Southern Avenue — “Family” — Alligator Records
Southern Avenue, the street, is a historic street in Memphis, Tenn., a boundary of the East Buntyn Historic District neighborhood, and leading right past the original Stax Records. Memphis, of course, is a city known for its significant musical history — rooted in the blues.
Southern Avenue, the band, is three sisters and one husband, known for their significant musical abilities — rooted in the blues.
Their latest album is “Family,” a joyous celebration of their music, and, according to Ori Naftaly, the guitarist/songwriter and husband of lead vocalist/songwriter Tierinii Jackson: “Through our music, we expand our family to include our fans and whomever is moved by our songs.”
The other sisters are drummer/vocalist/songwriter Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson. Together they create music filled with gorgeous harmonies and soaring musical arrangements, filled with emotional resonance and uplifting lyrics. The music is a delicious blend of roots, blues and soul; a tribute to the joyful essence of their music.
This session, their Alligator debut, is 14 original songs, but three, including the title cut, are teasers at less than a musical minute. The soaring opener is “Long Is the Road,” a tribute to perseverance: “A debt to his heart left him without a dime / So he put it in a song and turned water to wine…He hit rock bottom / But he keeps on rocking.”
“Upside” continues the theme with a driving beat: “Every day’s a new day. Find me on the upside.” “Found A Friend In You” includes North Mississippi Allstar Luther Dickinson on bass that throbs meatily.
Tierinii Jackson handles the lead vocals effortlessly throughout, with passion and power when it’s needed. The sisters’ harmonies blend beautifully throughout, weaving a seamless tapestry fueled by tight, just-right guitar work.
“So Much Love” is a lyrical gem, a smooth, soulful ballad that’s upbeat in music and mood. “Family” follows, a truncated but spirited vocal with cool slide intro. The primeval “Late Night Get Down” keeps up the snaky slide in a harmonious swampy blues. “Rum Boogie” is a raucous homage to the Beale Street cafe of the same name.
“Gotta Keep The Love” adds a little funkiness to the mix, with sister/drummer Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson driving the throbbing rhythms (just like she keeps the entire session on track). “Sisters” adds to the “Family” theme: “We move mountains / For each other.” Another short but very sweet track “Kept On Moving On” leads into the soaring intro of “Back To What Feels Right.” “Flying” strides in on a throbbing beat, driven by rolling organ fills, with a powerful Tierinii Jackson vocal refrain: “If I die, at least I’ll die flying.”
“Believe” is the third mini-masterpiece, followed by the anthemic closer, “We Are,” with its uplifting, personal message from this gifted “Family” –“We are the music of the soul….”
A message from the “Family” sums up their music beautifully. So we’ll end on that hopeful note:
“This album is more than a record to us—it’s a declaration of our growth and unity. Born in the heart of Memphis, our sound reflects the cultural crossroads of this city, a tapestry of harmonies and rhythms that could only come from a melting pot of experiences like ours. These songs chronicle our evolution—not just as a band, but as a family. They dive into the moments that shaped us, the struggles that tested us, and the dreams that keep us moving forward. The sound of destiny fulfilled—the sound of people who were meant to find one another. This album isn’t just something to hear; it’s something to feel. Like a vibrant family photo album, these songs capture snapshots of our past, reflections of our present, and our hopes for the future. To us, music is about connection—and this collection of songs is our invitation to share that connection with you.” — Southern Avenue: Tierinii Jackson, Ori Naftaly, Tikyra “T.K” Jackson, Ava Jackson
Here’s an interview with Rock and Blues Muse.
Here’s “Upside” from the album:
Tracklist:
01 – Long Is The Road
02 – Upside
03 – Found A Friend In You
04 – So Much Love
05 – Family
06 – Late Night Get Down
07 – Rum Boogie
08 – Gotta Keep The Love
09 – Sisters
10 – Kept On Moving On
11 – Back To What Feels Right
12 – Flying
13 – Believe
14 – We Are