” in the Acadiana music scene. Their 1988 album À la vieille façon (“In the Old Style”) earned national recognition and a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Folk Recording in 1989—an extraordinary achievement for a regional Cajun band.

The group’s lineup featured a seasoned ensemble of Louisiana musicians:

  • Jamie Berzas (Mamou) – bandleader, accordionist, vocalist, occasional drummer and guitarist
  • Mark Young (Mamou) – co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, also plays accordion, drums, and fiddle
  • Lee Manuel (Mamou) – joined in 1984, played fiddle, guitar, and drums; a Cajun fiddler for 50 years and longtime DJ at KVPI Radio in Ville Platte. He passed away on April 29, 1991 after a long illness
  • Madeline Berzas (Mamou) – drummer and triangle player, married to Jamie
  • George McGee (Basile) – triangle, spoons, and guitar
  • Glenn “Chic” Richard (Carencro) – bass guitar, accordion, and rhythm guitar

Through decades of performance and recording, The Cajun Tradition has remained true to its name—upholding the old ways with pride, precision, and passion. Their music is not just entertainment; it’s cultural preservation, passed from one generation to the next in the language, rhythm, and soul of Acadiana.

Signature Tracks

  • “À la vieille façon” — the title track, honoring Cajun dancehall traditions with a warm, nostalgic delivery.
  • “The Day You Left” — a soulful, reflective ballad anchored by traditional instrumentation.
  • “Cajun Tradition Special” — an energetic instrumental that showcases the band’s tight, dance-floor-ready chemistry.

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Grammy Nomination (1989) – Their 1988 album À la vieille façon (“In the Old Style”) was nominated for Best Traditional Folk Recording at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards, earning national recognition for its authentic Cajun sound.
  • Musicien du Bal (1987) – Honored within the Acadiana music scene for excellence in live performance and cultural preservation.
  • World’s Fair Performance (1984) – Represented Cajun music at the , showcasing their traditional style to international audiences.
  • Loretta Lynn’s Cajun Music Festival (1987) – Featured performers at the festival held at Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
  • KVPI Radio Legacy – Fiddler Lee Manuel was a beloved Cajun music disc jockey at KVPI Radio in Ville Platte, contributing to regional music education and promotion for decades.

Bonus Notes

  • Cajun Tradition’s long history—performing for over four decades—reflects their unwavering dedication to the cultural preservation of Cajun music.
  • Their recordings have been released on Louisiana’s iconic Swallow label, further cementing their place in the region’s musical heritage.