Product Description
SOUTHERN AVENUE - FAMILY
COMING APRIL 25, 2025, RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY!
Southern Avenue
Family
Alligator Records
Southern Avenue is a family affair, hence the title of their debut album on Alligator Records. Their scintillating harmonies mix with a variety of musical influences, creating a heady brew that is solidly rooted in their Memphis hometown.
The vocals at the start of “Long Is The Road,” the opening track, conjure up memories of the legendary vocal ensemble the Staple Singers. Taking the lead on vocals, Tierinii Jackson is a moving, expressive singer with the ability to inject some grit into the proceedings. Sister Tikyra joins in on the vocals, in addition to being the band’s long-time drummer. Their sister Ava is now a full-time member, having graduated college. She is featured on percussion and violin in addition to her vocal contributions. Guitarist Ori Naftaly, born in Israel and now a U.S. citizen, is married to Tierinii, furthering the family bonds.
Three of the 14 original tracks clock in under a minute, with the title cut sparked by Naftaly’s deep slide guitar picking, while “Keep Moving On” and “Believe” showcase harmonies that honor the legacy of the Staple Singers. “Flying” motors along on a nasty guitar riff and Tikyra’s solid back-beat while her sister belts out a promise to live life with no regrets. On “Rum Boogie,” they chronicle a wild night at the landmark Beale Street club the band has played countless times, with Jeremy Powell’s piano licks dancing through the arrangement.
Many of the cuts feature the bass playing of Blake Rhea, who was senselessly murdered last year. The beautiful soul ballad “So Much Love” serves to remind listeners of his outstanding talent. Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars fills in on four tracks. He sets a deep groove on “Late Night Get Down,” as Tierinii laments about a man looking for more than she was willing to give. “Sisters” is a joyful celebration of the enduring bond the siblings share together and the power they wield with their sisters around the globe.
Sounding like it was formed in a Mississippi juke joint, “Found A Friend In You” showcases Ava’s violin in support of another stellar harmonizing turn from the sisters. “Upside” packs a musical punch that is blunted a bit by the repetitive lyrics. The band closes with the anthem “We Are,” lifting up a vibrant prayer for a brighter tomorrow. It is a fitting coda to an album that highlights the seamless beauty and forthright honesty of the Jackson sisters vocal endeavors.
– Mark Thompson